Permit· Oahu· Hawaii
Oahu 72-Hour Anchoring Rule (HAR 13-235)
21° 19.2′ N · 157° 53.6′ W · approximate
Oahu's anchoring law: recreational boats may anchor without a permit for less than 72 hours, and moving a few yards does not reset the clock.
Practical
Position is the DOBOR Oahu District office (approx); the rule applies island-wide. HAR 13-235-3: no one may anchor or moor on the ocean waters or navigable streams around Oahu without a DLNR permit, except recreational or fishing vessels temporarily anchored for less than 72 hours. HAR 13-235-9: no anchoring in an Ocean Recreation Management Area or non-designated area for a cumulative 72 hours within any 14-day period; the count does not restart if the boat is moved and returned to the same or a nearby spot; the department may grant an extension when reasonable. Living aboard outside a designated mooring area is prohibited (vacation stay-aboard may be permitted under 13-231). Noodle's Notes (Nov 2024): cruisers who wanted months in Kaneohe Bay got an extended permit from the local DLNR harbor agent at nominal cost, and if an official cites a rule that seems wrong, politely ask for the specific regulation.
Best for
Staying legal while cruising Oahu's anchorages
Nearby
- DOBOR Oahu District Office (Sand Island)Right here
- Keehi Small Boat HarborRight here
- Keehi Marine Center Haul-Out0.1 NM away
- La Mariana Sailing Club and Tiki Bar0.2 NM away
- Sand Island Access Road Plate-Lunch Spots (Keehi)0.3 NM away
- Keehi Lagoon Anchorage Area (transient)0.5 NM away
- Sand Island State Recreation Area and Launch Ramp0.5 NM away
- Nico's Pier 38 (Honolulu Harbor)0.9 NM away