Hawaii Captain's License

OUPV (Six-Pack) and Master credentials for charter operators in Hawaii.

TL;DR

Hawaii does not issue its own captain's license — the credential is the federal USCG OUPV or Master license. The nearest USCG Regional Examination Center is Honolulu, HI. Hawaii's offshore charter fleet (Kona, Honolulu) runs almost exclusively Master 100 GT — most boats are larger than the OUPV's six-passenger uninspected limit. OUPV Near-Coastal is appropriate for smaller skiff operations.

The credentials charter captains pursue in Hawaii

OUPV Near-Coastal (Six-Pack) — extends OUPV to 100 nautical miles offshore — the credential for offshore canyon and bluewater six-pack operators.
Master 50 GT — mid-tier inspected-vessel master — typical for charter sport-fish operations under 50 gross tons.
Master 100 GT — full inspected-vessel master up to 100 GT — required for larger charter and tour vessels.

Charter hubs in Hawaii

Honolulu
Kona
Lahaina
Kauai's Hanalei Bay

Path to the license

Document at least 360 days of sea service — see our sea-time requirements guide. 90 of those must be within the last 3 years.
Pass a USCG-approved physical (CG-719K) and drug test (CG-719P).
Submit your application package to the National Maritime Center.
Schedule and pass the written exam at REC Honolulu, HI, or at any USCG-approved third-party course that grants exam authority.
Complete the TWIC card application and CPR/First Aid certification before the credential is issued.

Start studying — free during early access

The federal exam is the same nationwide. CaptainsGround drills you against citation-backed questions from 33/46 CFR, COLREGs, and Bowditch.