Can I Keep?Pāpa‘i kūhonu (kuahonu, white or "haole" crab) Regulations in Hawaii (2026)
Recreational pāpa‘i kūhonu (kuahonu, white or "haole" crab) rules in Hawaii saltwater, as published by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Minimum size 4 inches (long or wide) (sale)
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Pāpa‘i kūhonu (kuahonu, white or "haole" crab) rules in Hawaii
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 4 inches (long or wide) (sale)
- No spearing, no taking with eggs;
- No selling or holding for sale with eggs.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 4 inches (long or wide) (sale)
- No spearing, no taking with eggs;
- No selling or holding for sale with eggs.
- Individuals or vessels engaged in taking, selling or offering for sale any marine life for commercial purposes (including charter fishing services) must obtain a Commercial Marine License. (source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/commercial-fishing/)
- Every commercial marine licensee shall furnish to the Department of Land and Natural Resources a monthly report with respect to marine life taken and any bait used. The report shall be submitted no later than the tenth day of the month following the month in which the marine life was taken. (source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/commercial-fishing/)
Quick answers
What is the pāpa‘i kūhonu (kuahonu, white or "haole" crab) size limit in Hawaii?
Minimum size 4 inches (long or wide) (sale).
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in Hawaii
All Hawaii saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Most anglers need a Hawaii saltwater license or registry: get one here.