Can I Keep?Pink, gold, and black corals Regulations in Hawaii (2026)
Recreational pink, gold, and black corals 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.
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Recreational Pink, gold, and black corals rules in Hawaii
- Where
- Statewide
- Season
- Unlawful to take, destroy, possess or sell any pink or gold corals from State waters.; Unlawful to take, destroy, or possess any black coral with a base diameter of less than 3/4 inches from State waters.
- Exceptions: With a permit, to take or possess pink or gold coral for scientific or educational purposes; or to take or possess pink or gold coral for commercial purposes, provided that harvesters make every effort to take only mature colonies of pink coral 10 inches or larger in height. Note: Harvesting of pink, gold or black corals may be suspended at any time.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Season
- Unlawful to take, destroy, possess or sell any pink or gold corals from State waters.; Unlawful to take, destroy, or possess any black coral with a base diameter of less than 3/4 inches from State waters.
- Exceptions: With a permit, to take or possess pink or gold coral for scientific or educational purposes; or to take or possess pink or gold coral for commercial purposes, provided that harvesters make every effort to take only mature colonies of pink coral 10 inches or larger in height. Note: Harvesting of pink, gold or black corals may be suspended at any time.
- 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
When is pink, gold, and black corals season in Hawaii?
Unlawful to take, destroy, possess or sell any pink or gold corals from State waters.; Unlawful to take, destroy, or possess any black coral with a base diameter of less than 3/4 inches from State waters.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More other species 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.