Can I Keep?Uhu ‘ele‘ele Regulations in Hawaii (2026)
Recreational uhu ‘ele‘ele 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 14 inches
Bag limit
Bag limit 2 total all species
Season
No take on Maui
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Uhu ‘ele‘ele rules in Hawaii
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 14 inches
- Bag limit
- Bag limit 2 total all species
- Season
- No take on Maui
- Commercial fishers may take and sell more than 2 ulu ‘ele‘ele with a permit
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 14 inches
- Bag limit
- Bag limit 2 total all species; Commercial fishers may take and sell more than 2 ulu ‘ele‘ele with a permit
- Season
- No take on Maui
- Commercial Uhu Fishing Permit Applies to Commercial fishers Fees $100 Required for Any commercial marine licensee wishing to catch and sell uhu. (source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/licenses-and-permits/)
- 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 uhu ‘ele‘ele size limit in Hawaii?
Minimum size 14 inches.
How many uhu ‘ele‘ele can I keep in Hawaii?
Bag limit 2 total all species.
When is uhu ‘ele‘ele season in Hawaii?
No take on Maui. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More reef fish in Hawaii
- All other goatfishes
- Kala
- Kala ‘ōpelu
- Kole
- Kūmū
- Manini
- Moano
- Moano kea
- Munu
- Pāku‘iku‘i
- Uhu ‘ahu‘ula
- Uhu (all species, except as noted below)
- Uhu pālukaluka
- Uhu uliuli
- Ulua and pāpio
- Weke ‘ā, weke ‘ula, and ‘oama
- Weke and ‘oama
- Weke nono
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.