Can I Keep?Ulua and pāpio Regulations in Hawaii (2026)
Caranx ignobilis; C. lugubris; C. melampygus; C. sexfasciatus; Carangoides equula; C. ferdau; C. orthogrammus
Recreational ulua and pāpio 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 10 inches; Minimum size 16 inches for sale
Bag limit
Bag limit 20 (total all species, non-commercial only)
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Ulua and pāpio rules in Hawaii
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 10 inches; Minimum size 16 inches for sale
- Bag limit
- Bag limit 20 (total all species, non-commercial only)
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum size 16 inches for sale
- Non-commercial rule (not applicable to commercial take): Bag limit 20 (total all species, non-commercial only)
- 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 ulua and pāpio size limit in Hawaii?
Minimum size 10 inches; Minimum size 16 inches for sale.
How many ulua and pāpio can I keep in Hawaii?
Bag limit 20 (total all species, non-commercial only).
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 ‘ele‘ele
- Uhu (all species, except as noted below)
- Uhu pālukaluka
- Uhu uliuli
- 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.