Get your official Hawaii Thrill Craft Certification by taking this fast online course. $80
Recademics.com is a Delegated Provider of the Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
Hawaii regulates certain high-performance watercraft under a special classification known as thrill craft. These vessels are subject to additional rules beyond standard boating regulations, including limitations on where and when they may operate, designated riding zones, and seasonal access restrictions. Because of this, Hawaii requires operators to hold a specific thrill craft certification.
This certification is separate from the general boating safety requirement. Anyone who intends to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii must complete two courses: a state-approved boating safety course and a thrill craft education course. Completion of the boating safety course is required before enrolling in the thrill craft course.
Hawaii law, as outlined in both the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), describes a thrill craft as a type of personal watercraft (PWC) that shares specific design and performance characteristics. In general, a thrill craft is a motorized vessel that:
Is typically manufactured under 13 feet in length
Can reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour
Is primarily designed for operation by one person, with optional passenger capacity
Achieves PWC-style performance through its compact size, engine power, and hull design
This category covers a wide range of vessels, including Jet Skis, WaveRunners, wet bikes, surf jets, small high-speed boats, hovercraft, and similar watercraft that use an internal combustion engine to power a water-jet propulsion system. These vessels are designed to be operated while the rider is seated, standing, kneeling, or being towed.
A NASBLA-approved and State of Hawaii-approved boating safety course must be completed before taking a thrill craft course.
There is no age minimum to complete the online thrill craft education course.
Operators must be at least 15 years old to legally operate a thrill craft in Hawaii.
Residency in Hawaii is not required to enroll in or complete the course.
It’s the law in Hawaii! Anyone who plans to operate a Thrill Craft on Hawaii waters must complete a boater education course AND the Thrill Craft operator course.
Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, this boater education course ensures you master essential boater safety skills and know boating laws.
Do I need a Thrill Craft course in Hawaii?
Yes. If you operate a thrill craft (personal watercraft) in Hawaii, you must complete a state-approved Thrill Craft education course in addition to the Hawaii Boater Safety Course.
Is the Boater Safety Course a prerequisite?
Yes. You must complete the Hawaii Boater Safety Course before taking the Thrill Craft course. Both certifications are required to legally operate a thrill craft.
What counts as a “thrill craft” in Hawaii?
In general, a thrill craft is a type of personal watercraft (PWC) that is typically under 13 feet in length, capable of speeds over 20 mph, and designed for operation by one person (with or without passengers).
Do I need the Thrill Craft course if I already operate other motorized boats?
Yes. Even if you already hold a Boater Safety certification, a separate Thrill Craft course is required to operate a thrill craft in Hawaii.
After you pass the test you will instantly be able to download a temporary certificate while your permanent certificate arrives.
Don't break the bank for Boater Education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, Boating!
This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real-life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.
Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.
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Officially amazed by Recademics! Easy to understand material and quick certification process.
Fast course, got my certification in no time. Recademics is the best!
Loved Recademics! Easy to navigate and the fastest way to get certified.
Recademics made getting my boating certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!
