FreediveSafe! Hawaii Launches New Beginner Spearfishing Guide

Spearfishing in Hawai‘i is more than catching fish. It is a responsibility that connects us to our cultural roots as people of the Pacific and provides our families and communities with food. Our new Beginner Spearfishing Guide helps young divers understand their kuleana: knowing the rules, choosing the right fish, and respecting the ocean so our nearshore reefs remain healthy for generations.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Local Fishing Rules: size limits, seasonal restrictions, and other regulations you need to follow.
• Which Fish to Take (and Which to Leave): guidance based on sustainability and reef health.
• Responsible Practices: tips to minimize your impact and protect the kai.

By following these guidelines, we honor our cultural connection to the ocean and ensure our reefs and fish populations thrive. Knowing the rules isn’t just about staying legal. It is about carrying forward the tradition of aloha ʻāina and protecting Hawai‘i’s waters for the future.

A huge Mahalo Nui to Skee Saplan, Tabitha Pupuhi, and Justin Lee for sharing their mana‘o in these educational materials.

The FreediveSafe! Hawaii Beginner Spearfishing Guide has already been distributed to hundreds of Hawai‘i Island haumana, and we are excited to initiate statewide distribution in November.