Towing a Person With a Vessel

When towing a person on water skis or another device, vessel operators must follow all boating laws plus any additional laws that may apply.

It is illegal for vessels to tow a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or any similar devices between sunset and sunrise. Waterskiing on parts of the Wailua River (Kauai) is only allowed from sunrise to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to sunset.
Any vessel towing a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices must be operated in a careful and prudent manner and at a reasonable distance from other persons or property so as not to endanger the life or property of any person.
It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the tow rope, water skis, or other device such that the towed device or person collides with any other person or object.
A thrill craft towing a person on water skis, an inner tube, a wakeboard, or a similar device—other than a surfboard for tow-in surfing operations—must stay within designated thrill craft riding zones when operating in an Ocean Recreation Management Area.

Using a Thrill Craft for Tow-In Surfing

Thrill craft being used for tow-in surfing must:

Be operated by a person certified through a DLNR–approved course in tow-in surfing and…
Be registered with Hawaii DLNR/DOBOR and…
Display a current tow-in surfing decal (“T” decal).