How to Use Hawaii Ocean Map
A guide to the toolbar icons and features
Navigation
Zoom In
Zoom into the map to see more detail. You can also pinch to zoom.
Zoom Out
Zoom out to see a wider area of the map.
My Location
Center the map on your current GPS location. The icon turns blue when location is available.
Map Tools
Depth Query
Enable crosshairs mode to check the water depth at the center of the screen. Move the map to query different locations. The depth updates continuously as you pan. Also works on land to show elevation.
Measure Distance
Measure the distance between two points. Tap to set the start point, then tap again to set the end point. The distance is displayed in your preferred units (miles, kilometers, or nautical miles).
Add Placemark
Save a location as a placemark. Position the green crosshairs where you want, then tap "Confirm Location". Add a name, choose a category (fishing spot, bait spot, launch, dive site, and more), and optionally add notes. Placemarks sync across your devices with iCloud.
Record GPS Track
Start recording your route. A red indicator shows elapsed time and GPS points collected. Recording continues in the background. Tap again to stop and save. View your saved tracks in Settings > Saved Tracks, where you can export them as GPX files. GPS tracks sync across your devices with iCloud.
Map Layers
Map Layers
Open the Map Layers page to toggle and explore all ocean overlays. Browse layers by category, tap to zoom to any layer on the map, and view detailed information for each zone or point of interest.
Fishing Restriction Zones
View 86 official Hawaii DLNR fishing restriction zones on the map with color-coded overlays by type (MLCD, FMA, FRA, and more). Tap any zone to see its name, type, and specific restrictions.
ORMA Ocean Recreation Zones
188 ocean recreation management areas across 6 islands from DLNR DOBOR. These zones regulate activities like surfing, swimming, and vessel operations. Color-coded by designation type to match official DLNR symbology.
Whale Sanctuary
View 5 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary zones covering approximately 3,538 km² of Hawaiian waters. Tap any zone to see its name and coverage area.
Submarine Cables
See undersea cable routes on the map. Know where submarine cables run so you can avoid anchoring in sensitive areas.
Points of Interest
Browse curated locations across the Hawaiian Islands including FAD buoys, fishing stores, harbors & boat ramps, surf spots, dive spots, and lifeguard towers. Tap any pin on the map for details including address, phone number, and website links.
Manage & Settings
Placemarks
View and manage your saved placemarks. Search, filter by category, and export to GeoJSON or CSV. Tap a placemark to center the map on it.
Settings
Configure your preferences: depth units (feet, meters, fathoms), distance units (miles, km, nautical miles), iCloud sync, and more. Also access saved GPS tracks and offline map downloads.
Offline Maps
Download Offline Maps
Download map tiles for use without internet. In Settings, tap Manage Offline Regions to select grid regions. Downloaded areas work without cell service or WiFi - perfect for offshore trips. Tiles are also automatically cached as you browse.
Ready to explore Hawaii's underwater world?
