Permitting


Permit Application Procedures

Application Documents, Instructions and Example Application

The Monument issues permits in six categories:
  1. Research
  2. Education
  3. Conservation and Management
  4. Native Hawaiian Practices
  5. Special Ocean Use
  6. Recreation (limited to Midway Atoll Special Management Area)

To review current Monument permit applications, grouped by permit type, please click here.


Process Steps

To submit a paper application please follow the steps below:

  1. Double check the Application Deadlines below to ensure that you are within the appropriate timeframe for your proposed activity. Permit applications received after the deadline dates are not guaranteed to be processed before the associated activity period commences:

  2. Application Deadlines

    • February 1
      For activities occurring between June 1 and Aug. 31

    • May 1
      For activities occurring between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31

    • September 1
      For activities occurring between Jan. 1 and May 31
  3. Download the application most appropriate for your proposed activity. If you need assistance in choosing the most appropriate application type, please contact the Monument Permit Coordinator at:

    Monument Permit Coordinator
    Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
    NOAA/IRC, NOS/ONMS/PMNM/Permit Coordinator
    1845 Wasp Blvd, Building 176
    Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96818
    Email: nwhipermit@noaa.gov
    Phone: (808) 725-5800

  4. Read through the application and then complete in full. It is suggested that all information submitted be double checked for accuracy. All information provided in the application will be reviewed by the Co-trustees to evaluate the potential benefits of the activity, determine whether the proposed methods will achieve the proposed results, evaluate any possible detrimental environmental impacts, and determine if issuance of a permit is appropriate.

  5. Be sure to read the Monument's Unified Public Notification Policy, since all application summaries, as well as full applications, will be posted to the Monument website.

  6. Submit the application. If possible, an initial submission of all applications via electronic mail is preferred but not required. All applicants must provide a signed application either submitted as a hardcopy to the address below, or digitally signed and emailed.

  7. Email or Mail original, signed applications to:
    nwhipermit@noaa.gov
    Monument Permit Coordinator
    Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
    NOAA/IRC, NOS/ONMS/PMNM/Permit Coordinator
    1845 Wasp Blvd, Building 176
    Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96818

Directions for Downloading a Monument Permit Application
  1. Click on the link below to download the application most appropriate for your proposed activity.

  2. You are able to insert text in all gray text field boxes and check boxes but you will NOT be able to edit, copy, delete or modify the application or instructions in any way.

  3. If you need assistance with the downloading process or completing forms, please contact the Monument Permit Coordinator at (808) 725-5800 or e-mail: nwhipermit@noaa.gov

Permit Application Forms

Permit Application Types Application
Research DOC
Education DOC
Conservation & Management DOC
Native Hawaiian Practices DOC
Special Ocean Use (SOU) DOC
Recreation (Midway Only) DOC


For Further Information & Assistance
Please contact the Monument Permit Coordinator at the contact information below, should you require any assistance or have any questions regarding the Monument Permitting Program:
Phone: (808) 725-5800
E-mail: nwhipermit@noaa.gov