Hawaii Fishing Charters
& Tips to Plan a Trip
Top Fishing Charters in Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Luxury 74ft. Sportfisher - Cruise, Fish, Relax (Jacuzzi on Board!)
Honolulu, HI
Private Luxury đ Affordable and Sea Turtles đ˘
Waianae, HI
Luxury Private Boat Charter - Dolphins, Fishing Charter, Sunset Cruise
Honolulu, HI
Luxurious Fishing Adventures Await Aboard Our Fully-Renovated 48-Foot
Explore the waters on a Hawaii fishing charter
Whether youâre planning to book a fishing charter or a boat rental to fish from, Hawaii is one of the best locations you could choose for sportfishing. Year-round fishing and consistent weather is a big reason Hawaii is a fisherâs paradise. The temperature at sea level averages around 76 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 - 29 degrees C) year round. While it rains somewhere in the islands almost every day, theyâre typically passing showers that last for about 10 minutes. For more info on what to expect from the environment and on peak travel dates, check out the Hawaii Guide.
Fishing in Hawaii
Fishing has been central to Hawaii's culture throughout history, with a countless number of fish species to catch from shore, the reef, offshore and deep sea.
Saltwater
The game fish in Hawaii are very large and abundant which gives everyone, from the most experienced to beginners, a chance to reel in a huge catch when fishing with a quality captain. Deep sea fishing is great from every island, though the most well-known haven is Kona, the west side of the Big Island. Kona plays home to the Hawaii International Billfish Tournament and is renowned as one of the best spots in the world for big game sportfishing. Itâs where the first certified, world-record grander Pacific blue marlin was caught in 1954. Get your workouts in before you visit because you may be lifting some big trophies. Keep your eyes split too because you may get treated to some free whale watching while on a deep sea trip!
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Freshwater
Largemouth bass, tucunare (peacock bass), catfish, and rainbow trout have all been introduced in Hawaii and can be caught in public fishing areas (read on for island-specific location information). If you like fishing from streams, note that island geography makes for streams that are shorter in length than mainland streams you may be used to as a visitor. Waterfalls are a feature of many of the streams too, especially on the Big Island. Most stream flow comes from rainfall, which results in frequent flooding and flow spikes.
Browse Hawaii fishing charters
Fishing License Requirements
Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where a marine recreational fishing license is not required for ocean fishing, though there is a license required for freshwater fishing if you intend to keep any fish. There are also regulations for keeping fish from the ocean and areas where shoreline fishing is prohibited. Find comprehensive information on Hawaiiâs fishing regulations from Hawaiiâs Division of Aquatic Resources. Here is the list of rules and restrictions for regulated freshwater species in Hawaii (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, tucunare / peacock bass, oscar, bluegill sunfish, oâopu and hinana, hihiwai, hapawai, and Opae kalaâole).
Browse Hawaii fishing chartersBest Places to Fish in Hawaii
Wherever you are in Hawaii, from the Big Island across the Maui Channel to Maui, or Molokai to Oahu and the capital Honolulu, you're never far from fish. Luckily, whether youâre a local or a visitor, this is the one ocean-bordering state in the U.S. where there is no marine recreational fishing license required to fish! This makes fishing accessible anytime you can get out on shore, in the surf, or on a boat.
Oahu
Oahu is the most-visited island in Hawaii (almost 5 million travelers visit each year). Itâs home to Honolulu, Waikiki beach, and Pearl Harbor. The North Shore is famous for surfing and big waves, but it also offers close proximity and shorter runs out to deep sea fishing grounds if youâre looking for charter fishing. You can target big game, jig for tuna, and of course catch plenty of bottom fish. For freshwater fishing, you can visit Wahiawa Public Fishing Area.
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The Big Island (Hawaii)
Kailua-Kona is where most visitors stay, and the Kona coast (west side of the island) is not only one of the best sportfishing destinations in the world, it also offers incredible snorkeling and diving in addition to sight fishing due to its clear water. The âGold Coastâ of Kohala north of Kona is more barren but also has some beautiful beaches. The eastern side of the island includes the Hilo and Puna areas which are close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For freshwater fishing, you can visit Waiakea Public Fishing Area.
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Kauai
"The Garden Island". Kauai has the most beach coastline of the Hawaiian islands, so itâs great for explorers looking to find secluded beaches without crowds or fishing pressure. If youâre looking for shoreline fishing and not straying too far from other humans, try Hanalei Bay. You can find rainbow trout and smallmouth bass in the freshwater streams and reservoirs of Kauai. Here are two public fishing areas: Kokeâe Public Fishing Area and Wailua Reservoir.
View fishing boatsTips for Fishing in Hawaii
Here are three recommendations for preparing for a fishing trip out of Hawaii.
Charter Capacity
Many charters have a maximum capacity of 6 passengers for fishing and can be booked for private trips under $1000, though there are also larger charters available for private trips with a capacity for up to 12 passengers.
Bait and Tackle
If booking a charter, your captain will have exactly whatâs needed for the fish you want to target. Going on your own? You can get more information from local bait and tackle shops, or look for other help online.
Tip / Gratuity
When booking a fishing charter, remember to come prepared with cash since gratuity is expected for most captains and / or their first mates helping on the trip.
Popular Fish Species in Hawaii
Hawaii is by no means lacking in its number of marine fish species (around 550). Though, it actually has fewer than many other island chains due to being the most isolated land mass of its size or larger on Earth. For comparison, the Philippines has about 2,000 fish species. The game fish in Hawaii are very large and abundant which gives everyone, from the most experienced to beginners, a chance to reel in a huge catch as long as youâre fishing with a quality captain.
Blue Marlin
Hawaii is one of the best marlin destinations in the world, especially Kona, which is famous for the opportunity to catch grander marlin which are blue marlin weighing over 1,000 lbs.
Mahi Mahi
Fall and spring are great for mahi mahi, though you can find them year round.
Ono (Wahoo)
Ono is the Hawaiian name for Wahoo, which are best targeted in the summer in Hawaii.
Top Types of Fishing in Hawaii
Saltwater fishing is most popular in Hawaii since the ocean is literally all around.
Offshore and Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing is great from every island, though the most well-known haven is Kona, the west side of the Big Island. Kona plays home to the Hawaii International Billfish Tournament and is renowned as one of the best spots in the world for big game sportfishing. Itâs where the first certified, world-record grander Pacific blue marlin was caught in 1954. Get your workouts in before you visit because you may be lifting some big trophies. Keep your eyes split too because you may get treated to some free whale watching while on a deep sea trip!
Spearfishing
Spearfishing has been a source of sustenance and cultural tradition for Hawaiians throughout history. Itâs also taken on new significance as a way to defend Hawaiiâs reef and native fish species from invasive fish including the Taâape, To,au, and the most prominent current threat, the Roi. For another unique experience, how does a tug of war with a tuna sound? Ika-shibi is the name for the traditional form of handline fishing that is still practiced and takes place at night. Try this to work off those tasty luau dishes.
Flats Fishing
Hawaii is home to big bonefish, many pushing into double digits and up or over 15 lbs even. You can also catch Great Trevally (White) and Bluefin Trevally. If youâre a fly fisher used to the sandy flats of the Caribbean, know that much of Hawaiiâs flats feature coral which can be dangerous and painful to step on and, of course, harmful to the coral itself if you make contact. Wear protective flats boots with sturdy soles to stay safe.
Hawaii Fishing Seasons
Many fish species are around all year and may be brought in on a run by a mid-Pacific current or the shifty weather of the region. There are prime seasons for species, though. Summer is when blue marlin are most common, and itâs also great for skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna (best in summer and late spring), and ono (wahoo). In summer, the surf is also calmer with warmer water if youâre planning a visit around the best time for surf fishing, snorkeling, or diving. Fall and spring are good also for blue marlin and mahi mahi. For instance, though blue marlin are most common in the summer, March has produced more of Konaâs historic grander marlin catches than any other month, including a 1,694 lb behemoth in 1984! Winter is best for catching striped marlin, snapper, skipjack tuna, and bigeye tuna.
January
Peak / high season for: Striped marlin, black marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), giant trevally, skipjack tuna, and snapper.
February
Peak / high season for: Striped marlin, black marlin, spearfish, mahi mahi (dorado), and snapper.
March
Peak / high season for: Striped marlin, spearfish, and mahi mahi (dorado).
April
Peak / high season for: Spearfish and mahi mahi (dorado). If fishing around the Big Island, April is one of the best months for swordfish.
May
Peak / high season for: Wahoo (ono) and mahi mahi (dorado). If fishing around the Big Island, April is one of the best months for swordfish.
June
Peak / high season for: Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo (ono), skipjack tuna.
July
Peak / high season for: Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo (ono), and skipjack tuna.
August
Peak / high season for: Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo (ono), and skipjack tuna.
September
Peak / high season for: Blue marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), and yellowfin tuna.
October
Peak / high season for: Blue marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), and yellowfin tuna.
November
Peak / high season for: Giant trevally, grouper, bigeye tuna, and mahi mahi (dorado).
December
Peak / high season for: Giant trevally, grouper, mahi mahi (dorado), and snapper.
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