Hawaii Fishing Charters
Hawaii fishing charters cover everything from deep bluewater marlin runs off Kona to reef drop-offs loaded with snapper, bonefish flats, and bottom fish in the channels between islands.
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Top Rated Charters in Hawaii
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Hawaii Fishing Guide
Hawaii’s waters are steep, deep, and fast-moving—not much of a continental shelf, so most deep sea trips reach 1,000+ feet within a mile or two from port. On the Big Island especially, you’ve got Kona charters trolling for blue marlin just 10 minutes from the dock. Other islands like Oahu, Maui, and Kauai have similar setups: steep drop-offs, pelagic water, and quick runs.
Bottom fishing is a big part of the local scene too—light tackle rigs with cut bait or squid dropped straight down for amberjack, snapper, and grouper. Most reef and bottom trips are 4–6 hours, using small skiffs or larger cabin boats, often without a mate. For marlin or ahi (yellowfin), you’ll want a full-day charter and the bigger sportfish rigs with outriggers and chair setups.
Inshore fishing varies island to island. On Oahu and Molokai you’ll find some access to bonefish (o‘io), usually by foot or small skiff. Trevally (papio/ulua) are the main inshore draw—caught casting plugs or live bait near structure, especially on dawn or dusk tides. Some local guides offer kayak or paddleboard trips to target these areas up close.
Each island has its own boat ramp rhythm, and locals often fish specific ledges or drop-offs that only show up on old paper charts or passed-down knowledge. Most bait is frozen—opelu, squid, sardines. Live bait’s tough unless you catch it yourself. Trolling is done with heavy tackle or Hawaiian-style lures—bullet heads, jets, and resin heads made to handle big bluewater strikes.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Kona (Big Island)
Probably the best-known fishing port in the state. Deep water is right off the harbor. Most charters here are focused on trolling for marlin, ono, mahi, and tuna. The water’s calm, the run is short, and some boats specialize in record-class marlin. Expect big rods, heavy drag, and hours between bites—but when it happens, it’s chaos.
Oahu (Honolulu & North Shore)
Oahu has the most accessible options, with boats out of Kewalo Basin, Haleiwa, and Waianae. You’ve got deep sea charters chasing ahi and mahi, plus reef and bottom fishing out of smaller boats. The island’s also known for land-based trevally fishing, especially along lava rock points and river mouths on the east and north coasts.
Maui (Lahaina & Ma‘alaea)
Maui charters run short to mid-range. Popular for families and light trolling trips—mahi, wahoo, small tuna. You’ll find some bottom fishing here too. The wind can get gnarly, so most trips hug the leeward side of the island. Spearfishing and kayak fishing are also more common here than on the other islands.
Kauai (Nawiliwili & Port Allen)
Kauai is wild—less pressure, fewer boats, but when it’s on, it’s on. Trolling for pelagics is the main draw. The south and west sides offer calmer runs. Reef fishing for wrasse, trevally, and snapper is solid, especially around rocky outcroppings and underwater shelves.
Fishing Seasons in Hawaii
Spring
Spring kicks off the blue marlin bite on the Big Island, with more consistent action as water temps climb. Smaller tunas, mahi, and wahoo are moving too. Inshore, trevally feed more aggressively with the longer days. This is a good time for bottom fishing, especially after winter swells die down.
Summer
Prime season for ahi (yellowfin tuna), especially near FADs and ledges. Marlin are also in full swing—most granders caught this time of year. Calm mornings and blue water make for ideal trolling runs. Ulua are fired up along the reef edges, and you’ll find consistent action day and night if you know where to cast.
Fall
Tuna and marlin taper off slightly but are still catchable. Fall winds make some areas less fishable, but bottom fishing picks up again, especially in deeper channels. Snapper, amberjack, and reef species bite well before the winter currents shift. Bonefish and trevally stay active in the right tides.
Winter
Winter means bigger surf, especially on the north shores—makes offshore runs rougher in spots. But the bottom bite is solid, and smaller pelagics like mahi and skipjack show up more. Shore fishing for papio and bonefish gets better on calmer days. Shorter half-day trips are more common.
Most Popular Gamefish in Hawaii
- Blue Marlin – 150–500+ lbs. Caught trolling deep water close to shore with heavy tackle and lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 20–200 lbs. Targeted near FADs or drop-offs using live bait, jigs, and trolling.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–30 lbs. Found offshore near debris or current lines; trolled with skirts or small lures.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–40 lbs. Caught fast-trolling near drop-offs and reef edges with jet heads and diving plugs.
- Giant Trevally (Ulua) – 10–80 lbs. Caught casting plugs, live bait, or shore fishing near reef breaks.
- Bonefish (O‘io) – 2–8 lbs. Sight-fished on flats with flies or small jigs, mainly Oahu and Molokai.
- Snapper (Opakapaka & Uku) – 5–15 lbs. Deep bottom fishing with squid or cut bait near rocky structure.
- Skipjack Tuna (Aku) – 5–15 lbs. Found near FADs and bait schools; fast-trolling or vertical jigging.
Hawaii Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Hawaii?
No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing in Hawaii, whether you’re fishing from shore or on a charter.
What’s the best island for deep sea fishing in Hawaii?
Kona on the Big Island is widely considered the best—it’s got calm water, quick access to deep ledges, and record-size marlin.
Can kids fish on Hawaii charters?
Yes, many charters are family-friendly. Just make sure to ask ahead—some deep sea boats aren’t ideal for young children.
What’s the best time of year for marlin in Hawaii?
Summer is peak season for blue marlin, but they’re caught year-round, especially in Kona.
What kind of bait is used in Hawaii?
Most charters use frozen opelu, squid, or sardines. Live bait’s rare unless you catch your own, usually with sabikis.
Is bottom fishing good around the islands?
Yes—each island has productive spots. You’ll catch snapper, amberjack, and reef fish using cut bait and vertical rigs.
Can I keep my catch on a Hawaii fishing charter?
Some boats let you keep a portion, others keep the fish to sell. Always clarify this before you book.
What gear is used for inshore fishing?
Medium spinning tackle with plugs, jigs, or bait rigs. Ulua fishing sometimes uses heavy surf rods and wire leader.
Do Hawaii charters fish with outriggers and trolling gear?
Yes—especially on the larger sportfish boats targeting marlin, ahi, and mahi. Most are rigged for full offshore runs.