Honolulu Fishing Charters
Honolulu fishing charters launch from Kewalo Basin and Honolulu Harbor, heading offshore for marlin, ahi, mahi mahi, ono, and reef species along Oahu’s south shore drop-offs and FADs.
Top Rated Charters in Honolulu
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Honolulu, HI Fishing Guide
Honolulu is the busiest fishing hub on Oahu, with Kewalo Basin Harbor just west of Waikiki serving as the main departure point for charters. Honolulu Harbor itself also supports some operations, but Kewalo is the primary fleet base, with boats ranging from 25-foot center consoles to 50-foot sportfishing vessels fully rigged with outriggers, tuna tubes, and fighting chairs. The advantage here is immediate access—deep water lies less than three miles offshore, so even half-day charters fish bluewater without long runs.
The fishery structure is classic Hawaiian. Steep drop-offs off Diamond Head, Barbers Point, and beyond offer consistent pelagic action, while multiple FADs offshore concentrate mahi, tuna, and ono. Bottom structure also provides year-round options for snapper, amberjack, and trevally. Half-day trips troll the close-in ledges and buoys, often producing ono, mahi, and smaller tuna. Full-day trips expand to multiple offshore FADs and current lines, raising blue marlin and large ahi. Some crews mix trolling with bottom fishing or jigging depending on the bite.
Seasonal changes keep things interesting. Summer is peak marlin and ahi season, when heavy trolling spreads with large skirted lures dominate. Spring is known for ono, with wahoo patrolling the reef edges. Winter brings striped marlin, shortbill spearfish, and mahi mahi closer to the island. Fall offers a balanced bite, with mixed pelagics and strong bottom fishing. Honolulu’s location in the lee of the island means seas are usually calm compared to the north and east shores, making it one of the most reliable places to fish year-round.
Fishing Seasons in Honolulu
Spring (March–May)
Spring is ono season off Honolulu. High-speed trolling along drop-offs produces solid wahoo action, often within sight of Waikiki. Mahi mahi remain consistent around FADs and floating debris, and striped marlin linger through early spring. Half-day trips are popular, as much of the bite happens close to shore. Stable trade winds make it a comfortable season for visitors.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for Honolulu’s big-game fishing. Blue marlin peak, with fish over 500 pounds caught regularly. Yellowfin tuna also pile up offshore, especially around FADs and current lines. Full-day trips dominate, as crews troll heavy gear with large lures and bridled live bait. The calmest seas of the year make this the season for serious offshore hunts and tournaments.
Fall (September–November)
Fall sees a more balanced fishery, with smaller marlin, ahi, mahi, and ono all available. September and October often feature excellent weather, giving anglers smooth conditions. Vertical jigging and deep-dropping add variety, with snapper, amberjack, and uku filling coolers when trolling slows. Many fall charters run mixed trips targeting both pelagics and bottom fish.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing focuses on striped marlin, spearfish, and mahi mahi. Medium-size skirted lures and bait strips are the main tactics. Blue marlin are less common but still appear on calmer days. Bottom fishing is a reliable backup, with uku, trevally, and amberjack on deep reefs. Half-day trips remain popular, as productive ledges lie within a short run from the harbor
Gamefish in Honolulu
- Blue Marlin – 150–800+ lbs. Year-round offshore, peak in summer, taken trolling large skirted lures or live bait.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–200 lbs. Best in summer, caught around FADs with trolling or live baiting.
- Mahi Mahi – 10–40 lbs. Strong winter through spring, found near floating debris and buoys
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–50 lbs. Peak in spring, taken high-speed trolling along ledges.
- Striped Marlin – 40–120 lbs. Best in winter, taken offshore trolling mid-size lures.
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs. Most common in winter, caught trolling small lures offshore.
- Amberjack – 20–80 lbs. Found on deep reefs, best in fall and winter, caught vertical jigging or live baiting
- Gray Snapper (Uku) – 5–15 lbs. Year-round on deep reefs, caught bottom fishing with bait or jigs.
Honolulu Fishing FAQs
Where do Honolulu fishing charters depart from?
Most trips leave from Kewalo Basin Harbor, just west of Waikiki, though some operate out of Honolulu Harbor.
How far offshore do you have to run?
Bluewater lies less than three miles from shore, so charters start fishing within minutes of leaving the dock
What species are targeted offshore?
Marlin, ahi, mahi, ono, striped marlin, and spearfish dominate offshore waters, with bottom species also available.
Are half-day trips worthwhile in Honolulu?
Yes, thanks to the steep drop-offs, even short trips can produce pelagics without long runs.
What’s the best season for marlin?
Blue marlin are possible year-round but peak June through August, when the biggest fish show up.
Do charters provide tackle and bait?
Yes, all necessary rods, reels, lures, and bait are included, with boats tournament-rigged for big game.
Can beginners and families fish here?
Yes, many charters offer family-friendly trips with shorter runs and calmer conditions off the south shore.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Honolulu?
No, recreational saltwater licenses are not required when fishing from a charter boat in Hawaii.
What techniques do captains use?
Trolling with skirted lures is the standard, but live baiting, jigging, and bottom fishing are also available depending on the target.