Waikiki Fishing Charters
Waikiki fishing charters head out of nearby Honolulu Harbor and Kewalo Basin, where boats troll offshore ledges and FADs for ahi, mahi mahi, ono, marlin, and reef fish year-round.
Top Rated Charters in Waikiki
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Waikiki, Hawaii —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Waikiki, HI Fishing Guide
Waikiki sits on Oahu’s south shore, and while the beachfront itself is more famous for surfers than anglers, the fishing grounds just offshore are as productive as anywhere in Hawaii. Most charters serving Waikiki operate out of Kewalo Basin Harbor, just west of Ala Moana, or Honolulu Harbor a few minutes further. From there, it’s a short run to the bluewater drop-offs, with deep water less than three miles from shore. This makes half-day trips a viable option, while full-day charters roam farther offshore to hit multiple FADs, seamounts, and current lines.
The structure here is classic Hawaiian fishing: steep ledges, offshore buoys, and a scattering of underwater canyons that concentrate pelagics. Trolling spreads of skirted lures are the bread and butter, raising blue marlin, ahi, and mahi mahi depending on season. Ono hit closer to shore along drop-offs, while bottom fishing can be added for snapper, trevally, and amberjack. Many captains run flexible programs, giving anglers the option to combine offshore trolling with some reef drifts when conditions allow.
Seasonal shifts follow the rest of the islands. Summer is prime for giant blue marlin and yellowfin tuna, while winter brings striped marlin, spearfish, and mahi mahi. Ono fishing peaks in spring, especially along the 40–100 fathom line off Diamond Head and Barbers Point. The bite is consistent year-round, thanks to Oahu’s unique positioning in the Pacific currents, and the waters off Waikiki are among the most accessible for visitors staying in Honolulu hotels. Boats range from smaller day-trippers to large sportfishing vessels equipped for tournament-level big-game work. With calm seas in the lee of the island, anglers can chase big fish here without long runs or heavy weather.
Fishing Seasons in Waikiki
Spring (March–May)
Spring highlights ono fishing, with wahoo stacked along the nearshore ledges. High-speed trolling with jet heads is the go-to tactic, while mahi mahi remain steady around FADs and floating debris. The weather is generally calm, and half-day trips are very productive. Some early ahi start showing by late spring, making it a versatile season for mixed catches.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak season for Waikiki’s big-game action. Blue marlin dominate, with fish over 500 pounds regularly caught offshore. Yellowfin tuna are also at their heaviest, gathering around FADs and deeper canyons. Captains run full-day charters with heavy trolling spreads of large skirted lures, sometimes switching to live skipjack tuna for big ahi. With long daylight and calm seas, summer offers the highest chance for a trophy catch
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings a balanced fishery, with smaller blue marlin, striped marlin, and spearfish alongside mahi and ahi. September and October often have excellent weather, making trips smooth and productive. Vertical jigging and deep-dropping for snapper and amberjack are popular alternatives when trolling slows. Fall is a great time for mixed-bag trips that don’t require long runs offshore.
Winter (December–February)
Inshore action stays strong for trout, redfish, and sheepshead around structure. Offshore trips focus on bottom fish like vermilion snapper and triggerfish (when in season), plus deep-drop species if weather allows. The bite slows—but never stops.
Gamefish in Waikiki
- Blue Marlin – 150–800+ lbs. Year-round offshore, peak in summer, caught trolling heavy skirted lures or live bait.
- strong>Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–200 lbs. Best in summer, around FADs and current lines, taken trolling or live baiting.
- Mahi Mahi – 10–40 lbs. Common in winter through spring, found near buoys and floating debris.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–50 lbs. Best spring through early summer along ledges, taken high-speed trolling.
- Striped Marlin – 40–120 lbs. Peak in winter, found offshore, caught trolling medium lures.
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs. Most common in winter, offshore trolling with small lures.
- Amberjack – 20–80 lbs. Found around reefs and deep structure year-round, best in fall and winter, caught jigging or live baiting.
- Gray Snapper (Uku) – 5–15 lbs. Deep reefs, caught bottom fishing with cut bait or jigs.
Waikiki Fishing FAQs
Where do Waikiki fishing charters leave from?
Most trips leave from Kewalo Basin Harbor, just west of Waikiki, though some operate out of Honolulu Harbor.
How far offshore do you need to go for big fish?
Bluewater lies less than three miles from shore, so charters start fishing within minutes of leaving the dock.
What’s the best season for fishing in Waikiki?
Marlin, ahi, mahi, ono, striped marlin, and spearfish dominate offshore waters, with bottom species also available
Are half-day trips worthwhile from Waikiki?
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.