Charter Fishing in Oahu
Oahu fishing charters push off from Honolulu, Haleiwa, and Waianae to target blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, ono, spearfish, trevally, and reef snapper on deep Pacific drop-offs and volcanic ledges.
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Top Rated Charters in Oahu
Oahu, HI Fishing Guide
Oahu is Hawaii’s busiest island for charter fishing, with multiple harbors giving anglers a range of options and easy access to both offshore pelagics and nearshore reef species. The structure around the island is steep and immediate — volcanic ledges drop into thousands of feet within sight of shore, and the state maintains a network of offshore FADs (Fish Aggregation Devices) that hold ahi, mahi, and marlin throughout the year.
Charters here are built around variety. Kewalo Basin in Honolulu is the island’s largest hub, located minutes from Waikiki. From here, boats troll south and east into productive offshore waters, working rips, debris lines, and FADs for mahi, ono, and ahi. Haleiwa Harbor on the North Shore provides a smaller, more laid-back fleet that excels in summer when seas are calmer, with excellent tuna and ono fishing. Waianae on the leeward side is shielded from tradewinds, producing calmer seas and quick access to tuna grounds, making it a favorite for families or those prone to seasickness. Ko Olina Marina near the resorts also hosts a fleet that caters to visitors staying on Oahu’s west side.
Trip types range from half-day (4–6 hour) runs to FADs and ledges, to full-day (8–10 hour) hunts for marlin and ahi offshore. Some boats fish tournaments out of Honolulu, pulling heavy lure spreads with multiple teasers to cover the water column, while others mix in live baiting with bridled aku when tuna mark deep. High-speed trolling along ledges produces ono, while jigging and bottom fishing near reefs produce trevally, snapper, and jacks when seas offshore are too rough.
The bite shifts seasonally. Spring and fall are mahi and ono time, with fish holding close to the island. Summer is the heart of big-game season, when giant marlin and heavy tuna dominate spreads. Winter brings striped marlin, spearfish, and mixed reef fishing into play, with bottom trips popular on windy days. No matter the season, Oahu’s advantage is accessibility: deep water starts right at the doorstep of every harbor, making the island the most versatile fishery in Hawaii.
Fishing Seasons in Oahu
Spring
Spring marks the arrival of mahi mahi, which hold under rips, debris, and buoys offshore. Ono begin their seasonal run along ledges, hitting high-speed trolling spreads. Ahi are scattered but appear around FADs and under bird piles. Weather is moderate, with steady mixed-bag opportunities for both half-day and full-day trips.
Summer
Summer is Oahu’s heavy season. Blue marlin are at their peak, with many fish over 500 lbs hooked every year. Ahi tuna move in thick, often over 100 lbs, and crews troll heavy spreads or live bait at FADs. Ono and mahi remain steady targets. Calm seas and long daylight hours make this the best time for full-day offshore charters.
Fall
Ahi remain a key target through early fall, though numbers taper from summer. Mahi mahi action strengthens again, particularly in September and October, while ono remain catchable into October. Striped marlin and spearfish begin to appear, giving anglers variety. Trade winds ease, allowing captains to fish more coasts.
Winter
Winter brings striped marlin and shortbill spearfish as primary billfish, with mahi and small ahi still present. Weather can be rougher on the windward and north shores, but Waianae and Kona-like leeward waters stay calm. Reef and bottom trips for trevally, snapper, and jacks are popular when offshore seas are sporty. Whale sightings add to the appeal of winter trips.
Top Fishing Regions
Kewalo Basin (Honolulu)
This harbor is the busiest port in the islands, serving both heavy sportfishing boats and smaller charters. The draw is its proximity to Waikiki and its instant access to offshore water. From Kewalo, captains run south into deep blue for ahi and marlin or east toward Makapuʻu’s ledges for ono and mahi. It’s the center of tournament activity, with a seasoned fleet experienced in heavy tackle marlin fishing.
Haleiwa Harbor (North Shore)
Haleiwa has a slower pace but excellent fishing, especially in summer when the North Shore calms down. Offshore FADs north of the island hold tuna and mahi, while ono patrol the ledges. Anglers fishing here enjoy a more local atmosphere, and trips often combine big-game trolling with nearshore reef opportunities.
Waianae (Leeward Coast)
Waianae Harbor sits on the west side, protected from the trades by the Waiʻanae Range. Seas are calmer here than other parts of the island, and boats enjoy quick access to productive tuna waters. It’s an excellent departure point for families and those wanting more comfort without sacrificing pelagic opportunities.
Ko Olina Marina (West Side Resorts)
This modern marina serves visitors staying on Oahu’s west side. Boats here run north or south depending on conditions, working FADs and offshore rips for ahi, mahi, and marlin. Some operators here specialize in mixed reef and offshore trips tailored to resort guests.
Makapuʻu Point & East Coast
Steep volcanic ledges off Makapuʻu produce ono in spring and summer, with mahi riding the same rips and current edges. Marlin pass offshore in deeper water, and though seas are rougher here due to trades, the fishery is highly productive when the weather allows.
Kailua & Waimanalo (Windward Side)
Though fewer boats operate here, nearshore reefs produce trevally, jacks, and snapper. Offshore runs eastward produce mahi and ono in calmer summer conditions. It’s a less pressured fishery, though more weather dependent than the south or west sides.
Top Gamefish in Oahu
- Blue Marlin – 100–600+ lbs. Year-round, peak June–Aug, taken trolling heavy tackle offshore.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–150 lbs. Peak in summer, found at FADs and current lines, targeted trolling or live baiting.
- Mahi Mahi – 15–40 lbs. Best in spring and fall, caught offshore under debris and rips.
- Wahoo (Ono) – 20–50 lbs. Spring and summer along ledges, hit high-speed trolling lures.
- Striped Marlin – 40–100 lbs. Winter fish, common Dec–Feb off south and east shores.
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs. Winter and spring, rare but consistent offshore trolling catch.
- Giant Trevally (Ulua) – 10–80 lbs. Found inshore reefs and channels, best on live bait or heavy jigs.
- Deepwater Snapper (Onaga, Opakapaka) – 2–15 lbs. Taken on deep bottom rigs over lava slopes.
Oahu Fishing FAQs
Where do most charters leave from on Oahu?
Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, Haleiwa on the North Shore, Waianae on the leeward side, and Ko Olina on the west side are the main departure points.
How long are typical Oahu charters?
Half-day trips run 4–6 hours and often target FADs and ledges close to shore. Full-day trips last 8–10 hours and push offshore for ahi and marlin.
Is all gear included?
Yes, captains supply rods, reels, trolling spreads, and bottom rigs. Offshore boats are rigged for heavy tackle marlin and tuna fishing.
Do anglers need a fishing license?
No, Hawaii does not require a saltwater fishing license for charter guests. All anglers are covered under the boat’s permit.
When is the best time to fish Oahu?
Summer is peak for marlin and ahi. Spring and fall are excellent for mahi and ono, while winter brings striped marlin and reef fishing opportunities.
What techniques are most common?
Offshore trolling dominates, with skirted lures, daisy chains, and rigged baits. Live baiting is used at FADs, and bottom rigs are fished on reefs.
What species can you catch on a half-day trip?
Mahi, ono, and small tuna are most common. Marlin are always possible, even close to shore. Reef species like trevally and snapper are also options when seas offshore are rough
How many anglers can join a trip?
Most boats host 4–6 anglers comfortably, though larger sportfishers can accommodate bigger groups. Always confirm capacity before booking.
Are reef or bottom trips available?
Yes, several captains offer specialty reef and bottom trips targeting trevally, snapper, and jacks — a good option during winter swells or for anglers wanting more variety.