Honolulu is a symbol of relaxation, island life, and crystal blue waters. The capital of Oahu is one of those destinations that feels like you’ve stepped into heaven. Once you’re in that atmosphere, it will be hard to return to the mainland. Anglers see all that and much more because they’re here with another thing in mind – fishing in Honolulu, which happens to be off the charts.
Premier deep sea fishing off the coast of Hawaii is no secret, not when you’ve got so many catch-worthy species swimming around. Passionate anglers and beginners alike prowl these deep waters in search of their next trophy. If you plan on being one of them, read on for all the info about top catches, seasons, and techniques.
Best Fish to Catch in Honolulu
If you’re wondering what you can land off the coast of Honolulu, the answer is simple – just about anything. Sportfishing is in the spotlight here, and trophy chasers from all corners of the planet visit the city, eager to test their skills against the most sought-after fish. Here are some of them you shouldn’t miss out on.
It All Starts With Marlin
For avid sport fishers, Marlin are the most formidable of opponents. There’s no shortage of Billfish in Hawaii’s prolific waters, and the one that everyone wants is Marlin. Whether it’s Blue or Striped Marlin (even Black Marlin on rare occasions), these prized species are the stars of the show.
Striped Marlin (Nairagi) kick off the seaon in the winter when they swarm Oahu’s waters. The best time to go after these gorgeous fellas is between December and March, though they’re “hookable” all year. Striped Marlin are the smallest of the Marlin and they usually weigh around 50–60 pounds. If you’re lucky and come during the high season, you may stumble upon fish twice that size.
Blue Marlin, on the other hand, are the largest representatives of the Billfish family. Fishing in Honolulu for these beasts can yield excellent results. They can weigh hundreds of pounds, put up a fight like no other fish, and then there’s the acrobatics. Their leaps and headshakes make Blues notoriously difficult to land, which is part of the appeal.
Because they’re incredible fighters, Marlin fishing isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need quality equipment, experience, and perseverance to get Blue or Striped Marlin on the boat. Thankfully, there are fishing guides in Honolulu who specialize in Marlin hunts, so you’ll have local insight to help you out.
Mahi Mahi – The Local Favorite
One of the most abundant fish in Hawaii, Mahi Mahi are the all-time favorites of beginners and seasoned anglers alike. They’re always around, but they’re at their peak in spring and summer. They’re significantly smaller than Billfish but can still weigh a couple of dozens of pounds.
The best traits of Mahi Mahi are their strong fighting abilities and the fact they’re absolutely delicious. Hooking into one means you’ll be having tasty sashimi and fillets for dinner. That is, after you’ve bested them in the tug-o’-war.
These fish are very fast, pure muscle, and once you get them on the line, they don’t play around. Leaping out of the water, headshakes, and hiding under the boat are all characteristics of a Mahi Mahi’s fight. They’ll jump at live bait in the form of sardines, and getting them to bite isn’t that hard, especially because they live and feed in schools.
Because there are many of them, Mahi Mahi are the “bread and butter” of fishing in Honolulu, and Hawaii in general. They tick all the boxes – they’re beautiful, excellent fighters, and they’re tasty, and that’s the winning combo!
Wahoo – A Loner Worth Finding
Speaking of the speedsters of the deep, the deep waters off Honolulu are home to Wahoo, the species that got its name from Oahu Island. Because of the climate and plenty of food, Wahoo (Ono) stick around all year, but you’ll have the best chance of landing something good from April–September.
Unlike the other fish we mentioned, Wahoo don’t like company and prefer to feed alone. Finding them in the seemingly endless blue depths is a challenge, which makes them all the more interesting. These are some of the fastest fish you can find, and once hooked, they’ll show you just how fast they can run.
With their sharp teeth and long bodies, Wahoo are predators that will chomp down on your bait (both live and dead will work) like there’s no tomorrow. They don’t often outgrow their average weight of 30 pounds – but getting them is no joke when they do. That’s why it’s always recommended to use strong gear and to be careful when handling them. Wahoo are also a good-eating fish, so you won’t go home hungry after successfully battling one.
Tuna in All Its Shapes and Sizes
Fishing in Honolulu isn’t all about Marlin – Tuna have their own special place in the hearts of the fishermen. Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna are the most common catches, though you can occasionally hook into a Bigeye Tuna too.
Unlike in most parts of the country, Tuna hang around Hawaii year-round, so whenever you go out, you can go after them. The optimal time to target them, however, is from April–December. Yellowfins (Ahi) are the biggest fish in the lineup – they can weigh well over 100 pounds. They respond well to a variety of bait, including anchovies and Mackerel. This species is the number one target on Tuna fishing trips.
Skipjack Tuna (Aku) are much smaller, but still make for a fun fishing experience, especially for anglers still learning the ropes. They rarely grow over 10 pounds, but they’re feisty and fast, so they’ll still give you a run for your money, especially on light tackle. Sometimes, when you’re trying to lure in Yellowfins, you’ll end up with Skipjack instead, because their eating habits are similar.
Tuna make for top-rate table fare, particularly Yellowfin Tuna, which is one of the many reasons they’re so beloved. The fact that they’re a blast to reel in doesn’t hurt either.
And So Much More…
While these game fish are some of the most popular catches in Honolulu, they’re far from the only ones. Since this is a great fishery any day of the year, you’ll be spoiled for choice whenever you come over.
Giant Trevally fishing can be very good here. Even though these silvery beauties can be evasive, they’re worth the effort. Shortbill Spearfish (Hebi) is also commonly seen, along with Green Jobfish, Triggerfish, Moonfish, and Rainbow Runner (Hawaiian Salmon). Then there’s a variety of bottom feeders, including Grouper and Onaga (a Snapper species). Fishing in Honolulu confirms the saying – there’s plenty of fish in the sea!
How to Go Fishing in Honolulu
Whether you’d like to set out into bluewater in search of trophies or stay close to land, the Honolulu angling scene will deliver. Here are some of the most popular ways of fishing you can try out.
Fishing from Shore
Yes, all the biggest fish of the Pacific tend to hide out in the deep, but fishing from shore can put you on excellent action too. Especially if you’re going fishing to get something good for dinner and enjoy some peace and quiet. Honolulu has beaches, piers, and harbors where you can cast a line and chat with the locals, if you feel like it.
The best thing about shore fishing in Honolulu is that you don’t need a lot of equipment. A simple 8’ rod with a 10–15 lb test line is more than enough to get you started. Live and cut bait work well for predators like Barracuda, Trevally, Snapper, and Goatfish which feed close to shore. Try to be on the water at dawn or dusk, when the light is low and fish are hungry.
Spearfishing
There’s plenty of reefs and underwater beauty to see and explore in Hawaii, and spearos know this. Spearfishing offers unique access to spots that are out of reach for traditional anglers. Not to mention that it’s a fun experience that can result in good catches.
Some spearos test the waters from land, around the reefs closest to shore. Others combine kayaking and spearfishing. They’ll paddle out and then pick a spot for their hunt. Then there are the seasoned spearos, who explore the murky depths and grapple with the likes of Tuna, Wahoo, and Trevally. The type of adventure you choose depends on your skill and preferences.
Going Fishing with a Charter
Deep sea fishing is the best choice for thrill-seekers looking for the next big fish on their bucket list. Dozens of charters all over Honolulu make it their business to get you into deep waters and put you on the bite. They’ll also provide all the gear you need and invaluable advice.
No one knows these waters and fishing spots better than local guides, and all you need to do is tell them what you’d like to target. They’ll take care of all your needs, so all you need to do is book a trip and show up ready for fun. Captains get very busy in the summer, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot well in advance.
Honolulu Fishing Spots
You’ll find the capital of Hawaii in the south of Oahu, and from here, you can get to a variety of fishing grounds. Here are some of the most popular ones to put on your to-fish list.
- Pier 2: When you don’t feel like leaving the solid ground, but you still want to cast a line or two, Pier 2 is a good place to go. You can come here with the family, and while they’re enjoying sunbathing and shopping, you can focus on fishing.
- Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline: This is a famous fishing spot that’s open in even-numbered years, so you can fish here every other year. But when you’re allowed, there’s a lot of great fish like Trevally, Snapper, and much more.
- Māmala Bay: Māmala Bay is a great spot for fishermen looking to cast a line away from the city hubbub. With the Ahua Reef right on its doorstep, you could find anything from Goatfish to Giant Trevally on your line.
- Wailupe Beach Park: The rocky coast of the Wailupe Beach Park is a gathering place for local anglers. The park in itself is beautiful, and there are plenty of fishing opportunities. Needlefish, Wrasse, and Bluefin Trevally are all in the cards.
- Pokai Bay: From here, you’ll have quick access to calm waters and vibrant marine life underneath the surface. You can even go out with a kayak and spearfish for Mahi Mahi, you’ll have blast.
Honolulu Fishing Regulations
If you’re a Hawaii resident, there’s no need to worry about a fishing license for saltwater fishing. However, if you’re from out of state, you’ll need to choose between a daily, weekly, or annual saltwater fishing permit for shore and charter fishing.
But that’s not all. Spots like Honolulu Harbor and Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline have their own special regulations. To fish in the harbor, you’ll need to notify the harbormaster and, as we mentioned earlier, Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline is only open every other year. If you’re spearfishing, familiarize yourself with the species you’re allowed to target before you dive in.
Fishing in Honolulu – The Capital of Fishing Adventures
Honolulu is a place of beautiful contrasts. On one side, you’ve got white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, on the other, the rough, slightly intimidating Waianae Range. The comforts of the city and untamed nature blend together, as if in a dance.
Fishing in Honolulu takes a special place in this way of life, both for the locals and tourists. It’s a chance to explore the riches of the island up close, test yourself against the underwater giants, and maybe, just maybe, snag yourself a trophy fish or two.
Have you ever been fishing in Honolulu? Do you have a recommendation for your fellow anglers? Is there a story you’d like to share? Let us know in the comment section below.
