Thinking of Maui, your mind might wander to sandy beaches, endless sun, and stunning views. And you wouldn’t be wrong! But fishing on Maui is another special experience you don’t want to miss out on. The second-largest Hawaiian island has a lot to offer to every type of angler. Known as the “Valley Isle,” thanks to the sacred Iao Valley, Maui can provide you with a heavenly time.
On Maui, wherever you go, you’ll be met with the ocean. This is a fishing island first and foremost, so it’s not a surprise that you can find a diverse group of species in these waters. Read on to find out everything you need to know for your first Maui fishing trip!
Best Fish to Catch on Maui
One word – diversity. When it comes to the fish you can hook here, you’ll be happy to hear how long the list is. From surf fishing in the shallows to the stunning deep waters, there’s something here for everyone.
Marlin
Some of the feistiest fish in the ocean, any species of Marlin will give you a run for your money. Arguably the most sought-after game fish in this part of the world, Blue Marlin are a force of nature. They’ll have your arms sore after a good battle. These waters have been known to produce monster Blues up to 2,000 pounds! But you’re more likely to run into smaller specimens of up to 300 pounds on any given day.
If Blue Marlin are what you have your sight set on, the best time to head out is June–August. But if you’re looking to hook into Striped Marlin, another elusive member of the Marlin family, consider visiting Maui during the winter months. While they’re smaller than their Blue cousins, these creatures are acrobatic, and catching them on the fly is a real adrenaline rush.
Mahi Mahi
If you’re looking for fish that can provide you with a great meal, as well as a fun time on the boat, Mahi Mahi are what you should focus on. Not to mention that these beautiful green and yellow species take great photos! Especially if you’re taking those photos in a place as beautiful as Maui.
Their name translates into “strong” in Hawaiian, and they live up to it. They’ll put up a great battle at the end of your line. Being very abundant in the waters around Maui, they’re a true year-round target, so you can go after Mahi whenever you’re in town. Trolling with either live bait or artificial lures will yield some great results.
Yellowfin Tuna
While you can catch up to five different species of Tuna on Maui, there’s one that really takes the top spot. Known as “Ahi” in Hawaii, Yellowfin Tuna can get really big in these waters, making them a prime game fish for Maui anglers. You can catch them all year round, but note that they get especially big in the summer months.
And what does “Ahi” translate into? It means fire, and Yellowfin Tuna definitely bring the heat! They’re strong and not afraid to show you. These fish offer a pretty consistent bite, and the best way to hook into them is by trolling with live bait, but artificial lures can work great as well.
Wahoo
Let’s learn some more Hawaiian! Wahoo are known as “Ono” in the islands, which translates into “delicious.” This can already give you a glimpse into why these fish are so revered on Maui. They have white, tender meat that will have you licking your fingers after lunch. It’s not the only reason anglers love to target them, though.
Wahoo are long and slender which makes them really good swimmers. This means that it can take your bait and bolt so quickly that before you realize, it’s too late. It’s a real challenge to reel one in, and if you’re up for it, you won’t be disappointed. You can catch them year-round, but the best time for a Wahoo fishing adventure is from May–October.
Amberjack
Known as “Kahala” in Hawaii, Amberjack are one of the most prized bottom feeders you can find here. Visiting the reefs around Maui is a special experience in itself. Add to that fishing for big Amberjack and you’re in for a great time. “Kahala” can translate into “something that catches your eye” and once again, the Hawaiian people were not wrong!
Normally you’ll run into specimens between 15–40 pounds, but they can weigh over 100 pounds. This means one thing – the fight they put up is no joke. You should get ready to work your muscles as these creatures try to get free from your grip. Some people love the taste of Amberjack as well, so if you feel like trying it, that’s a grilled dinner for you at the end of the day.
Barracuda
One of the most common predators in the nearshore waters around Maui, Barracuda are a prized species to add to your list of catches. Known as “Kaku” in Hawaiian, these toothy fish are energetic and feisty. Battling one on your holiday is sure to break up your day and give you a bit of adrenaline.
Barracuda can be caught in a variety of ways. You can find them close to shore, as well as around reefs and wrecks. They can be caught by trolling with live bait or artificial lures, as well as bottom fishing or casting from shore. Just keep their impressive teeth in mind, and be careful when bringing them on board!
How to Go Fishing on Maui
There are so many opportunities to make a Maui fishing adventure your own. The island boasts access to some of the most prolific offshore waters in the world. However, it also offers amazing inshore fishing with its stunning beaches. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways of fishing on Maui.
Charter Fishing on Maui
As we said, Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii, which means there are ample opportunities to explore its waters by boat. You’ll easily find professional captains ready to show you around and take you fishing the Hawaiian way. What’s better than cruising the open seas with stunning views and the tropical sun in the sky?
What makes charter fishing one of the most productive ways of fishing on Maui? Well, you can cover a lot of ground on a boat, and for the vast open spaces around Maui, this is a big advantage. You can go to the fish, and easily follow them. Another benefit of hiring a charter vessel is that you’ll get the help of a professional local captain who knows these waters which can give you a big advantage.
Shore Fishing on Maui
With so much shoreline on Maui, another great way of having a productive day fishing is casting from its many beaches. Some of the species you can catch are Trevally and varieties of Snapper, which make for great table fare. This means that you can have a sunny vacation, but also catch some fish for dinner with your family.
What’s great about fishing from shore is that you won’t have to plan ahead, you can just go down to the beach when you feel like it and unwind.
Kayak Fishing on Maui
Here comes an interesting one – kayak fishing. This engaging way of fishing has been gaining traction in recent years, and this is true on Maui as well. Anglers love the challenge of battling a feisty fishing from a kayak, perfecting their skills while having to navigate their way and keep balance.
Kayak fishing is special because it can bring you very close to the natural world around you. Especially in a place like Maui, where calling its nature beautiful is an understatement. From a kayak, you can engage in some surface trolling, while fly fishing can be very exciting. You’re in for a lot of fun, with Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo being possible targets.
Spearfishing on Maui
Not for the faint of heart, spearfishing is a primal way of hunting down some of the game fish of Hawaii. If you’re looking for that new adrenaline rush, this is something you should definitely think about trying. There are many guides on Maui that will take you out on a dive and teach you the ropes of this interesting technique. And you’ll be helping out – target one of the invasive species of fish like Bluestripe Snapper, Blacktail Snapper, and Peacock Grouper to help out the local ecosystem.
Keep in mind though, that if you’re going spearfishing, you’ll have to spend quite a bit of time underwater. This means that it’s best if you’ve had some snorkeling experience, and are comfortable underwater. If you’re confident about your ability to do this, you will undoubtedly have the time of your life!
Maui Fishing Spots
Measuring 725 square miles in size, there’s a lot to explore on Maui. If you’re wondering where to go for a nice day of fishing, we’ve compiled a handy list of the most popular spots. Keep reading to pick out your favorite!
- Kalama Park, Kihei: This is a beautiful beachfront space with lots of amenities for a family day out. Bonefish, Trevally, Snapper, Ladyfish, and Goatfish are all possible targets if you’re casting from shore.
- Baldwin Beach Park, Paia: If you’re looking for stunning nature, this beautiful strip of sand will give you a day to remember. Lined up with trees and picnic areas, you’ll get to have fun with your family, while also enjoying some surf fishing.
- Lahaina: This small town offers magnificent views of the ocean, along with ample opportunities to reel in some prized fish. You can cast your line from shore, but you can also easily find a charter at the harbor to take you out to sea.
- Kahului: If you’re in central Maui, don’t miss out on the great fishing out of Kahului. The Kahului harbor is a great spot to target Jack Crevalle and Bonefish. If you’re looking for the likes of Tuna and Marlin, there are plenty of charters as well.
- Molokai: Technically not on the island of Maui, but falling under the same county, this stunning island is a sight for sore eyes. Visit the Kaunakakai harbor for some inshore fishing or troll around the ocean. You won’t be disappointed!
Maui Fishing Regulations
When it comes to seasonality, Hawaii is one of those tropical paradises with no off-season. It’s one of the rare places in the world where you can catch a monster Marlin at any time of the year! However, some months can be more productive than others. Summer is one of the best times for a Maui fishing trip, as this is when you can catch the most popular game fish.
As for regulations, the need for a license depends on where you’re fishing and whether you’re a resident of Hawaii or not. Visiting anglers must buy either a daily, weekly, or annual saltwater fishing license, while there is no need for one if you live in Hawaii. All anglers, however, will need a freshwater fishing license if planning on taking any fish. For more information, we advise you head over to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources.
Why Maui? Why not?!
No, really, we can’t think of a single reason not to visit this beautiful island. The weather is a dream, the coastline is stunning, and the waters are brimming with wildlife. If an all-around vacation spiced up with some amazing fishing is what you’re looking for, we can’t think of a better place to visit!
Have you ever been fishing on Maui? What was it like? Tell us all about it in the comments below, or ask anything you’d like to know. We love to hear from you!
