Hawaii offers world-class deep-sea fishing for trophy billfish and tuna, alongside unique shore-casting for bonefish. While primarily known for saltwater, the islands also host specialized freshwater opportunities for peacock bass and seasonal rainbow trout in mountain streams.
Buy a Fishing License
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Aquatic Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Pacific Blue Marlin
Available year-round with peak season from June through August; many weigh over 500 lbs.
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)
Primarily caught during summer months (May-September) when large 'Ahi' move into offshore waters.
Mahi-mahi
Best fishing occurs in the spring (February-May) and fall (September-November) around floating debris or FADs.
Rainbow Trout
Exclusively at Kokee State Park, Kauai; season typically begins the first Saturday in June for a limited number of days.
Largemouth & Peacock Bass
Found in Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson); year-round fishing with a minimum size of 12 inches and a bag limit of 9 fish.
Bonefish (Oio)
Year-round opportunity on shallow sand flats; Hawaii is famous for world-record-sized bonefish over 10 lbs.
Wahoo (Ono)
Peak season runs from May through September, often caught while trolling near the 40-fathom ledge.
Top Waters
Kona Coast
The 'Billfish Capital of the World,' known for calm deep waters and giant Pacific Blue Marlin.
Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson)
Hawaii's premier freshwater destination for peacock and largemouth bass on Oahu.
Kaneohe Bay
A massive sheltered bay on Oahu perfect for bonefishing on the flats and light tackle reef fishing.
Wailua River
Kauai's largest navigable river offering unique freshwater and brackish fishing for smallmouth bass.
Penguin Bank
An underwater shelf between Molokai and Oahu famous for abundant bottomfish and pelagic species.
Kokee State Park Streams
Home to Hawaii's only seasonal rainbow trout fishery in the high elevations of Kauai.
Honokohau Harbor Area
A primary departure point for offshore charters targeting heavy tackle gamefish on the Big Island.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Hawaii's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Sea Wife Charters
Charter/GuideKailua-Kona, HI
Specializing in big game sportfishing for marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi on the Kona Coast.
Maggie Joe Sportfishing
Charter/GuideHonolulu, HI
Offering deep sea fishing excursions departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor since 1950.
Strike Zone Sportfishing
Charter/GuideMaalaea, HI
Maui's premier bottom fishing and sportfishing charter operating out of Maalaea Harbor.
Sportfish Hawaii
Charter/GuideHonolulu, HI
Professional booking and guide services for fishing throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Kila Kila Sportfishing
Charter/GuideLihue, HI
Deep sea fishing adventures targeting Kauai's abundant offshore gamefish.
Charley's Fishing Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopHonolulu, HI
A long-standing local favorite for shoreline and offshore fishing gear on Oahu.
S. Tokunaga Store
Bait & Tackle ShopHilo, HI
The Big Island's essential stop for fishing, diving, and outdoor sporting equipment.
J. Hara Store
Bait & Tackle ShopKurtistown, HI
Providing local anglers with a wide selection of lures, rods, and fresh bait since 1944.
Lihue Fishing Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopLihue, HI
The primary resource for Kauai residents looking for saltwater tackle and expertise.
Roy's Fishing Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopAiea, HI
Extensive inventory of specialized shoreline and boat fishing tackle in Central Oahu.
West Hawaii Fishing Supplies
Bait & Tackle ShopKailua-Kona, HI
Expert advice and tournament-grade tackle for Kona's offshore fishing community.
Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
MarinaKailua-Kona, HI
The largest harbor on the Big Island and the hub for Kona sportfishing tournaments.
Kewalo Basin Harbor
MarinaHonolulu, HI
Conveniently located near Waikiki, hosting Oahu's most popular commercial fishing charters.
Ala Wai Boat Harbor
MarinaHonolulu, HI
The state's largest small boat harbor, serving recreational boaters in the heart of Honolulu.
Maalaea Small Boat Harbor
MarinaWailuku, HI
Maui's central hub for fishing charters and excursion vessels near the South Shore.
Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor
MarinaLihue, HI
The primary recreational boating and fishing port for the island of Kauai.
Nervous Water Fly Fishers
Fly ShopHonolulu, HI
Hawaii's only dedicated fly fishing shop, specializing in gear for giant bonefish.
Bonefish Hawaii
Fly ShopHonolulu, HI
A specialized fly fishing guide service and gear provider for Hawaii's saltwater flats.
Hawaii Fly Fishing
Fly ShopKailua-Kona, HI
Expert fly fishing guide service for Big Island saltwater and exotic freshwater species.
Windward Boats
Boat DealerKailua, HI
Oahu's leading dealer for fishing boats, outboard motors, and marine accessories.
Mid-Pacific Marine
Boat DealerHonolulu, HI
Full-service boat dealership and repair facility serving the islands since 1979.
Kona Boat Sales
Boat DealerKailua-Kona, HI
Specializing in sportfishing vessel sales and brokerage services on the Big Island.
Ala Moana Boat Sales
Boat DealerHonolulu, HI
Brokerage and sales for recreational and commercial fishing vessels in Oahu.
Brian's Fishing Supply
Rod BuilderHonolulu, HI
Expert custom rod building and repair services for offshore and shoreline anglers.
Five Stars Custom Rods
Rod BuilderHonolulu, HI
Specializing in handcrafted fishing rods tailored for Hawaii's unique fishing conditions.
Hanaapa Fishing Co
Rod BuilderHonolulu, HI
A hub for rod building components and high-quality custom tournament gear.
Waipahu Bicycle and Fishing
Rod BuilderWaipahu, HI
Offering expert reel repair and custom rod modifications for West Oahu fishermen.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.
