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Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Hawaii

FishyAF

Fish to Catch in Hawaii

Big water, bigger fish. Hawaiian saltwater hits different.

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Hawaii’s saltwater scene is pure adrenaline. Mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna set the pace, but the full lineup throws everything from red-snapper to blue marlin your way. Chasing these fish is about more than landing a meal—it’s the hunt, the fight, and the chance to hook something legendary. If you want fast action and serious variety, this is where you find it.

Mahi Mahi

World Record 87 lb 0 oz
Joseph Hoffman / 1976
Costa Rica

Signature Fact Boat-side, they flash neon blues and greens, then fade to plain gray in minutes, like someone hit mute.

Click to Learn More About Mahi Mahi

Yellowfin Tuna

World Record 388 lb 12 oz
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Signature Fact Those neon finlets aren't for show-they're adjustable vortex generators that feed the tail extra thrust at speed.

Click to Learn More About Yellowfin Tuna

Skipjack tuna

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Skipjack keep core muscles warmer than the sea, a turbo boost for relentless high-speed hunts.

Click to Learn More About Skipjack tuna

Wahoo

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Signature Fact Its electric-blue racing stripes switch on in seconds when fired up, then fade like disappearing ink after capture.

Giant Trevally

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

Blue Marlin

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 1,402 lb 2 oz
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii

Signature Fact Their eyes and brain run on built-in heaters, staying up to 14°C warmer than the water.

Wahoo

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Signature Fact Its electric-blue racing stripes switch on in seconds when fired up, then fade like disappearing ink after capture.

Great Barracuda

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 103 lb 0 oz
Thomas Gibson / 2002
Lagos, Nigeria

Signature Fact Their strike reflex is so keyed to flash that shiny necklaces have literally been slashed off swimmers.

Amberjack

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 163 lb 2 oz
Tadashi Yamanaka / 2015
Zenisu, Tokyo, Japan

Signature Fact Hooked bruisers earn the nickname "reef donkey," bulldozing 30 pounds of drag straight into wrecks like runaway mules.

Red Snapper

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 50 lb 4 oz
Gary J. Fodness / 1996
Gulf of Mexico

Signature Fact During summer evenings they drum with their swim bladders, letting scientists track spawning simply by listening.

FAQs

What fish can you catch in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, you can catch mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, wahoo, giant trevally, blue marlin, wahoo, great barracuda, amberjack, and red-snapper.

What is the best time of year to fish in Hawaii?

Saltwater fishing in Hawaii is strong year-round, with different species peaking in different seasons.

Where are the best places to fish in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s saltwater fishing is solid all over the islands, from offshore runs to reef edges. Check local access points for the best launch spots.

What gear do you need for fishing in Hawaii?

Go heavy if you’re targeting tuna or marlin, but standard saltwater rods and reels will handle mahi-mahi, red-snapper, and most others on the list.

What are the easiest fish to catch in Hawaii?

red-snapper, skipjack tuna, and mahi-mahi are some of the more accessible saltwater species in Hawaii.

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