Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Hawaii
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Mahi Mahi
Verified
World Record
87 lb 0 oz
Joseph Hoffman / 1976
Costa Rica
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.
2
Yellowfin Tuna
Verified
World Record
388 lb 12 oz
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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.
3
Skipjack tuna
Verified
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Skipjack keep core muscles warmer than the sea, a turbo boost for relentless high-speed hunts.
4
Wahoo
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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.
5
Giant Trevally
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
6
Blue Marlin
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1,402 lb 2 oz
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii
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.
7
Ono
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
8
Great Barracuda
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
103 lb 0 oz
Thomas Gibson / 2002
Lagos, Nigeria
Thomas Gibson / 2002
Lagos, Nigeria
Signature Fact
Their strike reflex is so keyed to flash that shiny necklaces have literally been slashed off swimmers.
9
Amberjack
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
163 lb 2 oz
Tadashi Yamanaka / 2015
Zenisu, Tokyo, Japan
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.
10
Snapper
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, you can catch mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, wahoo, giant trevally, blue marlin, ono, great barracuda, amberjack, and 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, snapper, and most others on the list.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Hawaii?
Snapper, skipjack tuna, and mahi-mahi are some of the more accessible saltwater species in Hawaii.
