Hilo sits on the wetter, quieter east side of Hawaiʻi Island, where the water drops into deep bluewater close to shore and there is far less fishing pressure than Kona. That mix gives our captains a real variety of fish, from powerful offshore pelagics to prized reef and bottom fish just beyond the bay. Each fish below is tagged with where you’ll find it – tap the tag to book that trip.
A note on timing: Hawaiʻi’s offshore fish are caught in every month of the year. The windows below are when each species is most abundant, not the only time it bites.
Known for their acrobatic fight and brilliant green, gold, and blue coloring. Mahimahi school around floating debris and current lines offshore, so hookups often come fast and in numbers.
Best time: Year-round, with the heaviest concentrations in the cooler months, roughly December through April.
One of the fastest fish in the ocean and a favorite on the table for its firm, clean fillets. Ono tend to hold along ledges and around offshore structure.
Best time: Year-round, with the strongest bite from May through October.
The prize of Hawaiʻi’s tuna and the fish behind fresh poke and sashimi. Smaller ahi hold around buoys and seamounts, while the biggest fish roam deep open water.
Best time: Year-round, peaking through the summer, roughly May through September.
The grand prize of offshore fishing. Pacific blue marlin are the most common of the three here and put up a tremendous fight; striped marlin (nairagi) show through the winter; black marlin turn up only occasionally. Large billfish may be released at the captain’s discretion to help protect the fishery.
Best time: Blue marlin peak in summer and early fall, roughly June through October. Striped marlin peak in winter, roughly January through March.
One of the most culturally significant fish in Hawaiʻi, moi was once reserved for the aliʻi (chiefs). Prized eating and a favorite nearshore target.
Season note: Moi has a statewide closed season from June 1 through the end of August under Hawaiʻi’s fishing regulations. You can target moi from September through May.
A red, big-eyed reef fish that hides in caves and ledges by day and feeds at night. A local favorite fried up whole.
Best time: Year-round; most active after dark, so the Dusk trip is your best shot.
Fishing license: Non-residents of Hawaiʻi age 15 and older are required to carry a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License. Active-duty military members and their families are exempt.
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