Hawaii fishes hard all twelve months, which is unusual — but the species still rotate. Blue marlin dominate the summer off Kona, wahoo carry the winter, and mahi fill the spring transition.
Related: Hawaii Fishing Guide · Hawaii Weekly Fishing Reports
| Month | Top Species | Peak Technique | Conditions & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ono (Wahoo), Ahi, Marlin | Trolling, live bait | Wahoo strong; trophy ahi are a real possibility |
| February | Ono, Shortbill Spearfish, Ahi | Lure trolling | Wahoo peak; shortbill spearfish season underway |
| March | Shortbill Spearfish, Mahi, Ono | Lure trolling | Spearfish peak; mahi begin arriving |
| April | Mahi, Spearfish, Ahi | Trolling, live bait | Mahi building through the spring transition |
| May | Mahi, Blue Marlin, Ahi | Lure trolling | Mahi peak; the first blue marlin show |
| June | Blue Marlin, Ahi, Mahi | Lure trolling, live bait | Marlin season builds through the month |
| July | Blue Marlin, Ahi, Ono | Lure trolling | PEAK blue marlin season off Kona |
| August | Blue Marlin, Ahi, Ono | Lure trolling, buoy fishing | Marlin peak continues; ahi hold on the buoys |
| September | Blue Marlin, Ahi, Ono | Trolling, buoy fishing | Marlin strong; excellent all-around fishing |
| October | Ahi, Ono, Mahi | Lure trolling | Wahoo building; ahi remain steady |
| November | Ono, Ahi, Marlin | Trolling, live bait | Wahoo season builds into the winter pattern |
| December | Ono, Ahi, Marlin | Lure trolling | Wahoo peak; trophy ahi and winter marlin |
Best Months to Visit Hawaii
Blue marlin: July–September off Kona. Ono (wahoo): November–February. Mahi: March–May. Ahi (yellowfin): available year-round, best around the buoys in summer.