Hawaii Fishing Report — Week of November 12, 2026: Ono, Ulua, Trade-Wind Window

Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026

This Hawaii fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, built from the National Weather Service forecast as reported by Big Island Now and from seasonal patterns. A wind advisory ran through early Thursday morning on the Big Island, with strong trades through Friday, rough east-facing waters, a north-northwest swell peaking Thursday and another north swell possibly pushing surf back to advisory levels Sunday. Trades are expected to relax early next week, which should open better fishing windows.

What’s Hitting

Ono (wahoo) are a traditional fall target along ledges and drop-offs, often peaking as water temperatures cool slightly. Mahimahi are found offshore around floating debris and buoys. Ulua (giant trevally) remain a premier shore-fishing target, especially at night. Oio (bonefish) can be found in sandy shallows on Oahu and other islands. Bottomfish such as uku remain an option when conditions allow. Papio, the juvenile form of ulua and other trevally, are a fun light-tackle option from shore when conditions allow. Strong trades can also push bait along leeward ledges and attract pelagic species.

Where to Find Them

Leeward shores such as the Kona coast on the Big Island remain fishable during strong trades, while windward and north-facing shores are rough. Ono are often caught along ledges off Kona and the drop-offs near points. Ulua anglers fish rocky points and ledges at night. Oio are found on sandy flats and channels, including those around Kaneohe Bay on Oahu. Around Oahu, the Waianae coast is a leeward option during trades, while the south shore offers protected harbors and breakwaters. On Maui, the leeward coast near Lahaina and Maalaea provides calmer water when the trades are strong.

Tides & Conditions

Strong trade winds through Friday will make windward and channel waters rough. The north-northwest swell peaked Thursday, but another north swell could raise surf to advisory levels Sunday. Trade winds are expected to relax early next week, improving conditions. Always check NWS marine forecasts and surf advisories before fishing exposed shorelines. The November 9 new moon produces stronger tidal movement early in the period, which can help ulua and oio fishing near channels.

Tackle & Tactics

For ono, troll lures at higher speeds with wire leaders. Mahimahi respond to lures or live bait near floating objects. Ulua anglers use heavy slide-bait rigs with eel or octopus at night. For oio, use light spinning tackle with shrimp or crab baits in sandy shallows. Bring heavier tackle for rough conditions. For papio, use small plugs, jigs or flies on light spinning tackle near shoreline structure.

Local Intel This Week

Honokohau Harbor on the Big Island is a major access point for charter boats. Kona’s rocky shoreline provides shore-fishing access for ulua. Kaneohe Bay on Oahu has public access for oio. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Avoid fishing exposed north-facing shores during high surf. On Oahu, Kewalo Basin and the Waianae Boat Harbor are common launch points, and Maalaea Harbor serves Maui. Respect private property and fishing rules near shoreline access points.

This Week’s Tip

During strong trade winds, focus on leeward shores and harbors. When the trades relax early next week, head offshore for ono along the ledges. Watch for birds working over bait, which can show where ono and mahimahi are feeding.