Hawaii Fishing Report — Week of November 5, 2026: Ono, Ulua, Bonefish

Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 12, 2026

This Hawaii fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 5, built on early-November patterns across the main islands. Winter north swells begin arriving, which shifts shoreline plans, while offshore boats off the Kona and Maui coasts keep working for ono, tuna and mahi. The Monday, November 9 new moon is a well-known time for night fishing and offshore trolling.

What’s Hitting

Early November in Hawaii marks a seasonal handoff. Offshore boats working the leeward Kona coast typically target ono, yellowfin tuna, mahi and the occasional marlin, while trolling and kite-fishing styles stay popular. Along the shorelines, ulua and papio patrol reef edges and surge channels, and bonefish, known locally as o’io, work sandy flats on a rising tide. Bottomfishers may still seek snappers in deeper water where seasons allow. Night anglers often fish for squirrelfish and menpachi, and shore casters can find goatfish and papio near harbors. North and northwest swells increasingly shut down exposed shores, so protected bays and leeward coasts typically offer the safest choices. Trade winds also affect the offshore bite.

Where to Find Them

Off the Kona coast of Hawaii Island, the waters off Honokohau Harbor and Keahole Point are long-established trolling grounds, with the weather buoys giving anglers a gauge for current lines. On Oahu, Kewalo Basin and Haleiwa Harbor serve charter boats, while shore anglers work Ala Moana Beach Park’s reef edges and the Kaneohe Bay flats for o’io. On Maui, Lahaina Harbor boats troll the Lahaina side and the Auau Channel, while the Kihei shoreline and Maalaea Harbor provide shore options. Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor and the Hanalei Bay area provide protected options when swells allow.

Tides & Conditions

Hawaii tides are small, usually around two feet, so current, swell and moon matter more. The new moon on Monday, November 9 brings dark nights that favor night trolling and shoreline fishing for ulua and squirrelfish. Offshore, current lines and temperature breaks often hold bait and predators regardless of tide. On flats, a rising tide usually draws o’io into shallow water. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving, so island sunrise and sunset times held steady while the mainland shifted. A big north swell can make rocky shorelines dangerous within hours, so watch surf forecasts before walking out on ledges.

Tackle & Tactics

Offshore trollers typically run heavy-duty conventional reels on stout rods, using skirted lures, jet heads and live bait where permitted. Kite and drift fishing for ono calls for wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Shore anglers chasing ulua use long rods, heavy line and live or cut bait, but safety gear is critical. For o’io, a light spinning outfit with small shrimp imitations or flies suits the flats. Wear quality shoes with traction, a life vest on rocky shores and carry a first-aid kit. Sun protection is essential year round. A sharp knife and a good set of gloves help when handling toothy ono.

Local Intel This Week

Public access varies by island. On Oahu, Ala Moana Beach Park and the Kewalo Basin area offer shoreline options, while on Hawaii Island, Honokohau Harbor serves the Kona fleet and Kailua Pier gives shore anglers access. Maui’s Lahaina and Maalaea harbors host charters, and Kauai’s Nawiliwili is a primary port. Shore fishing near rocky ledges can be hazardous during high surf, so avoid turning your back to the ocean. Rules differ by island and by protected area, including marine life conservation districts. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Charter operators and local shops are the best source for current conditions. Respect cultural sites and posted signs, and carry out any line you cut.

This Week’s Tip

Check the surf forecast the night before, then pick a protected leeward spot. Fish a small shrimp-pattern lure on the flats at Kaneohe Bay on a rising morning tide, and stay quiet. Watch the water for tailing fish, and cast ahead of them.