Hawaii fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. Fall is a great time for offshore fishing in Hawaii. The bluewater is full of fish, and the ahi, ono, and mahi-mahi are all active. From Kona to Oahu, there is excellent action for anglers who head offshore.
What’s Hitting
This week, ahi tuna are feeding offshore around the FAD buoys and the ledges. Ono are on the ledges and drop-offs, and the fall ono season is one of the best times to catch them. Mahi-mahi and blue marlin are in the bluewater. Inshore, there are papio and other reef fish along the coastline.
Where to Find Them
For ahi, fish around the FAD buoys and the ledges off Kona and Oahu. For ono, the ledges and drop-offs near the islands. For mahi-mahi and blue marlin, the bluewater off Kona. For papio, the reef areas and the shorelines.
Off Kona, the ledge that runs along the coast drops into deep water close to shore, which puts bluewater species within a short run of the harbor. Watch for birds working over the surface, since they often mark schools of tuna feeding below. Around Oahu, the Penguin Banks area and the FADs off the south and west shores are popular choices. Shoreline anglers casting at dawn and dusk are finding papio and occasional ulua along the rocky points.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderate and less important offshore. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s to low 80s. Weather is generally good, with trade winds typical in the fall.
Tackle & Tactics
For ahi, a trolled lure or a live bait near the FAD buoys. For ono, a high-speed trolled lure or a wire leader. For blue marlin, large trolled lures. For mahi-mahi, a trolled lure or live bait. For papio, a small jig or plug along the reef.
For ulua from shore, heavy surf rods with 50- to 80-pound line and a sliding bait rig are the traditional setup, and they are best fished at night. When trolling offshore, a spread of four to six lures of different sizes and colors lets you find what the fish want that day. Bring plenty of water and sun protection; even in October, the Hawaiian sun is strong.
Local Intel This Week
Many anglers fish with charter boats out of Honokohau Harbor in Kona and Kewalo Basin on Oahu. Public launches include Honokohau Harbor and Keehi Lagoon. Shore anglers can fish the rocky shorelines and the beaches. Fish are concentrated around the FAD buoys and the ledges offshore. Check current Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources regulations and seasons before fishing.
This Week’s Tip
When fishing for ono, speed is key. Troll faster than you would for other species, and use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Ono have razor-sharp teeth and can cut through monofilament easily.
More Hawaii Resources
All Hawaii fishing reports · Seasonal fishing calendars · Submit your own report
Planning a trip to Hawaii?
This report tells you what happened. ReelAI tells you what to do about it — a briefing for your date, your target species and how you're fishing, built from our reports plus live NOAA and USGS data.
Powered by ReelAI — fishing.digital's intelligence layer. Answers are generated from fishing.digital reports and public NOAA, NWS and USGS data, and may be incomplete or out of date. Regulations and marine safety information are summaries only; always confirm with the responsible authority before you fish.