Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This Hawaii fishing report covers mid-October, when warm water holds good fishing off the Kona coast. Yellowfin ahi are the lead target, with ahi and mahi around the FADs, marlin and wahoo in deeper water and papio along the rocky shoreline for light-tackle anglers. The main conditions to plan around are trade winds and swell: northern storms may begin to build surf, so check the marine forecast before heading offshore or onto exposed rocks.
What’s Hitting
Yellowfin ahi are off the Kona coast, mahi hold around the FADs, and papio cruise the shoreline. Marlin and wahoo are available offshore.
The offshore action should stay active as the water stays warm, while swells from northern storms may begin to build. Warm water keeps pelagic species moving along the leeward coast, and the FADs give them a reason to stop and feed.
Where to Find Them
Fish the FADs off Kona for ahi and mahi, troll the deep water for marlin, and work the shoreline for papio.
Kona’s calm leeward waters make it one of the most reliable offshore destinations in the Pacific. Charter boats leave from Honokohau Harbor and troll the grounds off the coast for marlin, ahi and mahi. The FADs, anchored floating devices, concentrate baitfish and attract predators, but many boats share them, so follow courtesy rules and give others room.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides ease through mid-October. Trade winds and swells matter most, so check the marine forecast for your dates.
For shore anglers, the rocky points and harbor mouths offer papio, also known as juvenile jacks, on light tackle. Points and harbor mouths concentrate moving water and bait, which is why papio patrol them. Surf conditions change quickly, so respect warning signs and never turn your back on the ocean.
Tackle & Tactics
- Live bait and trolled lures for offshore fish.
- Heavy gear for ahi.
- Light tackle for papio from shore.
Troll at varying speeds around the FADs, and have a fresh bait ready for ahi. Changing speed changes how lures swim and how deep they ride, which helps find what fish want. A live bait dropped near a FAD often draws ahi that ignore trolled lures. Respect local rules and ocean conditions.
Local Intel This Week
Honokohau Harbor is the main Kona base for charters and private boats running to the FADs, and Keauhou Bay and Kawaihae Harbor offer launches farther south and north along the coast; harbor mouths are also good papio spots from shore. Elsewhere in the islands, Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, Maalaea Harbor and Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor serve boaters. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Check the swell. Ocean conditions around the islands change quickly, so review the marine forecast and swell outlook before every trip. That applies to boaters crossing channels and to shore anglers on exposed rocks, where a single large set can arrive without warning.
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