Hawaii Fishing Report — Week of October 22, 2026: Marlin and Yellowfin Offshore, Mahi Along the Lines, Bonefish on the Flats

Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026

This Hawaii fishing report covers late October, one of the best stretches of the year for bluewater fishing off the Kona coast. Yellowfin tuna and blue marlin are the lead targets offshore of Kona and Kawaihae, mahi mahi work weed lines and floating debris, and bonefish and papio cruise the flats inshore. The condition to plan around is the trade wind: calm mornings are usually best, and the breeze builds later in the day, so get lines in the water early.

What’s Hitting

Blue marlin and yellowfin tuna are offshore of Kona and Kawaihae, mahi mahi patrol weed lines and floating debris, and ono and skipjack are active along the ledges. Inshore, bonefish, papio and omilu work the flats and reefs.

Warm water keeps the offshore action strong, and Kona’s calm leeward waters make for reliable fishing days. The island’s mountains shelter the leeward side from the trades, which is why Kona sees more fishable days than many bluewater ports.

Where to Find Them

Troll the ledges and the 1,000 to 2,000 foot range off Kona for marlin and tuna, and look for floating debris for mahi. On shore, work the reef edges and flats at dawn for papio and bonefish.

Ledges push deep current upward and concentrate bait, which draws tuna and marlin. Floating debris gives small baitfish shelter in open ocean, and mahi gather underneath to feed on them.

Tides & Conditions

Tides matter less offshore than the moon phase and the weather. Calm mornings are usually best, and trade winds build later in the day.

Inshore, tide stage still counts on the flats, where bonefish move up to feed as the water floods. Check a current marine forecast before running offshore.

Tackle & Tactics

• Marlin and tuna: lures in a mixed trolling spread, which puts different sizes, colors and actions in the water at once.
• Yellowfin: live bait or chunk bait.
• Inshore species: small jigs.

Use heavy tackle for marlin and light line for inshore fish. Matching gear to the target shortens fights with big fish and keeps inshore fishing sporting.

Local Intel This Week

Honokohau Harbor is the main base for Kona charter boats and the place to launch for the ledges. Keauhou Bay and Kawaihae give access farther south and north along the coast; use Kawaihae when you plan to fish the grounds off the north Kona coast. The site’s location guide also lists the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, the Maalaea Harbor and the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor elsewhere in the islands. Rules on certain bottomfish and bonefish are specific. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.

This Week’s Tip

Start early. The morning bite is often the best before the trade winds build. Leave the harbor at first light to fish the calmest, most productive hours and get back before the afternoon chop.