Hawaii fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. Fall is a great time to fish in Hawaii. The trade winds are starting to ease, the water is warm, and there are plenty of fish around. With the Saturday full moon, it’s a great week to be on the water.
What’s Hitting
This week, mahi-mahi and ono (wahoo) are feeding along the ledges and drop-offs, and ahi (yellowfin tuna) are holding around the FAD buoys. There are still some blue marlin around, especially off the Kona coast. Closer to shore, bottom fish like uku and papio (juvenile trevally) are active.
Where to Find Them
Mahi and ono are along the ledges and drop-offs around all of the islands. The Kona coast of the Big Island is especially productive. Ahi are around the FAD buoys. Blue marlin are off the Kona coast. Bottom fish are on the reefs and ledges.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon on Saturday, the tides are strong, which can affect the currents around the islands. Water temperatures are in the low 80s. The trade winds are starting to ease, which makes for good conditions on the water, especially on the leeward sides of the islands.
Tackle & Tactics
For mahi and ono, troll lures or rigged baits along the ledges. High-speed trolling is effective for ono. For ahi, use live bait or chunk around the buoys. For marlin, troll large lures. For bottom fish, use bait on the bottom around the reefs and ledges.
Shore anglers are also having success targeting papio and omilu along the rocky shorelines at dawn with small plugs and poppers. On the calmer leeward shores, whipping lures along the edges of the reef in the first hour of light produces the best action. Bring polarized glasses to spot fish working the edges of the white water.
Local Intel This Week
There are many charter boats available throughout the islands, with Honokohau Harbor on the Kona coast being a major hub. Public boat ramps are available at many harbors. Shore anglers can find good fishing for papio and other species from beaches and rocky points. Fish are concentrating along the ledges and around the buoys. Check current Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources regulations, size limits, and seasons before keeping fish, especially for bottom fish.
This Week’s Tip
When trolling for ono, keep your speed up. These fish are fast, and a lure moving at 12 to 15 knots will often trigger a strike when a slower lure won’t.
More Hawaii Resources
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