December 2025 — Hawaii: Wahoo (Ono) Peak, Trophy Ahi, Winter Marlin. December is a early winter month with water in the 74-78°F range — ono arriving; striped marlin; trophy ahi season. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — December 2025
Primary targets this month: Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, Mahi.
Wahoo
Wahoo on PEAK WINTER (December-April) — Kona, Penguin Banks, the offshore current edges; trolling at 8-12 knots. High-speed troll (12-15 knots) with heavy lures (Marauders, Yo-Zuri Bonita), or live bait at slower speeds. Wire leader essential — 80-130 lb single-strand or coated.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna on Kona, Penguin Banks, the offshore current edges around all islands — ahi 100-300 lbs routine; trophy fish over 300 possible. Chunking (cut sardine, butterfish) at anchor, live bait drifting, or trolled feathers and cedar plugs. Heavy stand-up tackle (50-80 lb class) for the bigger grades.
Striped Marlin
Striped marlin on Kona in winter (December-April), Molokai, Oahu — smaller billfish, peak winter. Smaller than blue marlin (100-300 lbs typical). Trolled lures and rigged ballyhoo; live bait when fish are concentrated. Peak Hawaiian winter season.
Mahi
Mahi around year-round on all islands with summer peak — weed lines and floating debris. Trolled ballyhoo and skirted lures; pitch live bait to anything floating.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 74-78°F. Ono arriving; striped marlin; trophy ahi season. Hawaii tides are minimal (1-2 ft typical) — fishing is driven by current direction, moon phase, and water temperature rather than tides. Offshore, watch for current breaks and temperature edges visible on satellite (Hilton’s, RipCharts). Reef fishing is best on the moving water around tide changes.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
December Outlook
Winter patterns establishing — sheepshead, tautog, cold-water specialists take over.
Regulations Reminder
Tuna: NOAA HMS permit required. Strict size and bag limits — verify current NOAA rules. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Charter Desk at Honokohau Harbor (Kona); Pacific Fishing Supply (Honolulu); J. Hara Store (Big Island); West Side Bait & Tackle (Oahu); Maui Sporting Goods.
Public Boat Ramps: Honokohau Harbor (Kona — main billfish port), Kewalo Basin (Honolulu), Maalaea Harbor (Maui), Manele Bay (Lanai), Nawiliwili (Kauai), Kaunakakai (Molokai).
Charter Fishing: $1,200–$2,500 Kona billfish; $1,800–$3,500 trophy hunts (Pacific Blue Marlin); $250–$400 per person walk-on; $600–$1,200 inshore/reef trips; $1,500+ multi-day open boat.
More Hawaii Resources
Hawaii Fishing Guide · Hawaii Seasonal Calendar · All Hawaii reports →
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Where to focus this month
The leeward Kona coast is the engine of Hawaii’s winter bluewater fishery, and December is when it earns its reputation. The deep water sits close to shore, so the run to productive ground is short, and the offshore weather buoys (FADs) hold yellowfin and mahi that can save a slow trolling day. Penguin Banks off Molokai is the other classic winter zone, and the leeward sides of Oahu and the Big Island both produce when the trade winds back off. Work the current edges, temperature breaks, and any floating debris or bird activity you can find.
Conditions and timing
Winter brings the big northwest swells to the exposed shores, so the leeward, sheltered water is where the charter fleet concentrates. Pick the lighter-wind mornings for the smoothest ride and the best lure presentation at speed. The wahoo bite is often best in the first hours of light and around the tide and current changes, while ahi chunking at anchor on the banks rewards patience through the day.
The month ahead
December sits squarely in the peak winter window that runs into spring, and the pattern only strengthens from here. Striped marlin numbers build through January and February, the wahoo stay thick, and the trophy-ahi chance remains. If you have not booked a winter Kona trip, this is the season to do it. As always with Hawaii’s pelagics, deep-drop bottomfishing for onaga and opakapaka is a productive backup when the surface bite is slow.