May 2026 — Hawaii: Mahi Peak, First Blue Marlin Scouts, Ahi Consistent. May is a late spring month with water in the 75-79°F range — mahi peak window; first blue marlin scouts; ahi. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — May 2026
Primary targets this month: Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Shortbill Spearfish.
Mahi
Peak mahi season on year-round on all islands with summer peak — weed lines and floating debris. Look for weed lines, color changes, floating debris, and frigatebirds. Trolled ballyhoo with skirts (blue/white, pink/white), or live pilchards pitched to schools. Bull and cow pairs in spring; schoolies (3-12 lb) summer.
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.
Blue Marlin
Pacific blue marlin on Kona (Big Island — the blue marlin capital of the world, world records routinely set), the Penguin Banks off Molokai/Oahu, Maui, and Kauai — fish 300-1,000+ lbs routine. The Kona/Hawaii blue marlin fishery is world-class — 300-1,000+ lb fish routine. Trolled lures (Black Bart, Joe Yee, Mold Craft) and rigged ballyhoo at 7-9 knots. 50-130 lb stand-up tackle; heavy boat rigs for trophy fish.
Shortbill Spearfish
Shortbill spearfish on Kona — the only place in the world this species is a target fishery; January-May peak. Kona is the world’s top destination for this species — peak January-May. Trolled small lures and rigged ballyhoo at 5-7 knots. Lighter tackle (30-50 lb) than blue marlin; release encouraged.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 75-79°F. Mahi peak window; first blue marlin scouts; ahi. 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
May Outlook
Late spring — tarpon arriving, snook moving, summer pelagic season building offshore.
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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