Best Times & Seasons to Fish Maui, Hawai’i (Complete Guide)
Maui offers some of the best fishing in the world along with some of the best natural scenery. Knowing the best times of the year to head to Maui will greatly improve your fishing success.
The best fishing timeframe for Maui is May through September for marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and skipjack tuna. February through April is the best fishing window for trevally.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Maui |
| Blue Marlin | May through September is the best fishing window for blue marlin. |
| Striped Marlin | January through the end of May is the best fishing window for striped marlin. |
| Sailfish | June & July are really the best months for local sailfish. |
| Mahi Mahi | February through May is the best time to catch Maui dolphin (mahi mahi) |
| Skipjack Tuna | May through September is the best fishing window. |
| Bigeye Tuna | January through May is the best time to fish for bigeye tuna in Hawaii. |
| Yellowfin Tuna | May through September is the best fishing window for yellowfin in Maui. |
| Trevally | February through April is the best fishing window for trevally. |
| Wahoo | The best fishing is May through July for local wahoo. |
Maui impresses with its huge variety of fish species. No matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, you can always visit Maui and get a great fishing experience.
Every fishing trip requires meticulous planning. Anglers usually have a lot of questions when preparing for a Maui fishing trip. Where is the best fishing in Maui?
What fish it’s possible to catch in Maui? What are the best time of the year and the best time of the day to fish in Maui? Read on to get the answers to all these questions!
Best Time to Fish Maui
It’s crucial to fish Maui at the right time. Initially, anglers have to decide how they would like to fish and what species they want to target in the area. After that, you have to pick the best fishing times.
In fact, anglers can enjoy fishing in Maui, Hawai’i all year round. So, there is no bad time to visit the area.
You need to know that the vast majority of fish species are active between March and September. The water is getting warmer and many species actively feed during the summer months.
However, some fish species get active during certain times of the year only. That’s why it’s so important for you to decide what species of fish you would like to target during your Maui trip.
For example, a lot of fishermen choose to target blue marlin as well as striped marlin. If you are interested in catching blue marlin, then go fishing in the summer.
Or, maybe, fishing for striped marlin is more to your liking? In this case, it would be better to visit the area during the spring and fall months.
Winter is usually raining in the Maui area. However, fishing is still possible during this time of the year.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.
Maui Species Breakdown: Best Time
There are many fish species that you can catch in Maui. However, every type of fish is active during certain months of the year. That means that you need to know the peak fishing times for species of fish that you would like to target in the area.
Blue Marlin
Blue marlin is a good fighter. The fish always gives anglers a great fight. So, catching blue marling can be very challenging.
Anglers need to take advantage of offshore fishing to catch blue marlin in the Maui, Hawaii area. The peak fishing season for blue marlin starts in May and lasts till September. It’s best to catch blue marlin either in the morning or in the evening.
Striped marlin
Striped marlin is a beautiful and very strong fish. The fish has blue stripes on its body and high dorsal fin. Catching striped marlin is so exciting. The ideal time to fish for striped marlin is January – May.
Mahi mahi
And of course, you should try to catch mahi mahi during your Maui fishing trip. Mahi mahi is also known as dorado and dolphin fish.
The fish gets active in the spring. The peak fishing time for mahi mahi is February – May. You can fish mahi mahi during the daytime and at night.
Sailfish
Some anglers in Maui choose to target sailfish. Sailfish jumps high and gives an incredible fight once it’s hooked. Anglers should aim to catch sailfish during June and July.
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjack tuna is another good fish that you can catch in Maui. The fishing season for skipjack tuna starts in May and lasts till September.
Trevally
It’s a good idea to fish trevally on the beach or on piers in Maui. Anglers can catch trevally any time of the year, but the peak fishing times are the later winter and the early spring. The fish bite well during this time of the year. Trevally bites well during low light hours.
Bigeye Tuna
During a fishing trip to Maui, anglers also have an opportunity to catch bigeye tuna. The season to catch bigeye tuna in the area is high between January and May. The best time of day to target bigeye tuna is between dusk and dawn.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are often caught during charter boat trips in Maui. This strong fish gives a great fight and provides anglers with a lot of positive emotions.
You should go to Maui to fish for yellowfin tuna in between the late spring and the late summer. Ideally, it’s necessary to target yellowfin tuna between dusk and dawn.
Wahoo
Those anglers, who like trolling, have a chance to catch wahoo in the waters of Maui. Wahoo is the most active between May and July. It would be better to fish for wahoo at first light.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Hawaii
These Hawaii-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Oahu Pelagic Sportfishing | Honolulu, HI |
| Hawaii Ocean Adventure Tours FINNATTIC | Haleiwa, HI |
| Flyer Sportfishing | Haleiwa, HI |
| Sea Verse 3 Fishing Charters | Honolulu, HI |
| Five Star Sportfishing Hawaii | Honolulu, HI |
| Mariah Sportfishing – We Catch More | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Ocean Addict Hawaii | Haleiwa, HI |
| Play N Hooky Sportfishing | Honolulu, HI |
| Go Get ‘Em Sportfishing | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Silky Sportfishing | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Hooked Up Sportfishing | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Fire Hatt Sportfishing Charters | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Ohana Fun Fishing | Honolulu, HI |
For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Bali, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Best Time of Day to Fish Maui
It’s crucial to fish in the Maui area at the right time. When selecting the best time of day, you have to take into account such factors as the time of the year and the fish species that you target. That’s why it’s necessary to determine the optimum tide to fish in the area.
Summers in Maui are hot. So, it would be better to fish in the early mornings during the summer months. Water cools down in the morning during the summer months and this increases the activity of fish.
However, it’s recommended to fish in the afternoon in the spring, fall, and winter. Water is cold in the morning during spring, fall, and winter.
And of course, this has a negative impact on the activity of fish. The water is getting warmer later in the afternoon and fish begin to bite.
Nighttime fishing is good in Maui as well all year round. Some predators choose to rest during the day and hunt at night.
However, nighttime fishing is more difficult compared to daytime fishing. So, beginners find it hard to fish at night.
Maui Fishing & Tidal Impacts
It’s important to note that bite times depend on tides. The tidal movement has an impact on the activity of fish. That’s why you need to get familiar with tide times when planning a fishing trip to Maui.
It makes sense to go fishing when new water floods the reef. The vast majority of fish actively feed when tides are high.
That means that you will find it easy to fish during these times. Also, you should fish at the period of time when water goes out of the reef.
On the other hand, fish have almost no place to feed when tides are low. It’s not a good idea to fish during the low-rising tides. Many fish species are not active at these periods of time.
Storms & Maui Fishing
Anglers need to plan fishing trips with storms in mind. Storms often happen in late November. It’s important to know that storms last several days. And of course, storms are a big problem for anglers in Maui.
It goes without saying that storms affect fishing in Maui. Stormy weather has an impact on the activity of fish. It’s best to go fishing before and after storms.
It’s not a good idea to fish during the storms. The reality is, fishing is uncomfortable and even dangerous during storms.
Usually, fish feel when storms are coming and go in deeper waters. That means that fishing should be avoided during stormy periods.
However, fish actively begins to feed after storms. It’s also important to note that the sea is usually calm in the morning after storms. So, it’s a great time to enjoy boat fishing.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Maui, Hawaii?
Winter fishing is good in Maui. If the weather allows, you can enjoy winter fishing in the area and catch a variety of fish species.
Winter is a great time to target amberjack, striped marlin, snapper, and trevally. It’s recommended to choose the afternoon time for fishing in Maui during the winter months.
Night Fishing in Maui, Hawaii
Anglers have an opportunity to enjoy night fishing in Maui, Hawaii. The chances to catch ulua, marlin, as well as trevally, are high at night. These species of fish are active during daytime and nighttime.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
It’s important to point out that fishing from the shore is very popular in the Maui area. Many anglers prefer to fish this way. Shore fishing provides anglers with a fantastic experience.
Among fish species that anglers can catch from the shore are bluefin trevally, bonefish, triggerfish, and others. Anglers can enjoy shore/surf fishing any time of the year.
Top Fishing Spots in Maui
As you can see, there are many species of fish that anglers can catch in Maui. However, you need to know where to target your favorite fish species in the area. Now, we’ll provide you with information on the top fishing spots in Maui, Hawaii.
Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is a beach park in the Maui, Hawaii area. The park impresses visitors with beautiful views. Here, anglers can enjoy fishing whenever they want. Fishing around Baldwin Beach Park is very productive.
Here, you can book a fishing charter or enjoy surf fishing. Among fish species that you can catch in the park are bluefin trevally, crevalle jack, many bar goatfish, and other species of fish. The fishing season starts in March and lasts till October.
Kamaole Park
Kamaole Park is a very popular place among anglers, who prefer to target predatory fish species. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the park all year round.
It’s recommended to fish in Kamaole Park during incoming tides. It’s not a good idea to fish near the park in the afternoon during the hot summer months.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to fish near Kamaole Park. Here, anglers target bonefish, goatfish, ladyfish, snapper, trevally, and other fish species. Oftentimes, fishermen catch sharks in this place. Here, you can also fish for ulua at night.
Kahului Harbor
Kahului Harbor is another popular place to go fishing in Maui, Hawaii. This harbor is well-known for its comfortable sand beaches and beautiful waterfall. But most importantly, Kahului Harbor provides anglers with amazing fishing opportunities.
During a boat fishing trip in Kahului Harbor, you’ll have a good chance to catch such species of fish like bonefish, jack crevalle, marlin, and tuna.
However, anglers always have to follow the local rules and regulations when fishing. Here, you can enjoy fishing any time of the year, but the best time to fish in Kahului Harbor is May – October.
Black Rock
Black Rock is a fishing spot that attracts so many anglers in the Maui area. Black Rock is located on Kaanapali Beach. The area impresses with the widest variety of fish.
Such fish species as butterflyfish, perch, jacks, mackerel, triggerfish, and snapper can be found in the waters near Black Rock. It’s the place where you can enjoy fishing any time of the year.
Lahaina
Lahaina allows anglers to enjoy beautiful views and get memorable fishing experiences. There are many ways to fish in this place. You can fish from shore or take a fishing boat.
The location provides anglers with an abundance of fish. Here, you can target bluefin trevally, crevalle jack, mahi mahi, stocky hawkfish, and wahoo. Anglers get the best results during the summer months.
Booking Charters in Maui (Best Times)
A lot of fishing tours and fishing charters are available for anglers in the Maui area. If you book a fishing boat, you’ll have a Maui trip with a guide.
The local fishing expert will show you the best fishing spots in Maui’s waters and help you master the Hawaiian fishing techniques quickly and successfully.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Kauai, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Honolulu, please check out this helpful article.
Booking Charters near Maui
Long Island charter fishing provides anglers with a fantastic experience. During your trip, you’ll manage to explore the top fishing spots and fish with an experienced guide.
Best season to go
It’s possible to enjoy fishing in the area during the summer, fall, spring, and winter seasons. Maui fishing seasons depend a lot on the species of fish that you are going to target. So, it’s up to you when to fish in Maui.
Summer is a great time of the year to target such fish species as blue marlin and yellowfin tuna.
Do you like to catch mahi mahi? If so, go fishing during the fall. The first part of the fall in Maui is known for its summer-like weather. That’s why fishing opportunities are still great during the fall months.
Fishing opportunities in the winter are excellent. Among the species of fish that you can catch during the winter months are bigeye tuna, mahi mahi, marlin, and other species.
It also makes a lot of sense to fish Maui in the spring. Nature wakes up when spring comes. So, everything is green.
If you come to the area between April and May, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful natural views and catch such fish species as blue marlin, striped marlin, and mahi mahi.
Morning vs. afternoon
Morning is the best time of the day to go fishing in Maui, Hawaii. Waters are calm in the sea and the weather is not hot in the mornings. So, the ideal conditions for a boat fishing trip are created. Let’s say that you would like to target bigeye tuna. If this is the case, you should go fishing early in the morning. Bigeye tuna and many other species actively feed in the morning.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
There are different types of boat trips available for anglers in Maui. You can book half-day, full-day, and multi-day charters. It all depends on how much time you want to spend on fishing.
Let’s say that you want to fish either in the morning or in the evening. If so, you should book a half-day fishing trip. Or, maybe, you would like to spend the entire day on fishing in the area? In this case, a full-day fishing trip is worth considering. Multi-day charters are recommended to those anglers, who are interested in long-time fishing trips. Such trips allow anglers to make experiments and master fishing techniques.
Full-day and multi-day charters give anglers more fishing time. On the other hand, such fishing trips are more expensive.
For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Kona, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Waikiki, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Hawaii, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
