Best Times & Seasons to Fish Waikiki, Hawai’i

Waikiki offers one of the best fishing destinations in Hawai’i. It provides one of the best fishing sceneries to both residents and people coming for vacation. Waikiki is the kind of place you want to visit during your holidays and explore your fishing adventures.

The best time to fish in Waikiki is during the summer and early fall months when prime fish like marlin, mahi mahi, bigeye tuna, and wahoo are most prevalent and are easiest to target from the port. Wintertime can also be good as charters may be easier to book.

Fish SpeciesBest Times to Fish in Waikiki
Blue MarlinThe best time is June through early September.
Bigeye TunaThe best season is October through April.
Mahi MahiApril through September are usually the best fishing months.
WahooWinter is the best season but August & September can be good too.
TrevallyJuly through the end of August is best.

Fishing in Waikiki can be one of the activities you want to take part in during your vacations. Waikiki provides the features, amenities, and climatic conditions that aid successful fishing. If you are someone that loves fishing, Waikiki might be the best place for your vacation.

Waikiki fishing for spearfish
(Image courtesy of Pacific Sportfishing LLC (Honolulu) & Fishing Booker)

Best Times to Fish Waikiki

The waters and shores of Waikiki are a sight to behold, especially when you set out on an early morning fishing adventure. Successful fishing, especially in Waikiki, requires more than your passion and drive. It requires something more important; the best time to fish in Waikiki.

The best time to fish in Waikiki always falls between the summer months into those of the fall. The month of successful fishing falls between July and November. These are the best times you can harness the best fishing in Waikiki, either as a resident or someone who came for a fishing vacation.

The type of fish you target also determines the best time to go fishing in the waters of Waikiki. If you intend to go for the yellow tuna fish or the blue marlin, the best time to visit the waters is from July to August. If your target is the billfish, then you should go fishing from September to November.

This, however, does not mean you will not be successful with your fishing during other times. It only means you have a higher chance of hitting higher fishing chance during these times. Enjoy your fishing adventures to the fullest in Waikiki.

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.

Waikiki Species Breakdown: Best Time

The tropical waters of Waikiki serve as a habitat or home for a large variety of fish species. These species have distinguishable characteristics in terms of physical appearance, behavior, and lots more. Some fish come as the business, while some come as the tastiest.

Even with this, Waikiki provides you with a long list of fish species that suits your fishing desire. Here is a breakdown of the fish species in Waikiki. Let’s check them out;

Blue Marlin

The blue marlin is one of the common sport fish you will find in Waikiki. The best season for fishing the blue marlin is the summer. And this falls between June and August. You can also fish for the blue beauty during September to December or January to May, autumn, and winter, respectively. But fishing during these times does not provide much yield.

It is best to go marlin fishing at dawn or dusk. These times of the day are the best and provide the most successful fishing activity. The tidal and weather movements also tend to be favorable at these times.

When fishing for blue marlins in Miami, you should focus on the humps and canyons in the gulf stream. They can provide you with the best marlin fishing result.

Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)

Mahi mahi are a common type of fish you will find in the waters of Waikiki. Dolphins are a good choice of fish to exercise your fishing skills on in Waikiki.

The best seasons to fish dolphins are the summer and spring months. The seasons last from April to September. You are sure to make a great catch of dolphins during these seasons, especially during summertime when you have the greatest luck. 

The best time to go fishing for dolphins is in the morning or noon. These are some of the times when you can get calm water. You also need to move away from a crowded place to ensure more fishing success.

When going dolphin fishing in Miami, you should go farther into the gulf stream. You can also find dolphins swimming at the surface in areas with seaweed or other types of flotsam. Choose the right location for your dolphin fishing to ensure a greater deal of success.

Wahoo (Ono)

The Wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the ocean reaching up to 60mph. Its attractive appearance graces the waters of Waikiki, and its flaky meat satisfies many. They grow fast to reach a large weight of about 100 lbs.

The best time to set out fishing in Wahoo is during the winter. You can go fishing for Wahoo from October to February. You can also harness excellent fishing during the summer months of August and September.

The best time to target your Wahoo is the early morning or late evening hours. You can also look for falling tides or a full moon to have the best chance at fishing wahoo. Give yourself a higher chance of catching Wahoo by fishing at the best time of the day.

Going fishing in Miami requires you to know the best location. To get the best out of your Miami fishing adventure, you will need to move farther into the gulf stream.

Bigeye Tuna

The big eye tuna is one of the biggest games in Waikiki and Hawai’i as a whole. It is a fast-swimming migratory fish found in the Waikiki waters. Many people love the meat of the big eye tuna, which includes commercial charters and more.

Fishing for the bigeye tuna can be a bit difficult, but it is always full of fun. The best season to go fishing is during winter, which falls between October and April. You can harvest many bigeye tuna if you know the best season to set out for them.

One of the best times to set out for bigeye tuna fishing is early in the morning. You can also go out fishing for the tunas in the afternoon. The circling of birds can be a huge indication of bigeye tuna feeding and a good shot for you.

It is quite easy to find the bigeye tuna in Miami. Like every other fish species, you will find the bigeye tuna in the gulf. You will have your best catch near the loop current’s edge in the gulf stream.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Kauai, please check out this helpful article.

Trevally

The trevally is one of the large marine fish you will find in Waikiki. It is a good eating fish as it provides highly nutritional meat. It is also a good choice for other commercial purposes.

The summertime is the best season to set out for trevally fishing. The fishing season runs through July down to august. You can also go out for trevally fishing during other seasons, but you might not harvest as much as you want.

The best time to fish for trevally is during the start of the run-in or run-out tide. This occurs mostly early in the morning and late in the evening. Fishing during this time ensures a higher chance of harvesting more trevally.

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 ChartersLocation
Oahu Pelagic SportfishingHonolulu, HI
Hawaii Ocean Adventure Tours FINNATTICHaleiwa, HI
Flyer SportfishingHaleiwa, HI
Sea Verse 3 Fishing ChartersHonolulu, HI
Five Star Sportfishing HawaiiHonolulu, HI
Mariah Sportfishing – We Catch MoreKailua-Kona, HI
Ocean Addict HawaiiHaleiwa, HI
Play N Hooky SportfishingHonolulu, HI
Go Get ‘Em SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
Silky SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
Hooked Up SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
Fire Hatt Sportfishing ChartersKailua-Kona, HI
Ohana Fun FishingHonolulu, HI

Top 5 Fishing Spots in Waikiki: Best Times

There are several fishing spots in Waikiki. Let’s check out some of them;

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki beach is one of the most popular fishing spots in Waikiki, Hawai’i. The fishing spot is opened to all anglers, provided they meet the requirements of the management. The management area is also open to fishing but only during even-numbered years and closed during odd-number years. It is a good site for fishing for every enthusiast.

Bamboo Ridge

The bamboo ridge is also a popular fishing site in Waikiki, Hawai’i. The beach provides anglers with the resources needed for fishing, including the fish. It is not advisable for newbies to go fishing alone, so you should ensure you go with someone with enough experience.

mahi fishing in Hawaii
(Image courtesy of Hooked Up Sportfishing (Kailua-Kona) & Fishing Booker)

Ewa Beach Park

This is also a fishing spot you will find in Waikiki. It provides the needed fishing features for outdoorsmen and fishermen for the best fishing experience. You also get to enjoy one of the best sceneries and landscapes. It is one of the best places to visit to harness the best fishing activities or experiences.

Laie Point

One of the pros or USP of the Laie Point state wayside is it’s picturesque with scenic views of the oceans. It also includes the magnificent appearance of other natural structures that includes a unique sea arch. Aside from providing a perfect spot for fishing, it also provides a refreshing and soothing effect. It is one of the best spots you can choose for your fishing activities.

Pokai Bay

The Pokai bay is a good choice of fishing spot in Waikiki. You get to enjoy the beauty of the beach as well as those of the sea. You can also enjoy your fishing activities in peace without any issue and ensure a bounty harvest. You can also choose to refresh yourself at the poker bay. Enjoy your fishing adventure in Waikiki with these magnificent features.

Best Time of the Day to Fish Waikiki

Successful fishing in Waikiki might require you to consider certain factors. And one of the most important factors to consider is the best time to fish. The best time to fish in Waikiki is early in the morning. You can also go out to fish late in the evening. These two periods are when the fishes are active, making them vulnerable to your fishing skills.

Waikiki Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Another factor that affects fishing in Waikiki is the tidal impacts or tide movements. Although Waikiki is not much affected by tides, you still need to put into consideration the movements.

You should always look out for incoming or rising tides when you are fishing in Waikiki. It is not best to go for high tides nor low tides. Instead, you should go for the middle periods and make your fishing impact. You can also put your luck to the test at the start of the run-in or run-out tide.

Storms & Waikiki Fishing

The tropical system is not a very good condition for fishing in Waikiki. It causes the mix-up of water columns, destroys coral reefs, increases pollution, redistributes bottom sediments, and lots more. All of these are not quite favorable for fish and fishing as a whole.

A rainstorm, on the other hand, is not as negative as a tropical rainstorm. It generally reduces the activity of the fish. It causes the water to undergo several physical alterations, which might be slightly harmful to your fish.

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Waikiki?

Although it is neither good nor bad to fish in the winter, it is not effective to fish in the winter season in Waikiki. The best season to fish in Waikiki is the summertime. It falls between July and August. You can also fish in the early autumn season, but with a reduced success rate and a more reduced success rate with them.

Night Fishing in Waikiki

Night fishing is also common in Waikiki. There are certain species of fish targeted during night fishing. It is quite difficult to come across these fish during the day. Night fishing in Waikiki can be stressful, tiring, and time-consuming, but it is always worth it in the end.

Night fishing also follows the condition of seasons. The best season for night fishing is the summertime. Autumn is also a good night fishing season but with a reduced success rate. Fishing at night during the winter season might come out worst and yield no result.

Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons

Surf fishing is also a common practice in Waikiki. It includes fishers standing at the shore or wading into the surf while catching fish. It is a common fishing practice that has yielded several successful results.

The best time for shore/surf fishing is the summertime. The summertime provides the necessary tidal movement and other necessaries for the success of the fishing activities. You can harvest as many fish as you want through surf fishing, provided you choose the best season.

Enjoy your fishing adventure in Waikiki by utilizing the best fishing season to the fullest. Give yourself a bounty harvest as a reward for your hard work.

Booking Charters in Waikiki

Getting to Waikiki for your fishing adventures might not be very easy, especially for non-residents. You might need to book charters for your adventure in Waikiki. Book your charter and set out on your trip to Waikiki to enjoy your fishing activities.

Best Seasons

You have to know the best time or season to visit some certain places. If you intend to fully enjoy your visit to Waikiki, you have to know the best time to book a charter to the location. Booking your charter at the right time will ensure you enjoy your stay in Waikiki.

The best season or time to book a charter to Waikiki is between mid-April to July or between September to mid-December. You get to see a lot of attractions during these times. You also get to find things at their fairly cheap rates.

The busiest season in Waikiki falls between mid-December and March. The beginning of the busiest season is a bit constant, but the ending date changes depending on Easter break. Visit Waikiki for your fishing activities and enjoy the best out of it.

Morning vs. Afternoon

It is best to go for a morning charter due to many reasons. It will ensure you get to your destination as soon as you can. It will also help eliminate heat and also maintain a refreshed state throughout the journey.

For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Maui, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Kailua-Kona, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Hawai’i, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Honolulu, please check out this helpful article.

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