Kona fishing seasons

Kona Fishing Seasons: The Best Times And Spots To Catch Fish

Discover the ultimate fishing adventure in Kona, Hawaii, where the crystal-clear waters teem with an array of fish species throughout the year. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the bountiful Kona fishing seasons and calendar, providing you with the essential information to plan the perfect angling excursion. By understanding the best times to fish and the most abundant species during each season, you’ll be equipped to make the most of your trip, maximize your chances of success, and create unforgettable memories in this stunning island paradise.

Kona Fishing Seasons

Each season provides opportunities to catch a variety of fish species in Kailua-Kona. In this Hawaiian island paradise, the abundance and availability of fish vary throughout the year, making it essential to understand the seasonal trends to maximize your fishing adventure.

Winter (January – February)

Winter (January – February) is an excellent time for anglers looking to catch Striped Marlin and Mahi Mahi, as both species are in their peak season. Additionally, Spearfish are abundant during these months, with their peak season extending through March. Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo are fair during the winter months, providing anglers with a chance to catch these species as well.

Spring (March – May)

Spring (March – May) continues to provide excellent opportunities to catch Striped Marlin and Mahi Mahi, with their peak season extending into April. Spearfish also remain abundant in the spring, with their peak season ending in April. During this season, the availability of Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna improves, while Wahoo reaches its peak season in May.

Summer (June – August)

Summer (June – August) is the prime season for catching Blue Marlin, with its peak availability lasting from June to September. This is also the best time to catch Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo, as they are in their peak season. Although the availability of Striped Marlin, Spearfish, and Mahi Mahi declines during the summer months, they can still be found in fair quantities.

Fall (September – December)

Fall (September – December) offers good opportunities for catching Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin, while Wahoo remains fairly abundant until October. Mahi Mahi experiences a surge in availability in December, marking the beginning of its peak season. Yellowfin Tuna and Spearfish are fair during the fall months, but anglers can still find them with some effort.

Kona’s fishing seasons provide diverse opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish species. By understanding the seasonal trends, you can plan your fishing trip accordingly and make the most of your time in this beautiful Hawaiian destination.

Kona Fishing Calendar

Fish Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Blue Marlin Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Peak Peak Good Good Fair Fair
Striped Marlin Peak Peak Peak Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Good Good Good
Spearfish Good Peak Peak Peak Good Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Wahoo (Ono) Fair Fair Fair Good Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Fair Fair Fair
Mahi Mahi Peak Peak Peak Peak Good Good Fair Fair Fair Good Good Peak
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Kona, Hawaii, is a renowned fishing destination offering a diverse range of fish species throughout the year. The Kona fishing calendar is categorized into distinct seasons based on the abundance and availability of various fish species. To make the most of your fishing experience in Kona, it is essential to understand the peak season for each fish.

The Blue Marlin, one of the most sought-after game fish, is abundant during the summer months, specifically from June to September. During this period, the Blue Marlin is in its peak season, making it the ideal time for anglers to cast their lines. However, the availability of Blue Marlin is fair throughout the rest of the year, so there is still a chance to catch this magnificent fish during the off-peak months.

Striped Marlin, another popular species among anglers, is in its peak season from January to March. The abundance of Striped Marlin remains good from April to June and October to December, with only a slight dip in availability during the months of July to September. This means that Striped Marlin can be caught almost year-round in Kona, providing ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.

Spearfish, also known as Hebi in Hawaii, is plentiful during the first half of the year. Its peak season spans from February to April, with good availability from January to June. From July to December, the abundance of Spearfish decreases but remains fair, so there is still a chance to hook this agile fish during these months.

Yellowfin Tuna, or Ahi, is a highly prized fish in Kona for its delicious taste and size. The peak season for Yellowfin Tuna falls between June and August, while its availability is good during the month of May and September. The abundance of Yellowfin Tuna is fair during the rest of the year, but it is still possible to catch this fish if you venture into the deeper waters.

Wahoo, locally known as Ono, is another fish species that thrives in Kona’s waters. The peak season for Wahoo is from May to August, with good availability in April and September. Wahoo’s abundance is fair from January to March and October to December, so you may still have a chance to catch this fast swimmer during these months.

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Lastly, Mahi Mahi, a favorite among seafood lovers, is abundant in Kona throughout various parts of the year. The peak season for Mahi Mahi occurs from January to April and again in December. The availability of Mahi Mahi is good from May to June and October to November, with a fair abundance during the months of July to September.

Use this fishing calendar and the peak seasons when you plan your next fishing trip to Hawaii, and you’ll make the most of your angling adventure in this beautiful island paradise.

Top Kailua-Kona Fishing Spots

kailua kona fishing spots

One of the most accessible locations is Kamakahonu Beach in Kailua Bay, situated in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Although this area may not boast the most picturesque corals or landscapes compared to other spots on the island, it is home to a diverse array of fish species. Kamakahonu Beach is also known for its numerous fishing piers, from which most of the island’s fishing boats depart.

A short drive west on Kuakini Highway leads you to the old Kona Airport, which has been transformed into a beach park. This location is teeming with colorful fish, making it an excellent spot for both fishing and snorkeling enthusiasts. The park’s serene atmosphere and proximity to Kailua-Kona make it a popular choice for anglers seeking a peaceful and productive fishing experience.

For those seeking an alternative location, head further south toward Kahaluu-Keauhou, where you’ll find the beautiful Kahaluu Beach Park and Keauhou Bay. These picturesque spots are not only ideal for fishing but also offer the chance to spot a variety of marine life when snorkling, including green turtles, triggerfish, needlefish, and flatfish. These locations provide a more immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the Island of Hawaii while casting your line for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Best time of day to go fishing in Kona

The best time of day to go fishing in Kona is during the early morning hours at dawn or in the evening at dusk, when fish are most active and feeding. During these magical hours, the water comes alive with activity as fish venture closer to the surface in search of prey. This increased movement significantly improves your chances of hooking a prized catch. However, if you are unable to fish during these prime times, you can still find success by paying attention to the changing of the tides. High and low tide transitions create fluctuations in water movement, which can attract fish and increase their feeding activity.

Kailua-Kona Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for a hassle-free fishing experience in Kona, consider booking a fishing charter that departs from Kailua-Kona. Numerous fishing charter tour operators offer trips with varying durations, such as 2-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour excursions, ensuring that you can find the perfect option to fit your schedule. Charters typically set out early in the morning, around 6 AM, and can accommodate up to six passengers. You have the choice of chartering an entire boat for a private group or sharing the cost with others by booking on a per-person basis.

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One of the many advantages of booking a Kona fishing charter is the expertise of the experienced captains and crews. These professionals possess invaluable local knowledge of the area and can take you to the spots where fish are most abundant. They are also well-versed in the most effective fishing techniques, ensuring you have the best possible chance of success. By choosing a fishing charter, you can relax and focus on enjoying your time on the water, while the experts handle the logistics and guide you to the catch of a lifetime.

Book a trip today

Kona on the Island of Hawaii offers a rich and diverse fishing experience throughout the year, with each season presenting unique opportunities to catch an array of fish species. By understanding the Kona fishing seasons and calendar, you can plan your trip accordingly and maximize your chances of success.
With stunning locations and an abundance of marine life, Kona is truly a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. So, don’t hesitate to embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in this beautiful island destination and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Read more

If you’re eager to learn more about fishing in Hawaii, we’ve got you covered. Explore the various fishing seasons and calendars for different islands, such as Honolulu, Big Island, Kauai, and Maui. For those interested in shore fishing, check out this informative guide to help you get started.

Hawaii is also home to an array of marine wildlife, including the majestic humpback whales. Discover the best times for whale watching to witness these awe-inspiring creatures up close.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, consult our Hawaii travel guide for practical tips and advice on what to pack and what to wear for your fishing adventure. And if you’re new to deep-sea fishing, don’t miss our essential tips for beginners to help you make the most of your time on the water.