December 1, 2022

Is There Good Fishing on Maui?

Yes, Maui has excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. Offshore anglers consider Hawaii’s second-largest island a world-class fishing destination for good reason. Prized gamefish like striped marlin, mahi mahi, and skipjack tuna can be boated any month of the year, though some seasons are more rewarding than others.

You do not need a license for recreational fishing on Maui, and local charter companies can provide a fantastic day on the water. If you’ve ever wanted to try spear fishing, there are knowledgeable guides for that, too. In addition to hunting for a tasty meal of snapper or grouper, you’ll be taught how to identify and spear invasive species that are threatening the island’s delicate reef ecosystem.

Whether bottom fishing, shore casting, or trolling the deep ocean waters, there is a huge variety of species to be had.

Maui Fish Species

The majority of ocean gamefish around Maui are most active between March and September, when you are likely to reel in:

Pacific blue marlin
Short billed marlin
Striped marlin
Yellowfin tuna
Skipjack tuna
Bigeye tuna
Mahi Mahi
Trevally
Hawaiian salmon
Wahoo

Anglers who prefer inshore fishing or shore casting can cast a line for blue-striped snapper, Barracuda, wrasses, grouper, triggerfish, bonefish, and Amberjack.

Prime Maui Fishing Locations

Local fishing guides and charter captains know all the great spots for bagging the big ones. Here are some popular fishing spots on both sides of the island.

Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful and productive fishing spot for anglers of all levels. This beach park is ideal for surf fishing, but offshore charters are also available. The peak fishing season here runs from March through October.
Lahaina is a picturesque historic town in West Maui where you can shore cast, enjoy bottom fishing, or troll for Bluefin trevally, Manybar goatfish, and Crevalle jack, among other species. Most sportfishing charters depart from Lahaina Harbor.
Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach impresses with a massive variety of marine species, including perch, mackerel, snapper, triggerfish, and jacks.
Kamaole Park is popular with fishermen year-round, especially during incoming tides. Early morning and later afternoon are the best times to target ladyfish, bonefish, snapper, goatfish, and trevally.
Ma’alaea Harbor is a good fishing spot for anglers who are based in Wailea, Kihei, Makena, or Paia.Bottom fishing charters go for Yellow Spot Trevally, Amberjack, and Hawaiian Bigeye.

Protected Vision & Less Glare = Stellar Fishing

If fishing is among your favorite pastimes, protective eyewear is a must. Polarized sunglasses block glare and reflecting light, letting you see into the water with high-contrast detail. UV protection is key, especially when you are casting a line in the shimmering Pacific waters. Featuring patented PolarizedPlus2® lenses, fishing sunglasses from Maui Jim block harmful UVA and UVB rays, and protect your eyes during those challenging days on the water. Lightweight, waterproof, and impact-resistant, our sunglasses are perfect for both offshore and freshwater fishing. Need sunglasses perfect for offshore, try a Maui Jim style with Super Thin Glass lenses. Super Thin Glass is exceptionally scratch resistant and can hold up to the rigors of salt water. Looking for a freshwater style? Maui Jim offers multiple wrap around styles to keep stray light at bay and your vision comfortable all day.