Great fishing and beautiful views go hand in hand in Hawaii, and Maui is no exception. With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the second-largest island in the state offers countless angling opportunities. And deep sea fishing on Maui is the most popular way to experience this thrill.
If you’re planning a visit, you must get in on the action! And here’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll cover the best spots, top targets, essential techniques, and crucial regulations for deep sea fishing on and around Maui. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to experience the thrill of the open ocean, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in!
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Top Deep Sea Fishing Catches on Maui
First things first, you want to know what you’re going to catch. Maui’s waters are packed with some of the most prized game fish around. Here are the top species you can expect to encounter on your fishing trip, in no particular order:
Mahi Mahi
We have to start with a fish whose popular name comes from a native Hawaiian language. Mahi Mahi are, unsurprisingly, among the most abundant and sought-after game fish on Maui. Weighing between 10 and 60 pounds, they swim these waters in great numbers from May to September, but you can actually catch them year-round.
Their name means “strong” in Hawaiian, and these fish certainly live up to their moniker, putting on an impressive aerial show when hooked. They often travel in schools and congregate around floating debris and FADs. The best way to catch one is by trolling with live bait, such as opelu, or using artificial lures. When you find a school of Mahi, it’s not uncommon to catch as many as 30 in a matter of hours!
Wahoo
Wahoo, known locally as Ono, are another prized catch on Maui due to their speed and strength. The name “Ono” means “delicious” in Hawaiian, reflecting the high regard for their firm, white meat. Averaging between 15 and 60 pounds, these streamlined fish are incredibly fast, capable of swimming up to 50 miles per hour.
They’re known for their lightning-fast strikes, hitting both lures and bait with impressive speed. Catching Wahoo involves trolling with live bait, dead bait, or lures. They bite best in shallower waters compared to other Maui game fish, and they peak from April through October. Ono are aggressive feeders, racing up to their prey and slicing through it with their razor-sharp teeth, so you’d better bring some sturdy gear along with your A-game!
Marlin
Pacific Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin are two of the most exciting catches you can aim for when deep sea fishing anywhere in the world. And few places are better for it than Maui. While Blue Marlin reaching almost 2,000 pounds have been caught in Hawaiian waters, your catch is likely to range between 80 and 300 pounds. That being said, these fish are elusive, and even the most skilled captains might only catch 50–75 a year, so you’ll need to be extremely lucky to land one.
The best months for Blue Marlin fishing on Maui are June, July, and August. In contrast, the smaller Striped Marlin are most commonly found from December to May. Both species are incredibly acrobatic and can provide thrilling hookups when trolling. Stripers are known to school, and you may see a number of them strike all the lures in the water simultaneously, making for an exhilarating fishing experience!
Tuna
Wherever there are Tuna, there are great fishing tales. As Maui’s waters are home to several species of these fish, there’s plenty to talk about. Yellowfin (Ahi) are particularly prized here, weighing between 30 and 300 pounds. They provide year-round fun, although the bigger specimens are more common in summer.
Skipjack (Aku) are smaller than Ahi but still provide a good fight. These Tuna are especially appealing to those who enjoy the taste of Mackerel, but they’re significantly more difficult to land due to the soft tissues around their jaws. Both Ahi and Aku are integral to Maui’s fishing scene, and they both patrol the waters in schools. Try trolling with lures or live bait, and there’s a good chance you’ll be heading back to shore with something big and delicious!
Spearfish
Known locally as Hebi, the Pacific Short-nosed Spearfish is a smaller yet just-as-aggressive member of the Billfish family. These fish typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and are present year-round, peaking from June to October. They’re a lot less elusive than their cousins, Marlin, making them all the more fun to catch on Maui.
As with all of the fish we’ve mentioned, you’ll want to try trolling and live baiting for Spearfish. That being said, their size and behavior also make them suitable targets for light tackle and fly fishing. The ability to catch Hebi on lighter gear adds an extra layer of excitement to fishing trips, as these fish are known for their spirited fights. Whatever technique you end up using, targeting Spearfish on Maui is well worth it.
Maui Deep Sea Fishing Techniques
We mentioned a few effective techniques already, but how do they work? Let’s break down the strategies that will make your Maui deep sea fishing adventure unforgettable.
Maui Trolling
On Maui, sportfishing is often a synonym for deep sea fishing, big game fishing, and trolling. This involves dragging artificial lures behind a boat on the water’s surface while cruising at 8 to 10 knots. This speed attracts fast-moving pelagic species like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Ahi, and Marlin. Some boats also use live bait, caught on the way out, along with dead and strip bait.
Trolling speeds and techniques vary with the weather, sea conditions, and bait. But rods will always be placed in holders, with lines kept apart by outriggers to avoid tangling. You’ll troll on the way out and slow down for repeated passes once you find your desired spot. If your captain spots bird piles, feeding dolphins, or floating debris, they’ll work those areas first. Some captains switch to live bait at prime spots, but not all boats use it regularly.
Maui Bottom Fishing
If you’re after something more intense, deep water bottom fishing might be for you. This method involves anchoring in 500–900 feet of water and using hydraulic or large electric pullers instead of rods and reels. These trips can last multiple days, targeting deep water Snapper like Onaga (Red) and Opakapaka (Pink), as well as Hapu’upu’u (Hawaiian Grouper). This is a commercial fishing technique that isn’t typically available to vacationers, but it’s fascinating to learn about.
Fish caught through regular bottom fishing are generally small, usually weighing between 1 and 5 pounds. However, there’s always the chance of hooking into something larger in the deeper waters—it’s the unpredictability that adds to the excitement! While no fishing method guarantees a catch, bottom fishing offers some of the best odds, especially when the waters are calm.
Maui FAD Fishing
Fishing Aggregation Devices (FADs) are a game-changer for anglers looking to hook into some of Maui’s most exciting pelagic species. Pelagic fish naturally hang around floating objects like logs, nets, and debris. Taking advantage of this behavior, the state of Hawaii has anchored buoys and platforms in the open ocean to create stationary FADs, drawing in species like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Ono, and Billfish.
Fishing near FADs can be a real adventure. Buoys are often situated far from harbors in areas that experience rougher sea conditions. Anglers willing to brave early departure times and choppy waters could be rewarded with the fishing trip of a lifetime! Only a handful of Maui fishing charters offer this kind of FAD fishing adventure, making it a unique experience for those who seek it.
Maui Deep Sea Fishing Seasons
There’s no strict fishing season on Maui, as the fishing is productive year-round. The “golden zone,” however, is May and June when most big game fish peak.
Winter offers a mix of good fishing, especially compared to the US mainland. Bigeye Tuna are in season and typically bite in the buoys at first light, Mahi Mahi fishing is consistent, while Striped Marlin show up in January. Spring still isn’t the peak time but many game fish reach good numbers. May is particularly productive, with Mahi Mahi, Ono, and Striped Marlin becoming more common. Shortbilled Spearfish also appear more frequently at this time of year.
Summer offers the best chance for the largest game fish. Blue Marlin over 500 pounds and Ahi over 100 pounds are most common in summer, while the Ono bites are good in June and early July. Wrapping up the year, and the fishing remains hot. Fall sees larger Blue Marlin start to taper off, but big ones can still be caught in September. Smaller Yellowfin and Aku are also around, while Mahi Mahi are still as popular as ever.
Maui Deep Sea Fishing Spots
So you’re almost an expert in deep sea fishing on Maui—in theory, anyway. But we haven’t let you in on the top secrets yet! Unsurprisingly, Maui has plenty of great fishing spots, but west and south Maui are top picks due to their better weather conditions and local angling traditions. While the north shore is famous for windsurfing, its strong winds make fishing challenging.
Most charters set out from Mā’alaea Harbor, just a short drive from Kīhei and Wailea, or from Lahaina Harbor, near the Kāʻanapali and Kapalua resorts. In fact, you can start fishing in just 10–15 minutes if you head out of Lahaina! But don’t forget the FADs. These spots can take some time to reach, so longer trips usually offer better chances of hooking something big.
Anyway, let’s talk about the island’s top spots in more details:
West Maui
West Maui is where the action is for anglers looking to reel in big game. This area is famous for its calmer waters and short rides to prime fishing spots, thanks to its unique underwater topography, including drop-offs and reefs. Here are some of the best spots to start your deep sea adventure:
- Lāhainā. Departing from the harbor, you’ll quickly reach various fishing spots known for Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. These waters are ideal for both casual and competitive anglers.
- Kā’anapali. Known for its clear waters and excellent bite, Kaanapali is great for both shore and deep sea fishing. It’s easily accessible from Lahaina Harbor and offers excellent opportunities for catching a variety of fish species. The area around Black Rock is particularly popular for its diverse underwater ecosystem.
- Olowalu. Located a bit further south, Olowalu is renowned for its coral reefs. This spot is ideal for those looking to target a mix of reef fish and pelagic species.
South Maui
Head south if you’re looking for convenience. The waters around South Maui are typically calmer, so you can try your hand at anything from trolling to bottom fishing. Here, you can combine a day at the beach with an angling adventure!
- Mā’alaea. This harbor is a prime departure point for fishing charters heading south or north. It offers easy access to deep waters, where big game trophies are ready to test your skills.
- Kīhei. With its proximity to Mā’alaea Harbor, Kīhei is convenient for anglers. It offers a mix of shore fishing spots and access to deeper waters.
- Wailea. While this town is known for its luxury resorts, charters from Mā’alaea often head this way, targeting big game fish in the deeper waters off the coast.
East Maui
East Maui is more remote, with communities like Hana where fishing is often for sustenance rather than sport. The locals rely on these waters for their daily needs, so it’s crucial to show respect by asking for permission and adhering to local customs and regulations. This area offers a unique and authentic fishing experience, different from the more touristy spots on the island.
Maui Deep Sea Fishing: Embrace the Aloha Spirit
Imagine being out on the vast blue sea, when suddenly, a trophy fish breaks the surface. With your rod and reel in hand, you’re set for the adventure of a lifetime. You can fish the FADs off Lanai, Marlin Alley along the south shore, Kuia Shoals on Kahoolawe, or Molokai’s north shore. Whatever you choose, deep sea fishing on Maui is an unforgettable experience. Book a charter and see it yourself!