Hawaii · Oahu
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN HONOLULU
Honolulu is an outstanding destination for blue marlin fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in February, March, April. Book a charter and target blue marlin with local experts.
About Blue Marlin Fishing in Honolulu
The ultimate big game fish. Spectacular fighters that can exceed 1,000 pounds.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate big game fish — the apex predator of the open ocean. These magnificent billfish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are found in warm, blue water worldwide. Their cobalt-blue back, silver-white belly, and prominent bill (upper jaw extension used for slashing through bait schools) make them unmistakable. When hooked, blue marlin are spectacularly acrobatic — greyhounding across the surface and launching themselves fully airborne, sometimes multiple times. Catching a blue marlin on rod and reel is considered one of fishing's ultimate achievements.
Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Blue Marlin Seasonal Calendar — Honolulu
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in Honolulu, HI.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in Honolulu
Techniques & Bait
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
Recommended Tackle
80-130 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 80-130 lb monofilament, heavy cable leaders, size 10/0-12/0 hooks. Stand-up gear for experienced anglers. Fighting chair for fish over 500 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Honolulu
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
Penguin Banks
Penguin Banks is a shallow underwater plateau between Oahu and Molokai where yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, and ono concentrate over the broad, productive structure. The bank's relatively shallow depth in mid-channel creates upwelling that attracts baitfish and pelagic predators.
Molokai Channel
The Molokai Channel between Oahu and Molokai is a deep-water passage where blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and ono patrol the current-rich deep water. Charter boats from Honolulu cross the channel for quality big-game fishing in the island waters.
Kaena Point Offshore
The deep water off Kaena Point on Oahu's western tip holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi along current edges and temperature breaks. The point's exposed position in the open Pacific concentrates pelagic species along its offshore ledges.
South Shore Deep
The deep water south of Oahu holds blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna in the open Pacific. Honolulu charter boats troll south into the deep blue water for big-game species that inhabit the warm, clear offshore waters year-round.
Other Species in Honolulu
More fish you can target while visiting Honolulu.
Blue Marlin Fishing in Honolulu — FAQ
The peak months for Blue Marlin fishing in Honolulu are May, June, July, August. During these months, Blue Marlin are most active and abundant in the Honolulu area.
Blue Marlin fishing charters in Honolulu are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
No — when you book a charter in Honolulu, your captain provides all required Hawaii fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Blue Marlin regulations in Hawaii include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Blue Marlin in Honolulu, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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