Hawaii · Oahu
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN HONOLULU
Honolulu is an outstanding destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with peak season in May, June, July and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Honolulu
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Honolulu
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Honolulu, HI.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Honolulu
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Honolulu
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Honolulu — FAQ
The peak months for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Honolulu are May, June, July, August. During these months, Yellowfin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Honolulu area.
Yellowfin Tuna 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.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Honolulu, your captain provides all required Hawaii fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Honolulu, you may also catch Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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