Narrowing Hawaii down to only a few desirable locations is difficult, since the entire state is so rich with natural beauty, fascinating culture, and unlimited activities.  Each island has individual character and features, but two seem like perfect destinations, providing the greatest range of things to do:  Maui and Oahu.  From hiking and sightseeing around rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical valleys, to sunning and water sports along white and black sand beaches, the climate enhances non-stop outdoor choices.  With so many things to do above the surface, it’s easy to get distracted and forget why you really want to visit Hawaii.  Remember, it’s surrounded by water . . . . .


The weather in Hawaii changes only slightly:  from good to better.  There are two seasons:  Summer, from April to November; and Winter, from December to March.  Winter is referred to as “the rainy season”, but that only means it rains more often; not to any degree that would prevent you from outdoor activities for very long.  Year-round air and water temperatures average between 75F and 85F, with comfortable Trade Winds lending a constant refreshing breeze.  Fluctuations may occur due to topographical influences from mountains and valleys, but almost no day in Hawaii is a bad day to fish.  There don’t seem to be any peak seasons for fishing in Hawaii, with such consistently pleasant weather; inexpensive fares may be found during every month.  Some advice:  try to avoid travelling to Hawaii during major holidays, for the best rates.  This will also improve your angling experience, as nobody likes to fish in a crowded, noisy environment – especially on a boat.  Certainly this doesn’t make the fish very amicable.


Thanks to such ideal weather and location, fishing in Hawaii is a year-round activity.  Charters are available throughout the islands to help you find and haul in a dream catch any day of the year.  Hawaiian legend holds that it’s bad luck to have bananas on boats, so choose your snacks wisely.  Try something sweeter:  from the local pineapple fields on Oahu, maybe some delicious Maui coffee with homegrown sugar.  In Hawaii, it’s all saltwater fishing, and you will need your energy.  The only variations are how deep you drop your line.  Shore fishing is a fun and rewarding way to pass time, and can pay off with smaller fish, like Snapper, Goat Fish, Trevally, or even the occasional Giant Sea Bass.   Bottom fishing in shallow water (60-180 feet) lets you target smaller reef varieties, like Trigger Fish, Gray Snapper, and the more exotic Ta’ape, Nabeta, Moi’lua, among others.  Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Mahi Mahi, Ono (Wahoo), Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Pacific Blue Marlin and Sharks, like Tiger, Hammerhead, Gray Reef, and Sandbar all cruise at greater depths.  This is the real game for serious anglers, and there are enough of these guys out there to wear you out.  Prepare also for the thrilling company of whales, porpoises, rays and even whale sharks, which may wander extremely close to the boat.  Enjoy the battles, but don’t forget to bring back enough for a nice meal.  Old Hawaiian fishing rule:  If it’s silver or red, it’s good to eat. 



Maui has been named “Best Island in the World”, according to Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Poll, twelve of the last thirteen years.  Ample sugar and pineapple fields divide The Valley Isle’s mountain ranges, east from west.  Popular Maui tourists spots are located west, around Lahaina, and east, near Hana.  The majority of fishing charters on dock along the southern and southwestern coasts:  Lahaina, Maalaea, and Kihei.  Beautiful white sand beaches around Waikiki attract most tourists to Oahu, though many can’t resist the allure of the North Shore’s monster waves, small surfing towns, and more picturesque beaches.  The capital city of Honolulu lends to Oahu’s busy urban sprawl, but may only be a distraction to those interested in sheer natural beauty, like mountains, valleys, and marine life.  Fishing charters leave from Oahu’s south shore, easily accessible and mostly around Waikiki.  Both islands have their own airports and harbors, and serve as launching or arrival points to and from elsewhere in Hawaii.