Know Your Catch
A Visual Guide to Big Island Game Fish
Part V of Big Island Fishing Guide
By Kalani MillerKnow Your Catch: A Visual Approach to Big Island Game Fish
One of the greatest thrills of fishing in Hawaiʻi is the incredible diversity of species you can encounter. From world-famous billfish to hard-fighting reef dwellers, here are some of the stars of the show. Knowing what you're targeting—and when they're most active—is key to a successful trip.
Pelagic Giants (Offshore)
Pacific Blue Marlin (Aʻu)
The undisputed king of Kona
These apex predators are the reason anglers from across the globe make the pilgrimage here. Known for their incredible size, strength, and spectacular aerial displays, hooking a blue marlin is the ultimate big-game experience. Females can grow to over 1,000 pounds, while males are significantly smaller.
Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)
Prized for both its powerful fight and delicious, high-grade meat
The ahi is a favorite target. These torpedo-shaped fish are known for their sickle-like yellow second dorsal and anal fins. They travel in large schools and can top 200 pounds in Hawaiian waters, providing a serious test of an angler's strength and endurance.
Mahi-mahi (Dorado)
Arguably the most beautiful fish in the ocean
The mahi-mahi is famous for its vibrant, iridescent colors of green, blue, and gold that flash and change when the fish is excited. They are acrobatic fighters and fantastic to eat. Mature males, called "bulls," are easily identified by their distinctive blunt, high forehead.
Ono (Wahoo)
The Hawaiian name ono means "delicious"
Built for speed, the wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the sea, capable of lightning-fast runs that can strip a reel in seconds. They are long, slender fish with razor-sharp teeth and beautiful, faint blue vertical bars on their sides.
Inshore Trophies (Shore Fishing)
Giant Trevally (Ulua / Papio)
The brute of the reef and the most sought-after prize for shore-casters
These powerful jacks are known for their aggressive strikes and punishing fights. We have a naming system: fish under about 15 pounds are called papio, while the big adults are called ulua. Landing a big ulua from the rocks is a true badge of honor.
Bonefish (ʻŌʻio)
Known as the "ghost of the flats"
The bonefish is a wary, powerful, and challenging target for light-tackle and fly anglers. They patrol sandy flats and shallow bays, and hooking one results in a blistering, high-speed run that will test your gear to its limits.
Ready to Fish Responsibly?
Now that you know your target species, let's explore sustainable fishing practices and where to enjoy your catch.
Learn Pono Fishing📏 Size Comparison
📖 Fishing Guide Navigation
🌺 Hawaiian Fish Names
Aʻu
Pacific Blue Marlin
Ahi
Yellowfin Tuna (fire)
Ono
Wahoo (delicious)
Ulua
Giant Trevally (adult)
ʻŌʻio
Bonefish
💡 Fish ID Tips
- Marlin have long bills and dorsal fins
- Ahi have sickle-shaped yellow fins
- Mahi-mahi change colors when excited
- Wahoo have blue vertical bars