Big Island volcanic coastline perfect for shore fishing with dramatic lava rock formations

Shore Fishing the Big Island

Shoreline Fishing Secrets from Volcanic Shores

Kalani Miller, Big Island shore fishing expert

Part IV of Big Island Fishing Guide

Shore Fishing the Big Island: Shoreline Fishing Secrets

While the deep-sea charters get most of the glory, some of the most rewarding fishing on the Big Island can be done with your own two feet planted on our volcanic shores. Shore fishing, or "whipping" as we often call it, is a beloved practice and a fantastic way to connect with the ocean on a more intimate level. It's also a perfect option for those on a budget or anglers who just want a few quiet hours of casting. This is an area where other sources fall short, but we're going to give you the knowledge you need to succeed.

The Law of the Land (and Sea): A Clear Approach to Regulations

This is the most confusing topic for visitors, so let's make it simple.

Good News for Shore Anglers

You do NOT need a state license for recreational saltwater fishing from the shoreline in Hawaiʻi. You can grab your rod and head to any publicly accessible beach or rocky coast without needing a permit.

Important: Boat Fishing License Required

However, and this is a critical distinction, the rules changed recently for boat fishing. A Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL) IS REQUIRED for any non-resident aged 15 or older who is fishing recreationally in the ocean from a boat. This applies to both private and shared charters.

1-day permit: $20

7-day permit: $40

Annual permit: $70

You can get your license from the official Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) portal at fishing.hawaii.gov.

Important Regulations to Know

Even without a license, shoreline fishing is still highly regulated to protect our resources. Be aware of:

🗓️ Seasons

Some species have closed seasons. The popular table fish moi (Pacific threadfin), for example, is off-limits from June through August.

📏 Size & Bag Limits

There are minimum size limits and daily bag limits for many species to ensure they have a chance to reproduce. For example, the bag limit for ʻōʻio (bonefish) is 10 fish per day with a minimum size of 14 inches.

🚫 Protected Areas

Fishing is restricted or prohibited in certain areas, such as Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs), military bases, and historical sites like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. These areas will be marked with signs.

Always respect these boundaries. For a complete and up-to-date approach, always check the official Hawaii DLNR fishing regulations page at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/.

Gear & Bait: What to Pack, Rent, or Buy

Your first stop on the island shouldn't be the beach; it should be a tackle shop. Places like the S. Tokunaga Store in Hilo have been outfitting anglers for over a century. The gear is important, but the advice you'll get from the staff on what's biting, which bait is working, and what techniques to use is priceless. Always trust the locals.

Essential Gear You'll Need

🎣 Rod and Reel

A 7-to-9-foot spinning rod is a versatile choice for most shoreline applications. Pair it with a quality reel spooled with 15-20 lb test line.

Pro Tip: Braided line is a great choice as it offers superior casting distance and durability against our intense sun.

👟 Footwear (Most Important!)

Do not attempt to fish from our lava rock coastlines in sandals or standard water shoes. The volcanic rock is incredibly sharp and becomes dangerously slick when wet.

Essential: Felt-soled wading boots, known as tabis. They provide the grip you need to navigate the terrain safely. Available at fishing or department stores for around $20.

Rigs & Techniques

🌊 Whipping

This is the most popular style of shore fishing. It uses a modified Carolina rig, often with a lead weight or a clear bubble float, to cast and retrieve a lure.

Goal: Keep the lure—typically a soft plastic grub or strip of squid—moving in the mid-to-upper part of the water column to avoid getting snagged on the sharp reef below.

⚓ Dunking

This is a more stationary, relaxing method of bait fishing. It uses a three-way swivel rig where one line goes to your hook and bait, and a separate, weaker line goes to a lead sinker.

Smart Design: This "breakaway" design ensures that if your sinker gets stuck in the rocks, you can pull and break it off without losing a hooked fish.

Bait & Lures

🦑 Fresh Bait

You can't go wrong with fresh, simple bait like squid (ʻika) or shrimp.

🎣 Lures

Translucent or sparkly soft plastic grubs and spoons like Kastmasters are favorites that will catch a wide variety of fish.

Finding a Spot: How to Read the Water, Not Just a Map

I'm not going to give away my secret spots—that's not the way, and part of the adventure is in the discovery. Instead, I'll teach you how to find your own productive spots by reading the coastline.

🌅 Kona & Kohala Coasts (Leeward Side)

This side of the island is defined by its rugged lava rock shorelines. Look for rocky points and lava ledges that give you access to deeper water. These are prime ambush points for predators like papio and omilu.

Technique: Cast out as far as you can and retrieve your lure quickly; these fish love to chase.

Alternative: Look for sandy beaches and protected bays like Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay), which are excellent for wading and targeting bonefish (ʻoʻio).

Starting Points: Kailua-Kona Pier, Keauhou Bay, and the coastline at Kona Coast State Park.

🌧️ Hilo & Puna Coasts (Windward Side)

The east side offers a different environment, with more protected coves, black sand beaches, and flourishing reefs. The Hilo Breakwater is a famous spot where you can walk out and access deep water.

Opportunity: Gives you a chance at larger fish like bluefin trevally.

Unique Experience: Visit the Waiākea Pond in Hilo. This large, state-managed brackish pond is fed by both freshwater springs and the saltwater tide.

Target Species: Creates a habitat for mullet and flagtail (āholehole) that offers a calm, family-friendly fishing environment.

⚠️ Safety First

I cannot stress this enough. The Hawaiian shoreline is beautiful but can be incredibly dangerous. I've seen it a hundred times—a visitor gets too close to the edge, mesmerized by the view, and a rogue wave they never saw coming sweeps them or their gear into the ocean.