We target these species

Pacific Blue Marlin (A’u) The king of Hawaiian waters and the ultimate offshore prize. Pacific Blue Marlin can exceed 1,000 pounds, though most caught range between 150 and 400 pounds. They are famous for blistering runs, raw power, and spectacular aerial leaps.

Striped Marlin (Nairagi) Smaller and sleeker than the Blue Marlin, typically weighing 60 to 120 pounds. Striped Marlin are known for their speed, endurance, and vibrant blue stripes that appear to glow when they are excited or fighting.

Shortbill Spearfish (Hebi) A unique and lesser-known billfish often caught while trolling for Marlin. Shortbill Spearfish rarely exceed 50 pounds and are prized for their delicate texture and excellent table quality.

Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) Highly sought after for both sportfishing and sashimi. Large “Flag” Ahi weighing over 100 pounds deliver long, grueling fights and are a cornerstone of Hawaii’s fishing and culinary culture.

Bigeye Tuna (Mebachi / Ahi) Often mistaken for Yellowfin, Bigeye Tuna prefer deeper, cooler water and are commonly caught at dawn, dusk, or while deep-trolling. They are powerful fighters with rich, flavorful meat.

Skipjack Tuna (Aku) Smaller in size, typically 5 to 20 pounds, but extremely fast and aggressive. Skipjack travel in large schools and are often used as live bait for larger Marlin and Ahi.

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado / Dolphinfish) One of the most popular catches in Hawaii. Known for brilliant neon greens and yellows, Mahi-Mahi are highly acrobatic and often travel in pairs or schools around floating debris.

Wahoo (Ono) Ono means “delicious” in Hawaiian, and this fish lives up to its name. Among the fastest fish in the ocean, Wahoo can reach speeds up to 60 mph and are known for violent strikes and razor-sharp teeth.

Broadbill Swordfish (Shutome) True gladiators of the deep, Broadbill Swordfish are usually targeted at night or through specialized deep-drop techniques often exceeding 1,000 feet. They are massive, powerful, and incredibly enduring fighters.

Pacific Sailfish (A’u Lepe) Rarer in Hawaii than in other tropical fisheries, Pacific Sailfish are instantly recognizable by their enormous dorsal fin and agile leaps. A prized and memorable incidental catch.

Black Marlin Extremely rare off Oahu, Black Marlin are thicker and more bull-shouldered than Blue Marlin. They are famous for being one of the only billfish unable to retract their pectoral fins.

Rainbow Runner (Kamanu) Often called “Hawaiian Salmon,” Rainbow Runners are members of the Jack family and incredibly strong for their size, typically 10 to 20 pounds. Commonly found near floating debris or FADs.

Kawakawa (Little Tunny / Bonito) Often mistaken for Skipjack, Kawakawa have distinctive wavy black stripes on their backs. They are relentless fighters on light tackle and make a perfect warm-up before bigger species arrive.

Albacore Tuna (Ahi Palaha) Distinguished by their exceptionally long pectoral fins, Albacore prefer cooler, deeper waters and are more common during winter months. They are prized for their mild, white meat.

Please contact Aloha Charters to schedule your next sportfishing charter or private boat tour.