The gateway to a wide array of Hawaii adventures, Oahu and the state capital of Honolulu combine a stunning setting with some superb water sports opportunities – including a number of great fishing charters.
(Photo: Fishingbooker.com)
Among the most popular water-based activities to enjoy in Oahu and Honolulu is fishing. Visitors are welcome to embark on their own fishing expeditions, or they can join an organised charter tour instead if they prefer. For those favouring the latter, we’ve picked out five of the best fishing charters the island and its famous capital have to offer.
2-Hour Trip
Available with either early, mid or late-morning departures, this charter tour invites you to spend a couple of hours bottom fishing with family or friends. After being briefed on the onboard safety equipment and how to reel in the fish, you’ll head out of Kewalo Basin Harbor aboard a 35-foot Bruno & Stillman saltwater fishing boat, your captain will take you to the spots where you’ll have the best chance of landing a catch. All equipment, plus drinks and snacks, are included in the trip price. From $394 per group.
6-Hour Trip
For a more extended fishing experience, this 6-hour trip across the gorgeous waters of Hawaii may well fit the bill. Aboard a 44-foot Pacifica vessel, featuring a large deck space, you’ll go after big pelagic predators and the top stars of offshore fishing such as Blue, and Striped Marlin, Spearfish, Skipjack and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and the colourful Mahi Mahi. You can even strap into the onboard fighting chair while grappling with their rod for a truly authentic flavour of fishing. Equipment, snacks and drinks are included, and, as an added perk, guests can keep up to 40 lbs of fish to eat, for the entire group. From $948 per group.
Snorkeling Trip
(Photo: Fishingbooker.com)
On-board a 26-foot Wellcraft center console vessel, this tour combines fishing and snorkelling for a trip you won’t forget in a hurry. The experienced captain will prepare the snorkeling gear for you, so your only job will be to delve deep into the pristine waters and explore the abundance of reef fish, and possibly even turtles too. No prior snorkeling experience is needed. On the way back to the harbor you’ll also get the chance to drop some fishing lines in the water to try and catch one of the area’s beautiful big game fish. From $599 per group.
Full-Day Trip (6am Start)
If you want to come up against some seriously huge fish, this is the trip for you. Although you’ll reach deep waters as soon as you’re out of the harbor, this 8-hour adventure aboard a 38-foot Bertram offshore sport fishing vessel means you’ll be able to travel up to 40 miles offshore, which is where you’ll find monster-sized big game species. You’ll have the chance to target anything from Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and whatever else is biting. Your captain will provide rods, reels, tackle, and live, dead, or artificial bait. Keeping your catch depends on how many fish you hook, but generally, you’ll be able to keep around 50 pounds of meat. From $1,293 per group.
Multiple Island Trip
(Photo: Fishingbooker.com)
If you like the idea of cruising and fishing off of multiple Hawaiian islands, this two-day overnight trip could be just the ticket. Departing at 6am aboard a mighty 74’ Striker motor yacht that can accommodate up to 12 guests., you’ll traverse the calm waters of Hawaii, stopping off at numerous islands along the way. The trip will be interspersed with fishing stop offs, where you’ll get to cast a line in pursuit of many prized fish such as Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Skipjack Tuna, and other intriguing species. Rods, reels, tackle and lures, as well as onboard meals and drinks, are all included in the tour price. From $6,988 per group.