Deep Sea Fishing

Maui is a premier destination for both casual shore fishing and high-stakes deep-sea adventures. Most deep-sea charters operate out of three primary harbors: Lahaina (Westside), Ma’alaea (Central/South), and Kihei Boat Landing (Southside).

Westside: Kaanapali / Lahaina

This area is the historic heart of Maui fishing. While the Lahaina Harbor is recovering, many operators are still active, often picking up guests from alternative nearby locations or coordinating from the Westside resorts.

  • Popular Adventures:

    • Big Game Trolling: Targeting Pacific Blue Marlin (especially June–August), Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), and Ono (Wahoo).

    • Inshore Light Tackle: Fishing the shallow reefs for Omilu (Bluefin Trevally) and Papio.

  • Businesses & Charters:

    • 808 Fishing Tale: Focused on local "honey holes" and inshore waters.

    • Boomkanani Inshore Adventure Club: Specializes in the Olowalu area for more intimate, near-shore trips.

    • Shore Spots: Black Rock (Kaanapali) is iconic for shore casting, though it gets crowded with swimmers.

Person standing on a sandy beach holding a fishing rod during sunset or sunrise.

Northside / Central: Wailuku / Kahului

This is the commercial and local hub. While there are fewer tourist charters departing directly from here, it is home to the island's best supply shops.

  • Popular Adventures:

    • Harbor Fishing: Kahului Harbor is a hotspot for Jack Crevalle and Bonefish casting.

    • Tournament Fishing: Many serious resident anglers launch private boats from Kahului for the "North Shore" run.

  • Businesses & Supplies:

    • New Maui Fishing Supply (Wailuku): The go-to shop for over 40 years; they have the best local knowledge on what’s biting.

    • Maui Sporting Goods (Wailuku): Specialist in spearfishing and high-quality trolling lures.

    • Purebred Fisherman (Kahului): Located in Maui Mall, they focus on performance fishing apparel and lifestyle gear.

  • Shore Spots: Kahului Harbor breakwalls (follow all posted safety signs).

Outdoor shopping area with storefronts, palm trees, and a cloudy sky.

Southside: Kihei / Wailea

Fishing here often focuses on "Bottom Fishing"—a more active, hands-on style great for families—though sport fishing is also widely available.

  • Popular Adventures:

    • Bottom Fishing: Dropping lines 50–300 feet for Snapper (Uku), Amberjack (Kahala), and Grouper.

    • Combo Trips: Many Southside boats offer a mix of fishing and snorkeling (often near Molokini Crater).

  • Businesses & Charters:

    • Strike Zone Maui: A popular choice for "Bottom Fishing & Sport Fishing" combos.

    • She Go (Green Island Charters): Operates a power catamaran for private inshore and sport fishing.

    • Rascal Charters: A high-speed 43-foot Bertram for those wanting to reach deep-sea FADs (Fish Aggregation Devices) quickly.

    • Shore Spots: Kalama Park in Kihei is a local favorite for surf casting for Bonefish (O’io).

Three men on a boat named 'Strike Zone' at a marina, with mountains and other boats in the background, holding drinks and smiling.

Upcountry: Paia / Makawao / Haiku

Upcountry is primarily residential and agricultural, but its "North Shore" coastline (Paia/Haiku) offers rugged shore fishing for the experienced.

  • Popular Adventures:

    • Shore/Cliff Casting: This side of the island is windier and rougher, favored by "Ulua" (Giant Trevally) fishermen who fish overnight from the cliffs.

  • Businesses:

    • There are no major deep-sea charter offices in Makawao or Haiku; however, many charter captains live Upcountry and launch from Ma'alaea or Kahului.

  • Shore Spots: Baldwin Beach Park (Paia) and the cliffs near Ho’okipa (use extreme caution with North Shore swells).