Hawaii
Fishing
A resident fishing license in Hawaii costs $26 a year and a non-resident license $26, as of May 2026. This guide lists 5 top species (Mahi-mahi, Yellowfin tuna, Blue marlin, Wahoo, Tilapia (freshwater)) and 3 notable waters, led by Kona Coast and Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii has saltwater access and no notable wild trout fishery; it earns a C- grade here, shared with 1 other state.
Top Species
Resident License
Non-Resident License
Notable Waters
Saltwater Access
Trout Streams
World-Class Distinction
Wildlife Agency
Hawaii's fishing is defined entirely by the ocean. The Kona Coast on the Big Island is recognized as the world's premier blue marlin fishery — it has produced more 1,000-pound-plus marlin than any other location on earth. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and spearfish are abundant in the deep blue water accessible just a few miles offshore.
The freshwater fishing is minimal. Hawaii has no native freshwater sportfish in the traditional sense. The state has stocked some reservoirs and streams with bass and bluegill, but these are afterthoughts. If freshwater fishing matters to you, Hawaii is the wrong state.
Resident licenses cost $26. Offshore charter fishing costs $150 to $300 per person for shared boats, or $800 to $1,500 for private charters targeting marlin. If you move to Hawaii and fish, you are primarily an ocean angler. The experience is extraordinary — watching an ahi tuna explode on a lure is hard to replicate anywhere else. But the cost of entry to serious offshore fishing here is high, and the freshwater option is essentially zero.
Hawaii's Kona Coast is the world capital of blue marlin fishing — the Pacific Blue Marlin can exceed 1,000 lbs. Freshwater fishing is extremely limited to stocked bass and tilapia. No trout, salmon, or walleye fishing exists here.
Finding nearby venues...
Similar States
More on Hawaii
Also on Hawaii: the full Hawaii profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Hawaii country music guide and the Hawaii gambling laws guide.
Compare
Full Hawaii profile
Taxes, cost of living, gun laws, gambling, nightlife and more.
Sources: State wildlife agencies, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bassmaster, Field & Stream, In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman magazine. License costs reflect annual resident/non-resident fishing license only; additional stamps (trout, salmon) may apply. Updated May 2026.