Fishing in Maui offers a wonderful way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty while trying to catch some amazing fish. The crystal-clear waters surrounding this Hawaiian paradise are home to many different types of fish that are fun to catch. Whether you’re a beginner or have been fishing for years, Maui has spots that will work for you.
The best fishing spots on Maui can be found all around the island, from the popular shores of Kihei to the less crowded areas between Kihei and Maalaea Harbor. I’ve spent many days exploring these fishing locations and have discovered some truly special places where the fish are plentiful. In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots and some tips to help you have a successful fishing adventure during your visit to Maui.
Mākena State Park
I recently spent a day shore fishing at Mākena State Park on Maui, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots on the island. The park features a stunning white sand beach with crystal clear waters that make it ideal for fishing enthusiasts like me.
When I visited, I found the shoreline fishing particularly rewarding during early morning hours. I noticed several locals catching a variety of reef fish along the rocky areas near Pu’u Ola’i, the prominent cinder cone that gives this beach its distinctive character.
The park is actually divided into different beach areas – Oneloa (Big Beach), Oneuli (Black Sand Beach), and Pu’u Olai (Little Beach). Each offers different fishing conditions depending on the tide and time of day. Just be careful of the powerful shore break here – it can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention!
I recommend bringing your own drinking water as none is available at the park. The hours are generous (5:00 am to 7:00 pm daily for most areas), giving you plenty of time for dawn and dusk fishing when many species are most active.
Rating: 4.8 (3053 reviews)
Location: 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753
Website: Visit Website
Automatic Sport Fishing
I recently went on an amazing fishing trip with Automatic Sport Fishing in Lahaina and had a blast! The boat, named MALIA, is a 30-foot Topaz that comfortably fits up to five guests. It’s clean, spacious, and provides a smooth ride even in choppy waters.
The crew was super friendly and knowledgeable about finding the best fishing spots. We started by jigging for live bait before heading offshore to troll with artificial lures. They focus on finding signs of life like birds, current lines, and floating debris to locate the fish.
I was impressed by the variety of fish you can catch here. Blue Marlin, Ahi Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo are common catches. They offer both deep sea fishing and inshore “combo trips” ranging from four to six hours, using different techniques like deep drops with live bait or “walking” live bait to target various species.
Rating: 4.9 (93 reviews)
Location: 675 Wharf St Slip #35, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 758-3038
Website: Visit Website
Fish Maui
I recently had the chance to try out Fish Maui for a day on the water, and it was an amazing experience! They offer both sport fishing and bottom fishing options from their boat in Lahaina. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable about the local waters.
Their sport fishing trips give you the chance to catch impressive fish like blue marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), wahoo (ono), and mahi mahi. I found that the longer trips definitely increased our chances of getting good catches.
For families or those wanting a shorter trip, their bottom fishing option is perfect. This involves drifting over the reef closer to shore, using lighter tackle. It’s a more relaxed experience but still exciting when you feel that tug on your line!
Rating: 4.1 (55 reviews)
Location: 675 Wharf St Slip #25, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 344-3520
Website: Visit Website
Maui Fun Charters
I recently had an amazing time fishing with Maui Fun Charters, and I can’t recommend them enough! They operate the Marjorie Ann, a comfortable 36-foot fishing boat with plenty of shade and a spacious deck that makes for a great day on the water.
Their morning bottom fishing tours depart at 7:30 AM from Ma’alaea Harbor. I loved that they only take small groups, which gave me plenty of personal attention from the experienced crew. This smaller setting also allowed us to try different fishing styles, including using live bait.
The captains know all the secret fishing spots around Maui and took us straight to where the fish were biting. As a bonus, you can keep your catch for dinner if you want! They provide all the bait and tackle, and they were super helpful with coaching for beginners in our group.
The location at Ma’alaea Harbor is really convenient, just 10 minutes from North Kihei and 25 minutes from Lahaina. I appreciated that the waters were calm, making for a comfortable experience even for those in our group who weren’t experienced boaters.
Rating: 4.8 (76 reviews)
Location: Maalaea Harbor, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 572-2345
Website: Visit Website
Makena Landing Park
I recently visited Makena Landing Park, and it’s a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts on Maui! While it’s known primarily for snorkeling and diving, this small beach park also offers some great fishing opportunities along its rocky coastline.
The area around Nahuna Point provides excellent shore fishing. I spent a morning there and spotted several locals casting their lines. The rocky stretch is perfect for catching reef fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some green sea turtles swimming nearby.
Early morning is definitely the best time to fish at Makena Landing. I noticed the winds typically pick up around 11 AM, making conditions more challenging. The park has convenient amenities including restrooms, showers, and a small grassy area if you want to relax between fishing sessions.
My advice is to arrive early to avoid crowds from tour operators who use this area to launch kayaks and paddleboards. The underwater structure with coral and lava arches creates a perfect habitat for a variety of fish species, making it worth the early wake-up call!
Rating: 4.7 (1785 reviews)
Location: 5083 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
‘Āhihi-Kīna’U Natural Area Reserve
I recently visited ‘Āhihi-Kīna’U Natural Area Reserve on Maui, and it’s a stunning place with crystal clear waters. While it’s important to note that fishing is actually prohibited here, I think it’s worth mentioning in any Maui fishing article because visitors need to understand protected areas.
The reserve features beautiful volcanic landscapes meeting the ocean, creating unique tide pools and lava formations. I spent hours exploring the shoreline and was amazed by the pristine marine environment that’s being carefully preserved.
During my visit, I saw many colorful fish in the shallows and even spotted a few sea turtles swimming near the shore. This is exactly why this area is protected – to maintain these delicate ecosystems for future generations.
The trails along the coastline offer amazing views, though I recommend bringing sturdy shoes for walking on the lava rock. While you can’t fish here, appreciating this protected area helps understand Maui’s commitment to ocean conservation.
Rating: 4.9 (112 reviews)
Location: Wailea, HI 96753
Mai Poina Beach Park
I recently visited Mai Poina Beach Park in Kihei and was impressed by this oceanfront gem. The 5.3-acre park offers a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts looking to cast a line while enjoying beautiful Maui scenery. The offshore waters are accessible and provide decent fishing opportunities, especially during early morning hours.
When I arrived, I noticed the convenient parking areas – there’s a small lot by the picnic pavilion and another gravel area at the south end. The facilities are basic but helpful for a day of fishing. The park has a nice pavilion with BBQ grills if you want to cook your catch, plus restrooms and outdoor showers to rinse off after.
What I really appreciated was the relatively uncrowded atmosphere compared to some other Maui fishing spots. The park has good windsurfing access too, so be mindful of water users while fishing. The shoreline is undergoing vegetation restoration, which is helping improve the natural habitat.
I found this to be a relaxing spot to fish, with the convenience of amenities nearby when needed. Just remember there’s no lifeguard on duty, so exercise caution when entering the water.
Rating: 4.6 (504 reviews)
Location: 353 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 879-4364
Website: Visit Website
Aoao O Na Loko Ia O Maui
I recently visited Aoao O Na Loko Ia O Maui, also known as the Maui Fishpond Association, and was amazed by this hidden gem. It’s not your typical fishing spot but rather a cultural and historical landmark focused on restoring traditional Hawaiian fishponds.
What makes this place special is their dedication to revitalizing Kō’ie’ie Fishpond. During my visit, I learned about ancient Hawaiian aquaculture techniques that have been used for centuries. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about preserving this important cultural practice.
I highly recommend joining one of their educational programs if you’re interested in Hawaiian culture. They offer unique hands-on experiences that allow visitors to participate in fishpond restoration efforts. It’s a meaningful way to connect with Hawaii’s rich heritage while contributing to an important conservation project.
The peaceful setting and historical significance make this a must-visit spot for anyone interested in learning about traditional fishing methods on Maui. It’s much more than just fishing—it’s about understanding the relationship between Hawaiians and their natural resources.
Rating: 4.9 (34 reviews)
Location: 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 359-1172
Website: Visit Website
Top Shot Spearfishing
I just had an incredible underwater adventure with Top Shot Spearfishing in Lahaina. If you’re looking to try something different from traditional fishing, this is it! They’ve been operating since 2009 and have trained over 10,000 people in the art of spearfishing.
What impressed me most was their focus on safety. The guides take you through a step-by-step process that helps even complete beginners become comfortable in the water. I had never been spearfishing before, but they made sure I understood all the basics before we headed out.
The company is committed to ethical spearfishing practices too. They emphasize sustainable techniques and even focus on removing invasive species to help protect Hawaii’s reef systems. My guide was super knowledgeable about local marine life and taught me which fish were appropriate to target.
Whether you’re a seasoned spearo or a total newbie like I was, Top Shot offers experiences tailored to your skill level. It was thrilling to dive into Maui’s crystal-clear waters and experience fishing in such an intimate, primal way.
Rating: 4.9 (51 reviews)
Location: 225 Punakea Lp, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 205-8585
Website: Visit Website
Olowalu Landing
Olowalu Landing is one of Maui’s hidden fishing gems. I visited this peaceful spot last week and was amazed by the crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. The calm conditions make it perfect for both shore fishing and launching small boats.
I caught several reef fish here using light tackle and small baits. The morning hours proved most productive, with the fish becoming more active as the sun rose over the West Maui Mountains. The landing’s protected location helps create ideal fishing conditions even when other areas are windy.
What I love most about Olowalu is how uncrowded it remains compared to more popular fishing destinations. I had plenty of space to cast my line without worrying about tangling with other anglers. The shallow reef areas are excellent for beginners, while more experienced fishers can venture further out for larger catches.
The nearby reef system attracts a diverse range of fish species including triggerfish, goatfish, and the occasional papio (juvenile jack). I recommend bringing reef-friendly footwear as the shoreline can be rocky in places.
Rating: 4.7 (13 reviews)
Location: Lahaina, HI 96761
Marine Life Around Maui
Maui’s waters are teeming with diverse marine life that makes fishing here so exciting. The island’s unique geography creates perfect habitats for countless fish species while conservation efforts protect these underwater treasures.
Common Fish Species
When I’m fishing around Maui, I often spot a wide variety of colorful and interesting fish. At Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach, I’ve seen an impressive array of species including perch, mackerel, snapper, triggerfish, and jacks swimming in the clear waters.
In the mudflats area between Kihei and Maalaea Harbor, I frequently catch different types of reef fish. This spot is less crowded and offers easy access for a relaxing day of fishing.
North Kihei is another fantastic area to observe marine life. Near the Kihei canoe club, I’ve watched schools of tropical fish darting among the rocks and coral formations.
Protected Marine Areas
Maui County has established several protected fishing areas to preserve the island’s marine ecosystems. The Honolua-Mokulē’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District is one of my favorite spots to observe untouched marine life, though fishing is restricted here.
Kahekili offers another protected area where fish populations thrive in their natural habitat. The regulations here help maintain healthy fish stocks for future generations.
I always check the rules before fishing in places like the Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. These protected zones have specific guidelines about what can be caught and when.
Understanding these conservation areas helps me appreciate Maui’s commitment to preserving its underwater treasures while still enjoying responsible fishing in designated areas.
Fishing Etiquette and Regulations
Fishing in Maui requires respect for both the ocean and Hawaiian traditions. I’ve learned that following proper regulations helps preserve these beautiful fishing grounds for future generations.
Catch and Release Practices
When I fish in Maui’s waters, I make sure to handle fish with care if I plan to release them. I always wet my hands before touching fish to protect their protective slime coating.
Using barbless hooks makes releases much easier and reduces injury to the fish. I’ve found circle hooks are best for catch and release as they typically hook in the corner of the mouth.
I never keep fish out of water longer than necessary – usually less than 30 seconds for photos. This dramatically increases survival rates.
For deep-hooked fish, I cut the line close to the hook rather than trying to remove it. The hook will typically dissolve over time.
Local Fishing Licenses
One thing I love about fishing in Maui is that you don’t need a fishing license for ocean fishing. This applies to both residents and visitors, making it easier to enjoy shore fishing.
However, I always check the regulated fishing areas before heading out. Maui has several protected zones including Honolua-Mokulē’ia Bay MLCD and Kahekili.
Different spots have different rules. For example, the “mudflats” area between Kihei and Maalaea Harbor has easier access and fewer restrictions compared to other locations.
I always respect seasonal closures and size limits for different species. These fishing regulations are designed to protect spawning periods and ensure fish populations remain healthy.
