ʻŌpelu are small schooling fish that are vital to the Hawaiian marine ecosystem. Commonly used as bait for larger pelagic species, they are also harvested for food and their taste isn't to be underestimated! More commonly found on the plates of locals, travelers to Hawaii will have to specifically seek these fish out in order to not miss out on their unique and delicious flavor. ʻŌpelu play a crucial role in nearshore waters, and fishing for them sustainably is a practice steeped in cultural significance.
Mahi Mahi are celebrated for their vibrant colors and delicious, textured flesh. This fish is known for its acrobatic jumps when hooked, making it a favorite among sport fishermen. Its mild flavor and flaky texture make it a popular choice for a variety of dishes, from tacos to grilled fillets.
'Ahi is a large, fast-moving predator, popular in sport fishing. They have firm, flavorful meat, often used in sashimi and poke. Ahi are highly prized game fish known for their speed, power, and endurance. They present a significant challenge to anglers because they are not only physically strong but also keen-eyed and intelligent, seemingly making calculated runs and using different techniques during the fight.
Ono is a fast and streamlined fish, recognized for its sharp teeth and incredible speed. It is known for its exciting initial run when hooked, providing a thrilling fight for anglers. Ono has a mild, sweet flavor and is often grilled, baked, or served as sashimi. Their teeth easily cut through standard fishing lines, necessitating the use of metal wire setups.
Kahala is a robust and powerful fish occasionally caught when bottom fishing. Known for its strength and agility, Kahala certainly put up a good fight. They are often victims of a parasitic worm called "spaghetti worms", that proliferate throughout the flesh of the fish. The worms are harmless to humans and are easy to remove from the meat; those that skip these fish because of the worms miss out on an amazing firm and rich meat perfect for the grill.
ʻŌmilu is a popular game fish known for its striking blue coloration and aggressive fighting style. It is often found around rocky areas and coral reefs, where it hunts smaller fish. ʻŌmilu has a rich flavor and is commonly prepared as sashimi or grilled.
Ulua is a formidable predator, known for its size and strength. Off the kayak, these are typically caught when bottom fishing and they put up quite a battle. As an apex predator in a delicate ecosystem, and with meat that starts to loose quality with the fish's age, we always release larger examples of these species after thanking it for a good fight.
Hawaii has a variety of goatfish species on offer, with kūmū, moana kali, and weke nono being the common hookups. Goatfish are identifiable by their distinct whisker-like barbels under the chin. These fish are known for their unique foraging behavior, using their barbels to sift through sand for food. With a diet consisting of a lot of shellfish, most have a very sweet tasting meat.
Uku is one of the best tasting fish the Hawaiian islands has to offer in our opinion. This fish often inhabits deeper reefs, feeding on smaller fish, shrimps, crabs, and cephalopods. Their colors are uniquely beautiful, resembling a pearl when freshly caught.
Kamanu are sleek and vibrant fish known for their striking blue and yellow hues. While not often found in restaurants, we consider it an underrated choice for sashimi, prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture. Kamanu's rarity in dining establishments makes it a hidden gem for those who appreciate fresh, high-quality fish.