Wahoo

Ono
Wahoo—known as Ono in Hawaii—is a sleek, lightning-fast pelagic fish that’s a favorite on both the line and the plate. With its streamlined body and explosive runs, Ono offers a thrilling strike and fight experience, making it a truly rewarding target for offshore anglers.
Size & Sportfishing Appeal
Ono typically weigh around 25 pounds in Oahu waters—making them a manageable yet lively catch. Their speed and agility make every hookup an exciting battle, delivering fast, acrobatic runs that keep anglers on their toes and eager for more.
Fishing Methods
All Wahoo in Hawaii are line-caught. The majority are pulled in by longline vessels, though sportfishing charters typically target them using trolling gear—either with lures or teasers. Their habit of cruising near the surface makes trolling an effective and dramatic way to attract strikes.
Why They’re Prized
At the table, Wahoo is celebrated for its mild, delicate flavor and flaky, firm texture. Frequently grilled or seared—often after a savory-sweet marinade—it’s beloved for its versatility. Nutritionally, Ono is a lean protein rich in niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, selenium, and delivers approximately 375 mg of omega-3s per 4-ounce serving. As a sustainably fished Hawaiian species, Ono represents both a thrilling catch and a responsible choice for seafood lovers.
Season & Availability
In Hawaii, Wahoo are most abundant during the summer and fall months, typically from May through October. While they can be caught at other times, this is when they’re most plentiful and conditions are ideal for landing them.
Fishing Season | Oahu | Maui | Kauai | Big Island |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair |
February | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair |
March | Good | Fair | Good | Fair |
April | Good | Good | Peak | Peak |
May | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak |
June | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
July | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair |
August | Peak | Good | Good | Fair |
September | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
October | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair |
November | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair |
December | Fair | Fair | Good | Fair |