Yellowfin
Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna, affectionately known in Hawaii as Ahi, are among the most widely pursued and admired game fish in the Aloha State. With their sleek, vibrant appearance and powerful performance on the line, they’re a staple for charters and seafood lovers alike— delivering thrilling action and exceptional flavor with every catch.

These formidable fish typically weigh around 125 pounds, though larger specimens exceeding 300 pounds have been landed on rare occasions. With their speed and stamina, Ahi deliver an exhilarating battle—tear-offs, power runs, and sudden direction changes make every hookup a memorable fight.

Yellowfin Tuna in Hawaii are caught exclusively by line. The majority of the legal catch is harvested using deep-set longlines offshore. Sportfishing charters and smaller-scale fishers also capture them using trollers, handliners, and traditional pole-and-line boats. This array of gear options means Ahi is a target for both big-boat anglers and locals alike.

Ahi is a culinary treasure, from its texture to its flavor. Young fish offer pink flesh, while larger fish yield deep-red cuts prized for their fat content—ideal for sashimi, sushi, poke, grilling, searing, or broiling. Nutritionally, Ahi is a standout: an excellent source of lean protein, rich in B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, and offering about 350 mg of omega-3s per 4-ounce serving. Always sold fresh in Hawaii, Ahi is as much a seafood icon as it is a sportfishing legend.

Ahi are plentiful in Hawaiian waters year-round, with peak abundance during the warmer months from May through September. They often travel in sizable schools, especially around fish aggregation buoys and seamounts, making them both accessible and consistent targets for anglers.