What the Kewalo Harbor Big Fish Chase is
The Kewalo Harbor Big Fish Chase is an annual fishing tournament held at Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, where recreational and charter boat anglers compete to catch the largest fish over a set period. The event draws both experienced offshore fishermen and people new to deep-sea fishing, creating a mix of serious competition and community gathering around the harbor. Boats depart from the basin — the same working harbor where commercial fishing operations run daily — and fish the waters off Oahu's south shore.
The tournament typically runs for several weeks during peak fishing season, though the exact dates shift year to year. Entry is usually open to any boat with a captain willing to register, whether you own your vessel or book passage on a charter. The catch categories vary but commonly include ahi (yellowfin tuna), ono (wahoo), mahi-mahi, and sometimes marlin or other pelagic species depending on what's running that season.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Fish Chase runs from Kewalo Basin in Honolulu during the season when offshore gamefish are most active, typically spanning several weeks.
- You can enter as a charter passenger, a private boat owner, or by hiring a captain — registration happens at the harbor before the tournament begins.
- Fish are weighed at the harbor's official scales, and the tournament organizers post results regularly so you can track standings throughout the event.
- Charter boats often fill up weeks in advance during the Big Fish Chase, so booking early increases your chances of getting a spot.
- The tournament combines competition with community; many participants return year after year and use the event to learn about seasonal patterns and fishing technique.
How to enter as a charter passenger or boat owner
If you don't own a boat, the easiest entry point is booking a charter through one of the operators based at Kewalo Basin. Charter captains who participate in the Big Fish Chase advertise their involvement directly, and many fill their boats weeks before the tournament starts. You pay the charter fee as you normally would — rates vary by boat and captain — and your catch counts toward the tournament standings. The captain handles registration with the tournament organizers.
If you own or have access to a private boat, you register directly with the tournament. You'll need to provide your boat's name, your captain's information, and contact details. Registration typically closes a week or two before the tournament begins, so check with Kewalo Harbor's office or the tournament coordinator for the current year's deadline. Once registered, you fish on your own schedule during the tournament window and bring your catch to the official weigh station at the harbor.
What fish count and how weigh-ins work
The tournament recognizes specific species, and only fish caught during the official tournament dates count toward standings. Ahi and ono are the most common categories, but the list may include mahi-mahi, wahoo, or other species depending on what's biting that year. Some tournaments run separate divisions for different weight classes or boat types, so read the rules carefully when you register.
All fish must be brought to Kewalo Basin's official weigh station, where staff record the weight, species, and boat name. Weigh-ins typically happen in the late afternoon after boats return, and the process is public — you can watch other anglers' catches come across the scales. The tournament posts updated standings regularly, either on a physical board at the harbor or online, so you can track where you stand throughout the event. Fish are usually released or donated after weighing, depending on the tournament's rules.
The fishing grounds and seasonal patterns
Boats fishing from Kewalo Basin typically head to the deep water south and southwest of Oahu, where the continental shelf drops off and pelagic fish congregate. The distance varies — some productive grounds are 8 to 12 miles out, while others require a longer run. Water temperature, current patterns, and baitfish activity all shift throughout the year, which is why the Big Fish Chase is timed to coincide with peak season for the target species.
Ahi season generally runs strongest from May through October, when water temperatures support active feeding and fish move into shallower offshore zones. Ono can be caught year-round but tend to bite harder during the warmer months. Marlin season peaks in summer and early fall. Charter captains who fish the tournament regularly know the seasonal rhythm and adjust their tactics — trolling, live-bait fishing, or jigging — based on what's most likely to produce on any given day.
Preparing yourself for the experience
If you're booking a charter for the first time, tell the captain you're new to offshore fishing. Good captains adjust their pace and teaching style for passengers who haven't done this before. Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and a light jacket — the sun reflects off the water and the ocean breeze can feel cold even on a warm day. Eat a solid breakfast before you leave; the motion of the boat affects some people's stomachs, and an empty stomach makes it worse.
Wear shoes with good grip and clothes you don't mind getting wet or stained with fish blood and brine. Bring a camera if you want photos — many anglers document their catches. Most charters provide rods and tackle, but confirm this when you book. If you have your own equipment you prefer, ask whether the captain allows it. Arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure so you have time to find your boat and meet the crew.
Community and repeat participation
The Big Fish Chase draws the same group of captains, crews, and anglers year after year, creating a social rhythm around the tournament. Regulars know each other, share information about what's biting, and celebrate big catches together at the weigh station. For many people, the tournament is less about winning prize money and more about the excuse to fish hard, learn from experienced captains, and be part of something larger than a single day on the water.
If you catch the fishing bug during the tournament, you'll find yourself planning the next year's trip before this one ends. Many charter passengers become friends with their captains and book with them again and again. The tournament also introduces newcomers to the offshore fishing community in Hawaii — people who might otherwise never know where to start or who to trust with their safety and their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own fishing license to fish in the Big Fish Chase?
Hawaii does not require a license for saltwater fishing from a charter boat, and the tournament does not impose additional licensing. If you're fishing from a private boat you own or operate, check current state regulations, as requirements can change. The tournament organizers will confirm what documentation you need when you register.
What if I get seasick?
Talk to your charter captain before the trip — many have strategies to minimize motion sickness, like positioning you on the boat where movement is least noticeable. Eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before. Over-the-counter motion sickness medication taken before departure helps some people. If you do feel sick, let the crew know; they're used to it and won't judge you.
How much does it cost to enter the tournament?
Charter boat rates vary widely depending on the boat size, captain experience, and how far out you're fishing. A typical half-day or full-day charter during tournament season ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a boat. Tournament entry fees, if separate from the charter cost, are usually modest. Contact Kewalo Basin directly or call charter operators for current pricing.
Can I fish the Big Fish Chase if I've never caught a fish before?
Yes. Charter captains regularly take first-time anglers, and the tournament atmosphere actually makes it more fun because everyone's focused on fishing and there's energy at the weigh station. Tell your captain you're new, ask questions, and be ready to learn. You might surprise yourself with what you catch.
What happens to the fish after they're weighed?
Tournament rules vary year to year. Some fish are released, some are donated to local food banks or community organizations, and some are kept by the angler or captain. Ask the tournament organizers or your charter captain what the current practice is before you fish.