Hawaiian waters are renowned for their fishing—so much so that Hawaiian fish names, like ‘ahi and mahi-mahi, have become commonplace. Whether anglers are fishing from shore for dinner and bragging rights or trolling for a trophy marlin, they’ll need the gear to do it. These are our favorite places to get bait and tackle in the Aloha State.
When it comes to bait, gear, and tackle, S. Tokunaga Store has been Big Island anglers’ first choice for nearly a century. Whether you’re trolling for ‘ahi or fishing the cliffs at South Point for ulua, you’ll find everything need—along with advice and conditions—at S. Tokunaga Store.
In 2017, Brian’s Fishing Supply won a “Hawaii’s Best” award from the Star Advertiser—and for good reason. Excellent customer service, a wide selection of tackle, and custom gear have kept anglers on Oahu coming back to Brian’s over and over again. You can even take surfcasting lessons from them.
For three decades, New Maui Fishing supply has been a go-to for Valley Isle anglers. Whether you’re trolling for tuna, bottom fishing for opakapaka, or diving with a spear gun, you’ll find the gear you need at New Maui. Their years of local experience is particularly valuable to novice anglers and those new to the island.
With two locations, on the Hilo side of the Big Island and in Honolulu, J. Hara Store is a popular choice for Hawaiian anglers. They sell anything you’d need for onshore or offshore fishing—including fly tying supplies and trolling skirts—and they also repair broken gear.
For more than 10 years, Five Oceans Seven Seas has been recognized as one of islands’ best shops for custom fishing gear. Whether it’s a rod or a trolling lure, they can build it to your specifications—or help you do it yourself. They also have an extremely well-stocked store for all your “off-the-rack” fishing needs.
On Kauai, Lihue Fishing Supply has the island’s best selection of fishing and marine gear. No matter how you fish—from the shore, on a boat, or under the water—you’ll likely find what you’re looking for. They sell rods, reels, frozen bait and just about anything else you’d need to reel in your supper.
Maui anglers in Napili or Kapalua can find fishing gear at All About Fish. Whether you plan to cast from the shore or dive for your dinner, All About Fish will likely have what you need. Anglers who are vacationing on Maui will be pleased to find that they also rent fishing gear.
For offshore anglers who fish for sport or as a living, POP Fishing & Marine is the place to go for gear. A longtime favorite for gear among the islands’ commercial fishing industry, including longline equipment, POP has expanded into sport fishing and general marine gear for boaters.
Whether you need diving gear, frozen bait for shore casting, or a simple cane pole to hit the tilapia at the pond behind the Hyatt, West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply can hook you up. Their location on the north end of Lahaina town is within easy walking distance of Mala Harbor or a quick bike ride from Ka’anapali.
Sawada Store is one of those classic Hawaiian shops that sells a little bit of everything, along with a whole lot of fishing gear and tackle. In addition to selling all the onshore, offshore, and diving gear you would need, they also offer reel services and can build you a custom fishing rod.