My husband & I visit Kauai every year for it’s natural beauty and fabulous outdoor activities.  We usually spend about a month on the island and treat ourselves to the most amazing activities including fishing, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and zip-lining.  In the past we’ve divided our time in Poipu, Sunny south-side and Hanalei, Kauai’s tropical north shore.  This year we stayed near the end of the road on the northern end called ‘Haena’.  It was absolutely magical in every way possible.  One of our most favorites is fishing in Kauai’s tropical seas.  Our charter departed out of Anini Beach on the north shore.  A beautifully protected large reef which we also enjoyed snorkeling as well.  Every year we’ve caught fish.  This past year we caught 5 different types of good eating fish.  All of which you pay top dollar at the local restaurants.  Here are some of the most commonly caught island fish:

Mahimahi – This light pink meat has a slightly sweet and delicate flavor. It can be prepared on the grill, in a fish sandwich or even as fish tacos.
Best months for catching – November to April

Opah (’moonfish’) – Not as commonly found on the menu as ono or ahi, Opah is quite popular with the locals, as it has a rich flavor best experienced in a fine, light sauce. This fish is not so good for the grill because of the delicate nature of the meat’s consistency and flavor.

Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.

Best months for catching – January to June

Ahi (’yellowfin tuna’) – This dark pink, almost red meat is most commonly used as sashimi and is often served raw or seared. You’ll see it prepared as poke with onion or seaweed and can be bought fresh at fish markets. Restaurants frequently feature it as an entree that can be crusted or blackened.
Best months for catching – May & June

Ono (’wahoo’) – Ono means ‘delicious’ and this lean, white meat is delicate and can be found featured at restaurants serving fish sandwiches or other fish entrees. Like ahi, when featured as a main course, it is often crusted, blackened or served with a Pacific Rim inspired sauce.
Best months for catching – May to August

Striped Marlin (’nairagi’) – Considered the finest for eating of all the varieties in the marlin family, the pinkish orange meat is often prepared the same way as ahi or swordfish. You will see marlin featured in fish and chips entrees and in its smoked state it can be purchased at fish markets by the pound.
Best months for catching – January to June

Swordfish – An ideal fish for grilling, swordfish can be skewered or cut into thick steaks. You also may find it featured in raw fish dishes or even served as sashimi much like ahi.

Best months for catching – June & July We always look forward to dining at our favorite restaurants in Poipu and Hanalei and sampling the fresh island ‘catch of the day’.