Dolphin Fishing in Hawaii
When dolphin are caught across Hawaii, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Dolphin catch through the year
Recreational catch in Hawaii by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching dolphin in Hawaii
Dolphin catches in Hawaii run hardest around Jan-Feb, with the strongest two-month windows in Jan-Feb and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 100% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Hawaii fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch dolphin in Hawaii?+
Catches peak around Jan-Feb (January and February). The strongest two-month windows are Jan-Feb and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release dolphin in Hawaii?+
Across Hawaii, about 100% of the dolphin caught are kept and 0% are released. That works out to roughly 111K kept and 0 released in 2024.
How many dolphin are caught in Hawaii?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 111K dolphin caught by recreational anglers in Hawaii in 2024, making it the #15 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this dolphin data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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