Fishing Fun, Tradition, and Competition!

Fishing is a core part of our culture, tradition, and method for gathering food in the Pacific Islands region. In fact, many locals prefer the term "non-commercial" fishing, because "recreational" implies we are simply playing with our food.

In our island communities, the ocean is our icebox. Its fish and ecosystems sustain us, and we treat them with that level of respect.

But there are times when we do play for our food-during fishing tournaments!

Fishing tournaments in Hawai'i can range from bamboo handpoles on the shoreline to 45-foot charter boats chasing blue marlin-and everything in between! While the big-game contests often get the headlines, many of our most meaningful local events focus on community, conservation, and our keiki.

Hear from the fishers, dedicated community organizers, and next-generation champions who share their stories and winning tips from these special events.

Eat the Invaders Fishing Tournament - Maunalua, O'ahu

Mālama Maunalua's "Eat the Invaders" tournament turns fishing and reef conservation into a community celebration. By targeting invasive species like taʻape, toʻau, and roi, fishers help balance local reef ecosystems while supporting eating local.

Champion Spotlight: Henry Ta

Henry and his small-boat team recently claimed the top spot. Here's what he had to say about the experience.

Why did you choose to fish this particular competition? Was this your first time fishing in an invasive species tournament?

I fish in many tournaments each year, but this was my first invasive species tournament. I've been fortunate to win several tournaments over the past few years and was honored to receive Wailua Boat Club Fisherman of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. My team and I wanted to give back to the ocean and bring awareness to the invasive situation.

As you were headed back to shore, did you think you had enough to win?

Our team caught 278.15 pounds of invasive fish. Honestly, I thought we would place, but did not feel confident as there were other very skilled fishermen that entered the tournament.

Would you recommend this tournament to others, and would you enter it again? Also, what's your perspective on eating invasive fish?

I would highly recommend this tournament for those who have a passion to clean the reef. Yes, definitely looking forward to another tournament that promotes eating invasive fish.

I think invasive fish are a highly underrated food source. Part of that may be because they look more like aquarium fish than the fish most people are used to eating. I hope more people understand that by eating these invasive species, we can help reduce pressure on harvesting native fish populations.

Many people enjoy eating fish like menpachi, but personally, I prefer taʻape and toʻau because they have fewer bones. Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans and mollusks, which gives them a versatile, clean white meat.

My favorite ways to prepare them are fried whole so I can snack on the crispy fins, steamed Chinese-style, made into ceviche, or served as fish tacos.

Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament - Punalu'u, Hawai'i Island

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou hosted their annual Keiki Fishing Tournament in February 2026. Kids lined the shoreline equipped with handpoles, barbless hooks, bait, and a bucket. A little bit of rain and some waves didn't stop the kids from bringing up a variety of fish!

Organization Spotlight: ʻO Kaʻū Kākou

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou is a non-profit community service organization with goals to promote a healthy Kaʻū community through activities such as health initiatives, housing projects, and community events-like fishing tournaments.

What tip or advice would you give to someone who's never fished before?

I would say it might require some patience, but try to have fun with it! Fishing can be frustrating if you aren't catching anything, but keep trying, and eventually you will catch something!

What about someone who's interested in tournament fishing?

Tournament fishing can be a little more competitive, so maybe start with some smaller tournaments or get some practice in beforehand.

Is there a difference between fishing in a tournament vs. an ordinary day of fishing?

A fishing tournament has a time limit and might have limited types of fish you can catch. Sometimes it might not be as fun as an ordinary day of fishing, unless you happen to catch a big one!

What do you think draws people to play in the tournament?

Some people like to enter just for the fun of fishing and the adventure. Others may enter because there are good prizes or might be in a location they haven't fished at before.

What aspect of a fishing tournament is exciting and fun for you?

What's exciting and fun to me is the adrenaline of not knowing what's going to happen…wondering how much competition there will be, how the water will be that day, and whether the fish will be biting.

'Ō'io Invitational Tournament - Island-Wide, O'ahu

The Kaka'ako Kasting Club's 'ō'io (bonefish) tournament is a true test of a shore-based angler's skill. Participants are restricted to spots reachable by foot-no boats or flotation devices allowed. While 'ō'io are popular gamefish worldwide, they hold a unique status in Hawai'i: They're prized not just for the challenge of the catch, but for their high value as local table fare.

Champion Spotlight: Keith Kamikawa

Keith took the top spot in the 2026 'Ō'io Invitational Tournament on O'ahu. As a lifelong fisherman and one of NOAA's very own sustainable fisheries staffers, Keith shares his perspective on the win.

Was there a moment you thought you might lose "the big one?"

I lost a big 'ō'io at the same spot during a previous tournament, so I was super anxious the entire fight, not just one moment. I actually lost that big 'ō'io at my feet-it was so close I could've almost grabbed it. But at the same time, I like to tell myself to enjoy the moment when I'm connected to the fish. So, when I got this fish close to shore I was super careful and paying attention to everything.

Did you think it was a winning catch?

When I pulled the fish up on the beach, I definitely knew it would place, especially since there's a 1st through 8th place for the 'ō'io category. It's not everyday you get to catch an 'ō'io of that caliber, especially during a specific finite amount of time like a tournament. It ended up being 12.26 pounds-for those that are familiar with bonefish, that's a pretty big one!

Can you describe the moment you first brought the fish up?

I knew it was going to be a decent-sized 'ō'io based on how long the fight was and how heavy it felt on the rod, but I didn't think it was going to be that big. I was super excited and thankful all at the same time. After I took a couple of pictures, I pretty much started packing up my stuff to go home. I knew there was no way I'd catch an 'ō'io close to that size, not during that tournament, or maybe not ever. It's kinda like when a hunter is thankful for the animal they just harvested, I was appreciative of the fish, the fight, and the fish ended up providing a ton of food for a family party.

Tournaments take a lot of time, work, and dedication to pull off. But ultimately, they are much more than just an opportunity to win prizes-they are a time to spend with family and friends, catch food, and connect with our special places.