This is the best time to be a kayak fisherman. Most of the industry has finally caught up to this niche’s demand for stable, maneuverable, comfortable, super functional fishing kayaks. But as more manufacturers get in the game, not everyone gets it right every time. Furthermore, the Hawaiian waters have specific demands that differ significantly from a bass fisherman in Tennessee or an ocean angler in the Northeast.
A major obstacle to sourcing the perfect Hawaii fishing kayak is availability. Not all models are available on island. You’re not going to pop online and order a 65 to 100lb fishing kayak; the shipping fees will bankrupt you. But the suppliers on island can negotiate contracts and leverage distribution costs over an entire shipment, making the current supply of fishing kayaks on island the best resource.
This list of fishing kayaks represents the ideal balance between trackability (its ability to crank through less than lake-like conditions), weight, function, and form, and most of them are currently available on island.
Here are the top 10 fishing kayaks for Hawaii plus one bonus model ‘cause I couldn’t fit all my favorites into just ten.
Hobie’s Revolution is one of the sleekest, easiest to move fishing kayaks on the market. At 16 feet and just 75lbs, it’s longer, narrower, and more maneuverable than most others. When you’re in a fishing kayak and the birds start working in the distance, you need to motor on over as fast as possible. The Revolution is the fishing kayak to quickly get you on top of the pile.
The Hobie Quest is a very capable entry-level fishing kayak. As a paddle-powered base model, it’s a bit more affordable than its pedal-powered counterparts. The Cat is basically a Revolution in a smaller, more affordable package. The Hobie Quest is a great model to start with, so you can build your Hawaii fishing kayak one accessory at a time.
The Cuda 14 is one of my favorites Hawaii fishing kayaks for two simple reasons: 1) perfectly placed built-in GoPro holders ‘cause you’re going to want to capture those inevitable insta-worthy moments, and 2) a robust and easily accessible center hatch. The center hatch is arguably the most crucial feature on any fishing kayak, and Jackson Kayak absolutely nailed it with the Cuda 14.
This is Jackson’s ultimate ocean fishing kayak. Jackson Kayak went all out with the Kraken Elite and setup this fish crushing vessel for easy addons. It has a built-in ideal nook for an easy fish finder install and 8 gear tracks, so you can slowly add those key accessories over time and adapt your fishing kayak for your specific needs.
The FeelFree design of fishing kayaks is inventive and smartly intuitive with molded in handles and a recessed wheel for easier transport to and from the water. It’s also accessory friendly. Though it’s not quite as sleek and adept for gliding through the Hawaiian waters, it’s modest length and weight make it a very manageable kayak to transport to and from your launch site.
6.Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
While Ocean Kayak’s Prowler may not be the most fluid fishing kayak for covering large distances in Hawaiian waters, it is well equipped for anglers of all levels. With its slightly broader stature and 600lb weight capacity, it’s the ideal vessel for anglers looking for a bit more room and stability.
7.Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Angler
The Trident 13 might just be my favorite paddle fishing kayak. It’s completely tricked out with brilliantly intuitive accessories: adjustable foot straps, a redesigned center hull, battery storage, phone storage and a magnetic bin holder for tackle are just a few of the amenities that make this one of the most user-friendly fishing kayaks on the market.
Old Town’s Predator kayak is one of the best pedal-powered kayaks you can find. It has just about everything the other pedal fishing kayaks have with a much-needed advanced rudder steering technology, and my favorite enhancement, the rudder locking system. If you’ve ever slid right off a bait ball in rough seas because your rudder won’t cooperate, you understand the inherent value of this subtle feature.
9.Pescador Pilot 12.0 Sit-on-Top Pedal-Drive Angler Kayak
A pedal-powered fishing kayak available on island for under two grand? Perception’s Pescador Pilot has everything you need without the hefty price tag of most pedal-powered vessels.
10.Slayer Propel 13 Pedal Drive Sit-on-Top Angler Kayak
Native Watercraft’s Slayer fishing kayak model is another pedal-powered gem. It’s accessory friendly with its built-in track system. At 13 feet long, 33 inches wide and 100 pounds, it’s a very stable fishing kayak for the angler looking for that extra stability. Just don’t ask me to try and mount it to your roof for you.
11.Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak
Last, but by no means least, Wilderness System’s Radar 135 fishing kayak is one of the best and most affordable base-model kayaks. What makes it such an excellent base model is its track system for adding accessories, and its built-in adaptability to Wilderness System’s pedal-drive or motor-drive power system whenever you’re ready to upgrade your power train.
Those are the top 10, plus 1 bonus if you’re paying attention, Hawaii fishing kayaks that are indisputably masterfully designed and equipped for Hawaii kayak fishing.
The Hawaii kayak fishing models listed above are mostly available on Oahu at Windward Boats, Hawaiian WaterSports, Go Bananas Watersports, or West Marine. If those retailers don’t have what you’re looking for. Let them know. They have extensive contacts and can often source what you need.