As the third largest Hawaiian island, Oahu is home to a majority of Hawaii's population.  One of North America's favourite winter vacation destinations there is an endless variety of things to do and places to visit including, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Haleiwa, Diamond Head and a variety of state parks and reserves.    

You can't go wrong visiting Hawaii and now that we are hearing more about the bonefishing opportunities it sounds like a natural place to combine a family vacation with a few mornings on the flats. You never know, you might catch the largest bonefish of your life.

I have never fished for bonefish in Hawaii so the information provided is a result of research I have done and reports provided to me by local guides and shops.  This report is limited to Oahu though I understand there are bonefish in other areas of Hawaii, specifically the Big Island.

Thanks to the help of Oahu guide, Louie DeNofo (Louie the Fish) here are a few of the areas that can be accessed by DIY fishermen.  Between Kokohead and Diamond Head, along Oahu's south shore, there is one long ten mile flat that is easy to get to and can hold lots of bonefish.  There are many places to enter this flat including beach access points located between houses on Kokohead Avenue.  Other access points to this expansive flat include Kawaikui Park, Wailupe Park and Kahala Beach Park.  At very low tide the flat in front of the Hilton can produce fish, but as the tide comes in the water becomes too deep to walk and wade.  AlaMoana reef flat is worth a try and can be reached from the Kewalo Basin area parking lot.  The Keehi Lagoon can be good with three flats, Mokuea, Rat Island and Triangle flat.  The Keehi Lagoon flats are best accessed by kayak which can be rented at a number of near by locations.  The South Flat of Kaneohe Bay can be good and is reached by walking down a short trail.  To find the trail look for an access sign near house 44-381 Kaneohe Bay Drive. 

Enjoy this brief video of Louie showing you how to catch bones in Oahu.

From what I understand the bonefish can be wary and spook easily.  As noted above there are a variety of flats that a fisherman can reach by foot, car or kayak.  I have heard from a number of sources that many of the flats are hard bottom and very wadeable, but are a mixture of sand, rocks and coral.  Quality wading shoes are a must and you won't get away with flimsy rubber wading shoes or boots.

If you want to know what flies to use, click on this link to Nervous Waters Fly Fishers and find out what flies they recommend.

With most new locations it is a good idea to hire a guide for the first couple of days so give Louie DeNofo and his son Joaquin a try, they have guided in the area for ten years.  For additional information on where to go, tactics to use and a place to buy local flies and gear see  Clay or Sean at Nervous Water Fly Fishers , they operate the only fly shop on Oahu.

Not much need be said here as Oahu is easy to get to and there are dozens of car rental agencies at and around the airport.  A rental car and a kayak are all you need to fish for bonefish on your Hawaiian holiday.

• Hilton Hawaiian Village

• Louie or Joaquin DeNofo

What could be better than spending your winter holiday in Hawaii with your spouse and/or family....................spending  your winter holiday in Hawaii with your spouse catching bonefish!!!!!

The bonefishing isn't world class and I don't know that you would go there specifically as a bonefishing destination, but it earns one of DIY's highest spousal ratings because it is the perfect place to spend time with your spouse and family, while having a legitimate chance at catching some bonefish.  Sounds just about perfect to me.