What Nakahili Point Offers

Nakahili Point is a rocky, exposed headland on the eastern tip of Molokai, accessible only by foot or boat. The point juts into deep water and receives consistent ocean swells, making it a destination for anglers targeting pelagic species — primarily ulua (giant trevally), omilu (bluefin trevally), and papio (smaller trevally). The rocky structure and depth changes near the point create feeding zones where these fish hunt baitfish in the current.

The location is remote and exposed. There is no facility, no parking lot, and no marked trail. Reaching Nakahili Point requires either a 4-mile hike across private land (with permission) or a boat launch from Kaunakakai Harbor on the south shore. Most anglers arrive by boat, anchoring offshore and wading or swimming to the rocks. Conditions are often rough — the point faces northeast and catches full ocean swell, especially in winter.

This is not a beginner's destination. The rocks are sharp, the currents are strong, and the nearest help is miles away. Anglers who fish here are typically experienced with saltwater conditions, comfortable reading water, and prepared for sudden weather changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Nakahili Point is reached by boat from Kaunakakai Harbor or by a difficult overland hike; there is no public road access or parking.
  • The primary target species are ulua and omilu, which feed in the current around the rocky point in deeper water.
  • Winter swells make the point dangerous and often unfishable; calmer conditions typically occur in summer and early fall.
  • Hawaii state saltwater fishing regulations apply, including bag limits and size restrictions that vary by species.
  • Bring your own water, sun protection, and a way to signal for help; cell service is unreliable or absent.

Getting There by Boat

Most anglers reach Nakahili Point by launching from Kaunakakai Harbor, on Molokai's south shore. The harbor has a public boat ramp, parking, and a small store. From the ramp, the run to Nakahili Point is roughly 8 to 10 miles northeast, depending on your exact launch point and the route you take around the island's east end. Typical boat time is 30 to 45 minutes in calm conditions.

You will need your own boat or a charter. No commercial fishing charters regularly operate to Nakahili Point from Molokai; the destination is too remote and the conditions too variable. Some anglers hire private captains from Kaunakakai or arrange rides with other fishing groups. If you are launching your own boat, confirm that your vessel is suitable for the open-water crossing and that you have navigation equipment and a working radio.

Anchoring is the standard approach. The bottom near the point is rocky and can be difficult to hold, so use a good anchor and watch for drift. Many anglers anchor in 30 to 50 feet of water offshore and then wade or swim to the rocks. This requires comfort in the ocean and awareness of current and swell direction.

Overland Access and Permissions

A rough trail connects to Nakahili Point from the west, crossing private land owned by Molokai Ranch and other private parties. The hike is approximately 4 miles one way, crosses uneven terrain, and offers no shade or water sources. Most of the route is not marked, and navigation can be difficult in poor visibility.

You must obtain written permission from the landowner before crossing private property. Contact Molokai Ranch or the relevant property owner in advance. Permission is not may provide and may be denied or withdrawn. Even with permission, the hike is strenuous and should only be attempted by experienced hikers with proper navigation tools and plenty of daylight remaining.

Most recreational anglers do not use the overland route. The boat approach is faster, safer, and avoids the need to negotiate private land access.

Species, Seasons, and Fishing Conditions

Ulua (giant trevally) are the primary target. These fish can exceed 100 pounds and are aggressive feeders around rocky structure. They are present year-round but are most active in summer and early fall when the ocean is calmer and visibility is better. Omilu (bluefin trevally) are smaller, typically 5 to 20 pounds, and school in large numbers around the point. Papio (smaller trevally) are also common.

Winter (November through March) brings large northeast swells that make Nakahili Point dangerous and often unfishable. The rocks become submerged in surge, currents are unpredictable, and the risk of being swept off the rocks increases sharply. Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most stable conditions, though the point can be rough even then.

Fishing is best during incoming tide and around dawn and dusk. Baitfish concentrate in the current, and predators feed actively. Lures, live bait, and fly fishing all work, depending on conditions and your skill. The rocky bottom means frequent snags and lost tackle.

Hawaii Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Hawaii does not require a saltwater fishing license for residents or visitors. However, state regulations set bag limits and minimum size requirements for most species. Ulua have a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person, with no minimum size. Omilu and papio have a combined daily limit of 10 fish per person, also with no minimum size.

These limits apply to all saltwater anglers, including those fishing from shore, boat, or private land. Regulations can change, so check the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website or call their office before your trip. Molokai is part of the main Hawaiian Islands regulatory zone, so the same rules apply across the island.

Catch-and-release is not required, but many anglers practice it to preserve the fishery. If you keep fish, plan to clean and store them properly, as there are no facilities at Nakahili Point.

Safety and Preparation

Nakahili Point is exposed and dangerous. The rocks are sharp and slippery, the current is strong, and the ocean can change quickly. Wear reef shoes or wading boots to protect your feet. Bring a personal flotation device if you plan to swim or wade in deep water. Never fish alone, and always tell someone on shore where you are going and when you expect to return.

Bring more water than you think you will need — at least 3 to 4 liters per person. The sun reflects off the rocks and water, and dehydration happens fast. Sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves are essential. Bring a first aid kit, a headlamp or flashlight, and a way to signal for help — a whistle, a mirror, or a personal locator beacon if you have one. Cell service is unreliable or absent at the point.

Check the weather forecast and ocean conditions before you go. If the swell is large, the wind is strong, or the forecast calls for rain or storms, do not go. The point is not worth the risk on a bad day. Summer and early fall offer the best window for safe fishing.

Nearby Alternatives on Molokai

If Nakahili Point is too remote or conditions are poor, other saltwater fishing options exist on Molokai's east end and south shore. Kaunakakai Harbor itself holds small trevally, mullet, and other inshore species and is accessible by car. Pelekunu Valley on the north shore is reachable by boat and offers similar pelagic fishing with slightly more shelter. The south shore reef system near Kaunakakai holds reef fish and is calmer than the exposed east end.

West Molokai, near Maunaloa, has different species and calmer conditions in some areas. If you are new to Molokai fishing or want to avoid the risk of Nakahiki Point, these alternatives are worth exploring first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish at Nakahili Point?

No. Hawaii does not require a saltwater fishing license for residents or visitors. However, you must follow state bag limits and size restrictions for each species. Check current regulations with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources before you fish.

Can I fish Nakahili Point in winter?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Winter swells make the rocks dangerous, visibility is poor, and currents are unpredictable. Most anglers fish the point only from June through September when conditions are calmer and safer.

What is the best way to get there?

By boat from Kaunakakai Harbor is the standard and safest approach. The overland hike requires private land permission, is difficult to navigate, and offers no advantage over the boat route. If you do not have your own boat, look for charter operators or other fishing groups in Kaunakakai.

What tackle should I bring?

Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods work well for ulua and omilu. Bring lures (poppers and metal jigs are effective), live bait if you can keep it alive, and extra line and leaders. The rocky bottom causes frequent snags, so bring more tackle than you would for other locations.

Is there anywhere to buy supplies or get help at the point?

No. There are no facilities, no stores, and no rangers at Nakahili Point. Bring everything you need — water, food, first aid, sun protection, and a way to signal for help. The nearest help is in Kaunakakai, which is 8 to 10 miles away by boat.