Ulua (Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) in Hawaii)

Ulua

Giant Trevally · Caranx ignobilis
NATIVE · SELECTIVE HARVEST
What is an Ulua? Ulua is the Hawaiian name for the giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), a native Hawaiian species taken selectively by spearfishers. It inhabits reef edges, channel drop-offs, open water passes at 5–100 ft around the Big Island, and is excellent eating.
Depth5–100 ft
SeasonMay–Oct
DifficultyAdvanced
CiguateraMedium

About the Ulua

The ultimate Big Island trophy fish. Giant Trevally are powerful, fast, and highly prized by spearfishers. They patrol reef edges, channel drop-offs, and open water. They take stealth and a well-placed shot, and they will test your gear.

How we hunt them

Approach from down-current and use the reef structure as cover. Ulua are curious. A slow, deliberate approach often works better than chasing. Target the channel edges at dawn and dusk. Use a reel gun with 200+ lb shooting line for large fish.

Rules & regulations

No size or bag limit statewide. Kailua Bay FMA: bag limit of 20 fish total for ulua/papio/omilu combined.

Source: HAR 13-52 · Verified July 2026 · Always confirm current rules with Hawaiʻi DLNR

Non-residents age 15+ also need the Hawaiʻi nonresident marine fishing license (HAR 13-74-11). Buy it online or see our regulations guide.

Hunt Ulua with a guide

Every Top Shot Spearfishing dive covers species ID, regulations, and technique. Beginners welcome.

Group Dive · $299Private Dive · $449+