Hilo

• Located on the island of Hawaii's northeastern coast, Hilo is lush and fertile in contrast to volcanic, dry Kohlala Coast. With a tradition of fishing and farming, and nestled along the waterfront, Hilo is a vibrant island town. With museums, art galleries, culinary offerings, gardens, statues, hotels, and a farmers' market, culturally Hilo has much to offer.
  
  

Sport Fishing

• Also known as recreational fishing, sport fishing is fishing for pleasure or competition versus for commercial or profitable reasons. Sport fishing is mostly done with a rod, reel, line, hooks, baits or lures, and terminal tackle (weights, floats, and swivels). Some of the most dedicated recreational anglers even make their own tackles and lures.
  
  

Equipment & Charters

• Hilo has numerous fishing supply stores where equipment can be purchased or repaired. S. Tokunga Store, Inc., which has been supplying the area's anglers since 1920, even offers custom rods. Equipment can also be rented. Several companies offer private charters for deep-sea fishing.
  
  S. Tokunga Store, Inc.
  26 Hoku St.
  Hilo, HI 96720
  808-935-6965
  tokungastore.com.
  
  

Fishing Regulations, Licensing, and Permits

• For marine recreational fishing, no license or permit is required. For other types of fishing and use of aquatic life, licenses and permits are required. Licenses and permits can be obtained at the statewide offices of the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources. Visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/licenses_permits.html for a list of licenses and permits. For a list of fishing regulations for Hilo, visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regulated_areas_hawaii.html.
  
  

Traveling to Hilo

• The island of Hawaii has two international airports, Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA). Hilo is a two- to three-hour drive from the Kona Coast.