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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there an optimum or best time of year to fish for bonefish on Molokai?
The trade winds that blow out of the East and ENE tend to be generally lighter between November and March, which makes fly casting somewhat easier. However, Molokai can be successfully fished year round, as the prevailing winds are normally at your back.
2. Is the fishing done from a boat, wading, or both?
Because of the predominance of coral, rock beds, and blue holes, a boat is the optimum way to bonefish on the Molokai Reef. It makes spotting cruising and tailing fish and delivering accurate casts easier, and being mobile provides the opportunity to cover large amounts of water.
3. If I'm not an expert fly caster, will I still be able to hook fish?
Fly fishing for bonefish in Molokai is not for beginners, but you don't need to be a world-class fly caster to have success. This is sight fishing, and the majority of casts you'll need to make will be within the 25-30-foot range, with occasional casts north of 40 feet. If you can control distance and accuracy within this range, you will have multiple opportunities to hook fish.
4. I've heard about the Hawaiian trade winds. Can windy conditions negatively impact the fishing experience?
The prevailing Hawaiian trade winds blow from the East or ENE, typically at 10-15 mph, and are occasionally interrupted by a lighter Kona wind that blows out of the South or SW. While the wind can affect casting accuracy and distance, most anglers quickly make the necessary adjustments. And because most of the casts you'll need to make will be within the 25-30-foot range, the impact of the trade winds on casting is minimal.
5. Do you recommend blind casting when fly fishing on Molokai?
While sight fishing for cruising or tailing bones provides the ultimate saltwater fly fishing experience, blind casting can produce surprising results. Thousands of Pacific bonefish make the Molokai Reef their home. Between sight fishing opportunities, we recommend you keep your fly in the water and and moving to enhance your chances of hooking a big bone.
6. Do you practice catch-and-release?
The Molokai Reef is a unique and precious resource. As a native and life-long resident, Joe Kalima is committed to environmental sustainability and protecting the future of this great fishery. Joe encourages and actively practices catch-and-release fishing with all of his clients. Pictures are an important part of fishing memories, and Joe is happy to assist with your photography endeavors.
7. What fly fishing equipment/gear will I need?
The Pacific bonefish of the Molokai Reef average 6-8 pounds, are in pristine condition and extremely strong. We recommend a 9-ft 9-weight saltwater fly rod, a reel configured with a saltwater floating taper line, and 200 yards of backing. We also recommend 10-ft 20-30 lb. saltwater tapered leaders. As far as flies, we like a variety of traditional bonefish shrimp patterns, weighted and tied on #2 hooks. While anglers will need to furnish their own equipment, Joe always carries a supply of both go-to flies & saltwater leaders on board.
8. What additional travel items should I bring?
There are several additional items that are essential for a successful & safe bonefishing experience. These include a good pair of polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm/ChapStick, a good hat, several light-weight, light-colored long-sleeved shirts, a pair of sun gloves to protect your hands and wrists, and a pair of flats wading boots or tennis shoes. We also recommend bringing along a small cooler of ice for bottled water, beverages & snacks for your day on the water.
9. How do I get to Molokai?
Getting to Molokai is easy. You first fly into Honolulu or Kahului, Maui. Both airports are served from the U.S. mainland by American, United, Delta, Hawaiian, Alaska and Southwest. From there you catch a short inter-island commuter flight over to Molokai (30-35 minutes). Currently, Mokulele Airlines (mokuleleairlines.com) is the only carrier providing air service to Molokai, and offers multiple daily departures and arrivals from both Honolulu and Maui.
10. What are my accommodation options?
Lodging on Molokai is somewhat limited. There are three (3) properties we recommend. The first is Hotel Molokai (hotelmolokai.com), a full-service hotel with 46 rooms, a restaurant and full bar, pool, concierge, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves & coffee makers, and a third of the rooms have kitchenettes.
The Wavecrest and Molokai Shores Condominiums are also good options. Both complexes contain over 100 privately owned one and two-bedroom condos, a number of which are available for short-term rental. All rental units are fully furnished with complete kitchens, satellite or cable TV and Wi-Fi. All condo rentals are handled by individual condo owners and listings can be found on the Vrbo (vrbo.com) and Airbnb (airbnb.com) websites.
All three (3) properties are located east of the town of Kaunakakai on Hawaii State Route 450 (Kamehameha V Highway) and right on the shores of the Molokai Reef.
11. What are my meal/dining options?
The Ohana Grill restaurant at Hotel Molokai serves lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays) as well as a brunch on Sunday mornings. If you have a rental car, there are also several restaurants in the town of Kaunakakai. If you're renting a condo, all rental units at both Wavecrest & Molokai Shores have full kitchens, and you can pick up groceries (including beer & wine) at two full-service markets (Friendly Market & Misaki's) in Kaunakakai.
12. Should I rent a car?
Renting a car during your visit to Molokai is a good idea. Alamo Rent a Car (alamo.com) operates out of the Molokai Airport. You can also rent from locally owned and operated Molokai Car Rental (molokaicars.com) who maintain a small fleet of used vehicles and are located in Kaunakakai.
13. My family will be vacationing in Hawaii soon. Is it possible to book a 1-day over-and-back trip to Molokai to fish with Joe?
If Joe is available that day, absolutely. You can fly over-and-back to Molokai from both Honolulu & Maui, and get in a full day of fishing. If you're interested in this option, give Joe a call and he'd be happy to help coordinate.
14. Where can I learn more about visiting Molokai?
For more information about the island of Molokai, including activities and things. To see, we suggest visiting www.visitmolokai.com and www.gohawaii.com/islands/molokai.
15. What are Joe's guiding rates?
Joe Kalima’s Guiding Rates: Full Day, 1 or 2 Anglers - $600. Half-Day, 1 or 2 Anglers (4 Hours) - $400.