The Most Popular Fish to Eat in Hawaii, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the fish you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:37
Visiting Hawaii offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a variety of fresh, flavorful seafood, each type of fish presenting a different taste and texture. Knowing which fish are most enjoyed can enhance the dining experience, guiding visitors and locals alike through a culinary journey of the islands' waters. A list of the most popular fish to eat in Hawaii helps diners make informed choices, ensuring they enjoy the best of what the local gastronomy has to offer.
This dynamic list, shaped by your votes, reflects current preferences and trends in seafood consumption across the islands. By participating, you contribute not only to a collective resource that benefits other seafood lovers but also to a broader appreciation of Hawaii's marine offerings. Dive into the list, cast your votes, and see how your favorites stack up against the crowd!
What Is the Most Popular Fish to Eat in Hawaii?
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155votesAhi tuna is one of the most popular fish in Hawaii due to its firm texture, rich flavor, and versatility. It is commonly used in poke bowls, sushi, and grilled or seared dishes.Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is a popular fish in Hawaii and is highly valued for its delicious taste and firm texture. It has a deep, reddish-pink flesh with a mild flavor that is distinctively rich and meaty. The name 'Ahi' means 'fire' in Hawaiian, which refers to the vibrant color of the fish.
- Scientific Name: Thunnus albacares
- Size: Can reach up to 400 pounds (180 kg)
- Habitat: Found in warm tropical and subtropical waters
- Distribution: Pacific and Indian Oceans
- Lifespan: Average lifespan of 6-7 years
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231votesMahi-mahi is another popular fish in Hawaii due to its mild flavor and flaky texture. It is often grilled or pan-fried and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Mahi-mahi, also known as Dorado or Dolphin fish, is a species of fish found in the Philippines. It has a firm and lean flesh with a mildly sweet flavor and a delicate, flaky texture. The skin of the Mahi-mahi is vibrant and colorful, ranging from olive-green on the back to golden-yellow on the sides. It is a popular choice among seafood lovers due to its versatility in cooking and its ability to hold up well in different recipes.
- Species: Mahi-mahi
- Common Names: Dorado, Dolphin fish
- Flavor: Mildly sweet
- Texture: Delicate and flaky
- Flesh: Firm and lean
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319votesOno, also known as wahoo, is a Hawaiian delicacy with a firm texture and mild flavor. It is often grilled or pan-fried and served with a variety of sauces and sides.The Ono, also known as the Wahoo, is a highly sought-after game fish found in the Hawaiian waters. It is recognized for its sleek body, vibrant blue-green coloration, and sharp, elongated jaw.
- Scientific Name: Acanthocybium solandri
- Size: Up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length
- Weight: Up to 180 pounds (82 kilograms)
- Average Lifespan: Approximately 5 years
- Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical waters near Hawaii, often near the surface
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414votesOpakapaka, also known as Hawaiian pink snapper, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its delicate flavor and tender texture. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Opakapaka is a highly sought-after type of fish found off the coast of Hawaii. It is a deep-sea fish known for its delicious pink flesh, making it popular among locals and tourists alike. The Opakapaka has a unique flavor that is sweet and buttery, with a delicate texture.
- Scientific Name: Pristipomoides filamentosus
- Common Name: Opakapaka
- Flavor: Sweet and buttery
- Flesh Color: Pink
- Texture: Delicate
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59votesUhu, also known as parrotfish, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its sweet flavor and firm texture. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.The Uhu, also known as the Parrotfish, is a colorful and iconic fish found in Hawaii's waters. It is highly popular among locals and tourists alike.
- Scientific Name: Scaridae
- Size: Up to 20 inches in length
- Color: Vibrant mix of green, pink, blue, and yellow
- Shape: Oval-shaped body with a parrot-like beak
- Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky shores, and shallow coastal areas
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68votesKajiki, also known as Pacific blue marlin, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its meaty texture and rich flavor. It is often grilled or smoked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.
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78votesHapu'u, also known as Hawaiian grouper, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its firm texture and mild flavor. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Hapu'u, also known as the Hawaiian sea bass, is a popular fish to eat in Hawaii. It is a member of the grouper family and is highly regarded for its delicate and buttery flavor. The flesh of the Hapu'u is moist, firm, and white, making it perfect for a wide range of culinary preparations.
- Species: Hawaiian sea bass
- Family: Grouper
- Flavor: Delicate and buttery
- Texture: Moist and firm
- Color: White
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811votesMonchong, also known as sickle pomfret, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its delicate flavor and tender texture. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Monchong, also known as sickle pomfret, is a popular fish to eat in Hawaii. It is a deep-water fish with a unique appearance and delicate flavor. The fish has a slender body, a pointed snout, and large eyes. Its coloration ranges from silver to gray with a distinctive darker shade near the tail. Monchong's flesh is firm and flaky, with a sweet and mild taste that is often compared to buttery mahi-mahi. It is highly versatile and can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
- Scientific name: Taractes rubescens
- Average size: 1.5 to 3 feet (45 to 90 cm) in length
- Weight: Up to 20 pounds (9 kg)
- Habitat: Deep-sea waters around Hawaii, often found near seamounts or at depths between 500 and 1,500 feet (150 to 460 meters)
- Diet: Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and squid
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98votesOpah, also known as moonfish, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its meaty texture and rich flavor. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Opah, also known as moonfish, is a large and colorful fish species found in the oceans surrounding Hawaii. It is highly prized for its firm and tender flesh, making it a popular choice for delicious seafood dishes. Opah is famous for its distinct appearance, featuring a rounded body shape and a vibrant mix of colors such as shades of pink, orange, and silver. The flesh of opah has a rich, buttery flavor that is mild yet distinctive. It can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, or even enjoyed raw in sashimi. Opah is a versatile fish that can be used in a wide range of culinary creations.
- Scientific name: Lampris guttatus
- Average weight: 20-200 pounds
- Average length: 3-6 feet
- Habitat: Open ocean, subtropical and tropical waters
- Region: Commonly found in Hawaiian waters
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106votesHebi, also known as shortbill spearfish, is a popular fish in Hawaii due to its firm texture and mild flavor. It is often grilled or baked and served with a variety of sauces and sides.Hebi, also known as shortbill spearfish, is a popular fish to eat in Hawaii. It is a species of fish that belongs to the Marlin family. The Hebi has a slender, elongated body with a pointed snout and a long bill. Its back is a metallic blue color, while its sides and belly are silver-white. The Hebi has a maximum length of around 6 feet and can weigh up to 60 pounds.
- Species: Shortbill Spearfish (Hebi)
- Family: Marlin
- Body Shape: Slender and elongated
- Coloration: Metallic blue back, silver-white sides and belly
- Maximum Length: Up to 6 feet
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Ranking factors for popular fish
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Local availabilityThe fish species should be found in the waters surrounding Hawaii, either as a native species or through sustainable aquaculture practices.
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Cultural significanceThe fish should have a connection to the Hawaiian culture and cuisine, either as an important element of traditional foods or as a popular choice among local consumers.
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Taste and textureThe fish should have a delicious taste and a pleasant texture that appeals to a majority of people. This may include tender, flaky white fish, firm and flavorful red fish, or rich and silky sashimi-grade fish.
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Nutritional valueHealth-conscious consumers may prioritize fish species that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
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SustainabilityConsidering the environmental impact, it's essential to ensure the fish species are sourced through responsible and sustainable fishing practices, so as not to deplete populations or damage ecosystems.
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AffordabilityThe price of the fish should be reasonable and accessible to a wide range of consumers, both locals and visitors.
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Ease of cooking and preparationFish that are easy to clean, fillet, and cook are more likely to be popular among home cooks and in restaurant dishes.
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VersatilityFish that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, baking, frying, or incorporated into soups, stews, and poke bowls, will have wider appeal among different groups of consumers.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular fish to eat in Hawaii. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2446 views
- 171 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fish once every 24 hours. The rank of each fish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular fish to eat in hawaii
Hawaii, an island state located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and diverse cuisine. One of the most popular foods in Hawaii is fish, which is no surprise given the abundance of fresh seafood available. With a mix of Polynesian, Japanese, and American influences, Hawaiian cuisine has developed its own unique flavor and style. When it comes to the most popular fish to eat in Hawaii, there are a few contenders, but one stands out above the rest.
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