Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Makalawena / Kekaha Kai Accesson Kailua-Kona Coast

    Less-visited shoreline with adjacent flats and reef drop-offs that hold larger pelagic predators on the fly.
    Kailua-Kona Coast reportDirections19.1628°N, 155.9250°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Bonefish are likely to be found tailing on shallow flats

    1. 01Bonefish are likely to be found tailing on shallow flats, feeding on crustaceans during incoming tides.
    2. 02Barracuda remain aggressive, targeting baitfish in deeper channels, near structure, and over flats.
    3. 03Shrimp and crab patterns are essential for enticing Bonefish.
    4. 04Streamers mimicking baitfish and needlefish are key for Barracuda.
    5. 05Keep an eye out for potential Palolo worm hatch events, which can lead to explosive Bonefish action.

    What to tie on at Makalawena / Kekaha Kai Access

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    streamer80%

    Cuda Fly

    #2/0#3/0#4/0

    Designed to imitate needlefish, a key prey item for barracuda, this fly is highly effective year-round for targeting barracuda over tropical flats.

    Buy at Amazon
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    Saltwater Gurgler

    #2#4#6

    This topwater pattern creates disturbance, mimicking fleeing baitfish or injured prey, which can entice aggressive strikes from barracuda, especially in warming spring waters.

    wet fly80%

    Palolo Worm

    #4#6

    Spring marks the period for Palolo worm hatch events in tropical waters, providing a significant food source that bonefish key into.

    Buy at Saltwater Edge
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    Merkin Crab

    #14#16

    Crabs are a consistent food source on tropical flats year-round, making this a reliable imitation for tailing bonefish during spring.

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    Deceiver

    #14#16

    A versatile baitfish pattern, the Deceiver effectively imitates smaller fish, making it an excellent choice for predatory barracuda actively hunting in spring.

    nymph80%

    EP Shrimp

    #2#4#6

    Shrimp are a primary food source on tropical flats year-round. This imitation is crucial for bonefish foraging in shallow inshore areas during spring.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph80%

    Bonefish Scampi

    #4#6

    An essential shrimp imitation, the Bonefish Scampi is particularly effective on shallow sandy flats where bonefish actively feed in the spring.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)

    #1/0#2/0#3/0

    This is a universal baitfish and shrimp imitation, effective year-round for a variety of saltwater species including bonefish and barracuda, especially in clear coastal waters.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Merkin Crab

    #14#16

    Crabs are a consistent food source on tropical flats, and this imitation is effective for tailing bonefish during summer.

    Hawaii season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide