Finding the right spearfishing gear in Hawaii used to mean knowing somebody — a cousin at the ramp, a guy at the dive shop who actually dove. That's still the best way to get dialed in. But the options have expanded, and knowing where to look saves time and money.
Local Dive Shops in Hawaii Worth Knowing
Oahu: Dillingham Blvd and the industrial areas of Honolulu historically have had the best spearfishing-specific shops. Look for shops that stock pole spears, spearguns, Hawaiian sling gear, floats, and dive knives — not just tourist snorkel gear.
Maui: Smaller shop selection, but the community is tight. Asking at the boat ramp or local fishing Facebook groups will point you to the right source fast.
Kauai: Fewer options, but local shops serve a dedicated spearfishing community. Word of mouth is gold on the smaller islands.
What to Buy Locally vs. Online
Buy locally: Wetsuits, fins with foot pockets, and spearguns — fit matters too much to gamble online, and you want to hold and feel the balance before buying. Fine to buy online: Accessories, replacement shafts, weights, bands, masks, floats, and dive lights.
Hana Pa'a: Built for Hawaii Spearfishers
Hana Pa'a is a Hawaii-based brand making gear for the people who actually use it — spearfishers, freedivers, and fishermen who live this life. Our lineup includes hats built for the Hawaii sun, the Gull Mantis low-volume freediving mask, and accessories that go from ramp to reef.
How to Gear Up for Hawaii Spearfishing: Priority Order
1) Mask — low-volume, good seal, tempered glass. 2) Fins — long blade, fit matters. 3) Wetsuit — 1.5–3mm by season. 4) Weight belt — enough for neutral buoyancy at 10–15 feet. 5) Float and flag — non-negotiable for safety. 6) Speargun or pole spear. 7) Dive knife. 8) Hat — for everything above water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy spearfishing gear in Honolulu?
Honolulu has several shops that carry real spearfishing equipment, particularly around the Dillingham Blvd area. Local fishing community Facebook groups often have current shop recommendations from active divers.
Can you rent spearfishing gear in Hawaii?
Rental spearfishing gear is rarely available because of the liability and specificity of the equipment. Most spearfishers own their gear.
What is the best online store for spearfishing gear in Hawaii?
Spearfishing World, Neptonics, and Riffe direct all ship to Hawaii. Local Hawaii brands like Hana Pa'a (hanapaa.com) ship nationwide and are built specifically for Hawaii water conditions.
Is spearfishing gear expensive in Hawaii?
Island pricing means some gear is slightly more expensive due to shipping costs. A complete beginner setup can run $400–$1,000+ depending on quality. Buying used gear from local divers is a good way to start affordably.
What do local Hawaii spearfishers recommend for beginners?
Start with quality basics: a good mask, medium-stiffness long blade fins, a reliable 80cm speargun, and a 3mm wetsuit. Don't cheap out on the mask — it's the most important piece of gear underwater.
Follow the Hana Pa'a crew on Instagram: @hanapaafishing