Opakapaka

Question

Love Opakapaka and finding it harder and harder to get. Understand the fishing restriction. Any ideas where I can get it Feb 16 to Mar 9th? Always buy from fish Market Maui in Kaanapali but still hard to come by. Any private off the boat sellers?

Answer

Opakapaka, also known as Hawaiian pink snapper, is indeed becoming harder to find due to fishing restrictions and sustainability efforts. However, there are still a few places and strategies you can try during your visit to Maui from February 16 to March 9th to find this delicious fish. Here are some ideas for where you might be able to get it:

Fish Market Maui (Kaanapali) Since you've already been purchasing from Fish Market Maui, it's worth checking back with them regularly, as they often have fresh catches and can sometimes source Opakapaka if it becomes available. You might also consider calling ahead or placing a special order to see if they can reserve it for you. They often have knowledgeable staff who can let you know when it's in stock.
Maui Fresh Streatery Maui Fresh Streatery offers fresh seafood, including Opakapaka when available. You can check with them directly, especially around the time you're visiting, to see if they have it on their menu or can sell it to you directly. They focus on local, fresh ingredients and might have a direct connection with fishermen who could have it available off the boat.
Paia Fish Market Paia Fish Market, both in Paia and Lahaina, is another reliable source for fresh fish. While they are popular for their seafood dishes, they often sell fresh fish by the pound, including Opakapaka, when it's available. Give them a call ahead of time to see if they can get some in stock for you or advise on other local markets that might have it.
Local Fishermen or Off-the-Boat Sellers For private, off-the-boat sellers, it may be a bit more hit or miss, but you can try reaching out to local fisherman or fishmongers in the area. Many fishermen sell directly to locals or visitors. You might ask around at places like the Maui County Fish Market or Honolua Store, where local fishermen sometimes sell fresh fish. It's worth asking the locals or vendors about any off-the-boat opportunities.
Down the Hatch (Lahaina) This popular spot in Lahaina often serves locally caught fish, and while their menu changes frequently based on availability, they may feature Opakapaka when it’s in season. It’s worth asking them if they know of any local sources where you could buy some to take home.
Maui's Fish and Seafood Co. Another possible source for fresh fish, including Opakapaka, is Maui's Fish and Seafood Co. They focus on locally caught fish and have a retail shop in the area. If you contact them ahead of time, they may be able to reserve some Opakapaka for you or direct you to a source where you can find it.

Additional Tips:

Check with Local Grocery Stores: While grocery stores like Whole Foods in Kahului or Safeway may not have Opakapaka regularly, they sometimes carry locally caught fish. It's worth calling ahead to ask if they have any in stock or if they can order it for you.
Ask at Restaurants: If you're dining out at seafood-focused restaurants like Mama's Fish House or Star Noodle, ask the staff if they can help you find Opakapaka for sale. These restaurants often have connections with local suppliers who might be able to sell to you directly.
Inquire About Seasonal Availability: Since Opakapaka is subject to seasonal restrictions, it’s a good idea to ask around in early February to see if it's likely to be available in March. Some restaurants or fish markets might be able to source it more readily depending on the fishing season.

While it may take a bit of extra effort to find Opakapaka during your stay, by reaching out to the sources mentioned above, you'll have a better chance of securing this delicious fish while you're on Maui. Best of luck, and I hope you're able to enjoy this local delicacy!

Opakapaka

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