This time may change depending on the amount of fish being auctioned.  The more fish, the longer the auction takes.  If there are a lot of fish we will go later (about 6:30 am). We will know about 3-4 days ahead of time if there is a time change. Please bring a jacket (the auction area is chilled) and wear covered shoes.

If you are traveling Eastbound on Nimitz Hwy, turn right at the Pier 38 intersection across the street is the Nimitz Business Center, continue towards the harbor along the buildings with the sea green roofs.

You may also enter from the Pier 35 entrance. The cross street is Alakawa where Home Depot and Costco are.  Stay to your right and look for the POP Fishing and Marine Bldg.

The United Fishing Agency started operation of the Honolulu Fish Auction at Pier 38 on August 5, 1952, providing a pivotal service to fishermen and the market in promoting high quality, high value seafood, assuring seafood safety and helping to communicate with Hawaii's commercial fishermen. The United Fishing Agency plays a central role integrating the Hawaii fishing and seafood sectors. It supports responsible fishing and sustainable seafood in Hawaii. The Honolulu Fish Auction is the only fish auction between Tokyo and Maine. In fact, it's the only fresh tuna auction of its kind in the United States.  Much like the famous Tokyo auction large fish are sold individually rather than by the boat load to a wholesaler.

The day starts at 1:00 am, 6 days a week. The fishing vessels are unloaded in order of arrival. Fish are weighed, tagged with the vessel name, displayed on pallets, and kept clean and cold. Before being offered for sale, each fish is carefully inspected by the United Fishing Agency staff to ensure fish quality and safety. Buyers arrive before the auction begins to inspect the day's landings. By tradition, the auctioneer rings a brass bell at 5:30 am and the bidding begins. The auctioneer moves down the rows of fish surrounded by buyers who openly bid against each other for value, the best prices and quality fish. This continues until all of the fish is sold. Up to 160,000 pounds of fish can be auctioned in a day.

For pictures and more information checked out: www.shareyourtable.com and www.auctionnetwork.com episode 6.