Ono Fish vs. Ahi Tuna — Which Makes the Better Fish Jerky Snack?

Looking for a healthier snack alternative to beef jerky? Fish jerky is a fantastic choice. It’s high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and low in saturated fat, delivering great nutrition without the heaviness of red meat.

Among the most popular fish jerky picks are ono Hawaiian fish and ahi tuna jerky. Both are nutrient-dense and delicious — but ahi vs ono, which one best matches your taste? Let’s compare.

What Is Ono Fish?

Ono, also known as wahoo or Ono Hawaiian, is a fast-swimming fish found mainly in the Pacific Ocean, especially around Hawaii where it is abundant. The Hawaiian word ʻono translates to “tasty” or “good to eat,” a perfect reflection of its mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Ono is closely related to king mackerel and has a torpedo-shaped silver-gray body built for speed, making it a favorite among sport fishers. Its meat is firm and lean, producing jerky with a clean taste and meatier bite that absorbs marinades exceptionally well.

What Is Ahi Tuna?

Ahi refers to bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna, two species prized in Hawaiian waters. Bigeye is plumper with larger eyes and head, while yellowfin is slimmer with bright yellow dorsal and anal fins that lengthen with age.

Ahi means “fire” in Hawaiian — believed to describe the dramatic thrashing of hooked tuna that resembles flames. Its meat is softer, darker, and naturally richer in flavor than ono, creating jerky that tastes bold, slightly oily, and deeply savory.

For premium fish jerky made the island way, Kaimana Jerky stands out. Their jerky is crafted from wild-caught Hawaiian ono, delivering bold flavor with clean protein you can feel good about.

Ready to explore the difference yourself? Read the full blog here. Want a tasty place to start? Try Kaimana Jerky for handcrafted ono fish jerky that truly lives up to the name — delicious.