Full-Day Offshore Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets marlin, tuna, and mahi mahiProfessional crew provides all rods, reels, and tackle includedEight hours offshore with morning or midday departure options
When you're looking to get serious about deep-water fishing off Hawaii's Big Island, this 8-hour private charter puts you right where the action happens. Captain and crew from Konadice Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that most mainland anglers only dream about. We're talking Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi cruising the deep blue just minutes from shore. With morning or midday departure options, you can fit this world-class fishing experience into your Big Island schedule without missing a beat.
This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – we're giving you a full 8 hours to really work the offshore grounds where the big pelagics live. Your charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families, friend groups, or serious fishing buddies who want the boat to themselves. The crew provides all your rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to haul gear across the Pacific. They know exactly what setups work best for each target species and will have everything rigged and ready before you clear the harbor. You'll want to pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, plus don't forget sunscreen and a hat – that Hawaiian sun gets intense when you're reflecting off the water all day. The beauty of a private charter means the captain adjusts tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding, giving you the best shot at a successful day regardless of your experience level.
Out here in Kona's legendary fishing grounds, trolling is the name of the game. The crew runs a spread of lures at different depths and distances behind the boat, covering maximum water while targeting specific species. They'll typically run a mix of marlin lures, cedar plugs for tuna, and smaller offerings that drive Mahi Mahi crazy. The boat's outriggers let them spread lines wide, preventing tangles and creating a natural presentation that mimics a small school of baitfish. When targeting Blue Marlin, expect to see some serious tackle – 80-pound test line and reels that can handle a fish over 300 pounds. For Yellowfin Tuna, they'll often switch to lighter gear that lets you really feel the fight these speed demons put up. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for temperature breaks, current lines, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. GPS and fish finder technology help locate structure and baitfish, but it's the crew's local knowledge that really puts you on the productive water day after day.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Kona fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the Pacific's largest specimens. These apex predators cruise the deep water year-round, but peak season runs from May through September when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. A typical Kona Blue Marlin runs 200-400 pounds, though monsters over 800 pounds get caught here regularly. What makes hooking a Blue Marlin so special isn't just the size – it's watching 300 pounds of pure muscle launch itself completely out of the water in a display that'll give you chills. They're ambush predators that strike lures with violent intensity, and the initial run can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're technically known, bring non-stop action and some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. These fish travel in schools and when you find one, you've usually found many. They're incredibly aggressive feeders that'll hit just about any lure or bait you throw at them, making them perfect for kids or first-time offshore anglers. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in Kona waters, and their electric colors – brilliant gold, green, and blue – make every catch a photo opportunity. They're available year-round but really stack up around floating debris or FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) during summer months. The fights are acrobatic with lots of jumping and head-shaking that keeps everyone on the boat entertained.
Yellowfin Tuna, locally called Ahi, are pure speed and power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These fish are built for long-distance migration and when hooked, they show exactly why they're considered one of the ocean's ultimate athletes. Kona Yellowfin typically range from 40-150 pounds, with occasional giants pushing 200 pounds or more. They're available year-round but really concentrate here during winter months when cooler water brings massive schools close to shore. What makes Ahi so prized isn't just the fight – it's the incredible sashimi-grade meat that's worth serious money at market. These fish make blistering runs straight down, testing your drag system and endurance in equal measure.
Shortbill Spearfish are Kona's best-kept secret, offering marlin-like excitement in a smaller, more manageable package. These beautiful billfish typically run 20-40 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked, often outjumping fish twice their size. They're year-round residents but peak during spring and early summer months. Spearfish have incredible speed and agility, making them one of the most challenging billfish species to land despite their smaller size. Their distinctive short bill and gorgeous coloration make them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate technical fishing challenges.
Wahoo Fish represent pure speed in the offshore world, capable of reaching 60 mph when chasing prey or trying to escape. These silver bullets typically range from 15-50 pounds in Kona waters and are famous for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. They're most common during winter months when they follow bait schools into the area. Wahoo make screaming initial runs that can empty a reel in
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1973 Bertram 35-footer and get ready to chase marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi in the deep blue waters off Kailua-Kona. This classic sportfishing boat got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs like a dream with twin 330HP Cummins diesels that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a steady 17 knots. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish activity, while the GPS and fish finder help locate where the big ones are holding. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with trophy fish. When nature calls, the head keeps you comfortable on those 8-hour adventures. This boat has the perfect blend of classic sportfishing style and modern reliability to handle whatever the Hawaiian waters throw at you.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate prize in Kona waters - the biggest billfish in the ocean with females reaching over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"). They cruise the deep blue water year-round here, but peak season runs May through September when water temps climb. These apex predators hunt tuna, mackerel, and flying fish using their signature spear-like bill. What makes them legendary is their fighting ability - powerful runs, aerial acrobatics, and pure determination that can test your endurance for hours. The meat is excellent eating, though many anglers choose to release these magnificent fish. My tip: when we hook up, let the fish run initially and don't horse it - they'll tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps. Patience wins the day with blues.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are crowd favorites for good reason - they're gorgeous fighters that put on a show with brilliant golden-green colors and acrobatic jumps. Most run 15-30 pounds around Kona, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges where they ambush flying fish and small baitfish. Year-round fishing here is solid, but summer months really fire up when water temps peak. What guests love most is their willingness to bite and fantastic table fare - mild, sweet white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep fishing that spot. Pro tip: make your ballyhoo skip across the surface like a flying fish - mahi go crazy for that presentation and will come up from deep water to smash it.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill Spearfish are the sleekest billfish you'll encounter off Kona, with their lean bodies and distinctive short bill that's barely longer than their lower jaw. Most run 50-75 inches and weigh up to 115 pounds. They're surface feeders that cruise open water hunting small fish and squid. Winter months offer the best action when water temps hit around 77°F - perfect spawning conditions. What makes them special is their rarity - they're usually caught as bonus fish while targeting marlin or tuna. The meat rivals white marlin with excellent flavor, making them prized "catch of the day" fish here in Hawaii where we call them Hebi. Pro tip: when trolling for marlin, keep your spread tight near current edges where these beauties ambush baitfish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo, or "Ono" as we call them here (meaning delicious), are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and can hit 60 mph when they strike your lures. They roam the offshore waters year-round in Kona, but May through October offers the hottest action. What draws anglers is their blistering runs and premium eating quality - white, flaky meat that's absolutely perfect for fish tacos. They hunt flying fish, tuna, and squid in open water, usually as singles or small groups. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular leader like butter. My secret: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key. When you see that screaming run peeling line, hold on tight - it's going to be wild.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek Wrasse aren't typically targeted on our offshore charters since they're small reef fish that max out around 11 inches. These colorful fish live on coral reefs and sandy bottoms between 65-300 feet deep, sporting bright blue-green bodies with yellow markings. While they're popular aquarium fish due to their vibrant colors that shift from purple as juveniles to blue as adults, they're not found in Kona waters. Our charter focuses on pelagic species like marlin, tuna, and mahi in the deep offshore waters where these wrasse don't venture. If you're interested in smaller reef species, consider booking a nearshore trip instead. Our full-day offshore experience targets the big game fish that make Kona famous worldwide.
Kailua-Kona