5.0(2 Reviews)Kailua-Kona Deep Sea Charter: Real Hawaiian Fishing
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour charter targets mahi mahi, tuna, and marlin offshoreLicensed captain provides all equipment and tackles for guestsHalfday trip accommodates up to six anglers of any experience level
You know that feeling when you're looking at a dozen fishing charters online and they all sound the same? This isn't one of those trips. Konadice Sportfishing runs a no-nonsense, four-hour deep sea fishing charter off Kailua-Kona that's built for anglers who want to actually catch fish. We're talking about targeting some of Hawaii's most prized species—Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and Pacific Blue Marlin—in waters that have been producing trophy catches for decades. Your captain knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand, and the crew treats every angler like they want to be there. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first deep sea experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to check Hawaiian gamefish off your bucket list, this half-day charter hits the sweet spot between serious fishing and accessible adventure.
This isn't a cattle boat operation—you're fishing with just six people max, which means more room at the rail and better odds everyone gets their shot at a fish. The boat is set up for fishing, period. No fancy lounges or tourist amenities, just a clean, well-maintained vessel with quality tackle and a crew that knows how to put you on fish. You'll head out to proven offshore grounds where the captain has been marking fish for years, and the deckhand will have you rigged and ready before you know it. The whole vibe is relaxed but focused—think of it as fishing with buddies who happen to know exactly where the tuna are hanging out. All your gear and tackle are covered, so just grab some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. Four hours might sound short, but it's the perfect window to experience Hawaii's legendary offshore fishing without burning your entire vacation day.
We're running classic Hawaiian trolling techniques that have been putting fish in the boat for generations. The crew sets a spread of lures designed to mimic the baitfish that Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin feed on in these waters—think bright colors and action that triggers aggressive strikes from predators cruising the blue water. You'll be fishing with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from a scrappy Mahi to a freight-train Yellowfin. The captain knows how to read the water, watching for birds, debris lines, and temperature breaks where gamefish congregate. When something hits, the crew talks you through the fight, helping with the technique but letting you do the work. These aren't inshore fish we're after—offshore species in Hawaiian waters are strong, fast, and they'll test your skills whether you're a weekend angler or you've been fishing your whole life.
"Great people with great experience. 100% would recommend. Great way with kids as well." - Kevin
"My friend and his son drove up from Sacramento for a day of tuna fishing off the coast of Hawaii! And you know what? We did it five times with this incredible crew! The captain steered the boat precisely to where the fish were. The deckhand did an incredible job ensuring our success. This wasn't a luxury vacation, but a real man's fishing trip. The boat and crew were straight out of an Ernest Hemingway book—reliable, precise, and comfortable just for fishing, that's all! If you love fishing, I highly recommend this boat! But if you're looking for a luxury vacation, you might want to consider another option! This is man's, tough, and hard fishing, and I would definitely do it again!" - Andrii
Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Hawaiian deep sea fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in silver skin, and when one hits your line, you'll know it immediately. Yellowfin in these waters typically run 20 to 80 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing over 100. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, but can be caught throughout the day when you find the right water. What makes them special isn't just the fight—though they'll test your back and shoulders—it's the quality of the meat. Fresh Hawaiian Ahi is restaurant-grade sashimi, and there's nothing quite like eating fish you caught yourself in some of the cleanest waters in the Pacific.
Mahi Mahi bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These fish are acrobatic fighters that'll jump, run, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat involved. They're beautiful fish too—that electric green and gold coloring is something you have to see to believe. Mahi typically run 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, and they're often found around floating debris or under birds working schools of baitfish. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. The fun part about Mahi fishing is they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's a good chance there are more around.
Pacific Blue Marlin are the holy grail of Hawaiian fishing. These apex predators can reach massive sizes—we're talking fish that can weigh several hundred pounds—and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. Blue Marlin are year-round residents in Hawaiian waters, but late spring through fall tends to produce the most consistent action. When a marlin hits, everything else stops. The fight can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the size of the fish, and it's a team effort involving everyone on the boat. Most anglers practice catch and release with marlin, understanding these fish are too valuable to the ecosystem to keep. But hooking into one of these giants off the Kona Coast is a fishing experience that stays with you forever.
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Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this beautifully restored 1973 Bertram sportfisher! This classic 35-footer cuts through Kona's blue water at a steady 17 knots, powered by twin Cummins diesels that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect view for spotting birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of yellowfin tuna and roaming marlin below. You'll have plenty of room to fight fish with up to 5 other anglers, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard facilities include a head, so you can focus on what matters – getting lines in the water where mahi mahi cruise and billfish hunt. This boat has been pulling fish out of Hawaiian waters for decades, and after its 2018 restoration, she's ready for many more productive seasons chasing pelagics off the Kona coast.
Makaira MazaraBlue marlin are the fish that put Kona on the map. These apex predators average 200-400 pounds, with females running much larger than males. They patrol the deep blue water just offshore, usually within a few miles of the dropoff where the bottom falls to thousands of feet. Peak season runs May through September, though we see them year-round in these consistently warm waters. What makes marlin fishing special is the combination of their spectacular jumps, powerful runs, and the skill required to hook them. They're also prized for their rich, sashimi-grade meat. These fish can hit 50+ mph, so when one grabs your lure, you're in for a real battle. My advice: when we hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let the fish tire itself with those jumps and runs. The key is patience - rushing a green marlin to the boat is how tackle gets broken and fish get lost.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the perfect fish for getting everyone on the boat fired up. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam surface lures and put on an aerial show that's hard to beat. Most of what we catch runs 15-30 pounds, though bigger bulls can hit 50-plus. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere current breaks create structure in open water. They stay near the surface, making them ideal targets for our half-day trips. Best action typically comes April through September when water temps climb. What guests love most is how willing mahi are to bite and how they jump repeatedly when hooked. The meat is fantastic too - mild, firm, and perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep trolling. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna, or ahi as we call them here, are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook in these waters. Most run 40-80 pounds, though we've seen them push past 200. They cruise the upper water column out in the blue, typically 100-400 feet down where the water stays warm. Year-round fishing is solid here, but summer months often produce the best action when bait schools are thick. What makes ahi special is that incredible speed - they'll hit 50 mph and make long, blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, there's nothing like fresh ahi poke after a good day. Pro tip: when you see birds working or debris lines, slow down and watch your sonar. Ahi often hang just below the action, and switching from trolling to vertical jigging can trigger bites when they're being finicky.
5.0 out of 5.0Great people with great experience. 100% would recommend. Great way with kids as well.
My friend and his son drove up from Sacramento for a day of tuna fishing off the coast of Hawaii! And you know what? We did it fiv...
Kailua-Kona