Premium Afternoon Multi-Species Charter in Kailua Kona
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting multiple pelagic species offshoreExperienced crew assists with Blue Marlin, Tuna, and Mahi opportunitiesPrivate boat accommodates up to five guests with professional guidance
Picture yourself cruising the deep blue waters off Kailua Kona, lines out and anticipation building as the afternoon sun casts that perfect light across the Pacific. This private half-day charter with Playtime Sportfishing is your ticket to some of the best multi-species action the Big Island has to offer. With just your crew of up to 5 anglers, you'll have the boat to yourselves for four solid hours of fishing the productive afternoon bite when pelagics are actively feeding.
Your afternoon adventure kicks off in the late morning, giving you time to fuel up with breakfast before heading out. The timing couldn't be better – afternoon sessions often produce hot action as game fish move up in the water column to feed. You'll be working with an experienced crew and skilled first mate who knows these waters like the back of their hand. They'll handle the technical stuff while you focus on what you came for: hooking up with some of Hawaii's most prized pelagic species. The first mate will be your right-hand person throughout the trip, helping with everything from rigging to fighting fish, so remember that customary 10-20% tip – these guys work hard to put you on fish. Pack light but smart: bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (the non-spray kind works best on boats). Bottled water is provided, and you're welcome to bring moderate alcohol – just skip the glass containers and hard liquor for everyone's safety.
This is classic Big Island trolling at its finest. You'll be running a spread of lures designed to entice multiple species as you cover water in the 1,000+ foot depths where the big pelagics cruise. The crew will set up a variety of trolling patterns, adjusting speed and lure selection based on conditions and what's showing on the fish finder. Expect to see everything from large skirted marlin lures to smaller high-speed wahoo catchers in the spread. The beauty of multi-species fishing is the variety – you never know if that next strike will be a screaming wahoo, a jumping marlin, or a bulldogging tuna. The crew will rotate positions so everyone gets a shot at the action, and they'll coach you through the fight whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. These Kona waters drop off quickly from shore, meaning you'll be fishing productive depths within minutes of leaving the harbor.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of Kona fishing, and for good reason. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Summer months tend to be prime time for blues, though they're caught year-round in these waters. When you hook into a blue, expect a fight that combines brute strength with spectacular jumps – it's the kind of battle that turns casual anglers into lifelong marlin addicts.
Striped Marlin bring a different kind of excitement to the table. Smaller than their blue cousins but pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the ocean, stripers are known for their incredible speed and acrobatic abilities. They tend to be more active in cooler months, and their distinctive stripes make them unmistakable when they come up behind the lures. Landing a striped marlin on light tackle is an achievement any angler can be proud of.
Shortbill Spearfish are often called the "poor man's marlin," but don't let that fool you – these fish are pure dynamite on the end of a line. Averaging 20-40 pounds, they're perfectly sized for exciting fights without the marathon battles of larger billfish. Spearfish are known for their incredible jumping ability and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite target for anglers who want billfish action with a reasonable fight time.
Yellowfin Tuna represent some of the finest eating and hardest fighting fish in these waters. These muscular speedsters can range from 30-pound footballs to 200-pound giants, and they all share one trait: they never give up. Yellowfin are present year-round but tend to be most active during warmer months. Their deep, sustained runs will test your endurance and tackle to the limit.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world, combining beautiful colors, excellent table fare, and acrobatic fights. These fast-growing fish are most abundant during summer months when water temperatures peak. Mahi often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll likely find more. Their iridescent gold and green colors make them one of the most photogenic catches you'll encounter.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators are known for their blistering initial runs and razor-sharp teeth. Wahoo can be caught year-round but tend to be more common during winter months. Their firm, white meat is considered among the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a prized catch for both sport and table.
This private afternoon charter offers everything serious anglers and fishing newcomers alike are looking for: variety, action, and the chance to tangle with some of the Pacific's most sought-after game fish. With Kailua Kona's world-class fishing grounds just minutes from shore and an experienced crew putting you on fish, you're set up for the kind of afternoon that creates lasting memories. The private boat means no crowds, no strangers, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're hoping to check a grail fish off your bucket list or just want to experience the rush of offshore fishing in one of the world's premier destinations, this half-day adventure delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Kona's waters have earned their reputation as some of the most productive fishing grounds
Your afternoon fishing adventure launches from Kailua Kona aboard a well-equipped 26' Shamrock sportfishing boat designed for serious angling. This boat comes loaded with outriggers, downriggers, and a fighting chair for battling big fish, plus all the premium tackle you'll need to target marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi in Hawaiian waters. The crew knows these fishing grounds inside and out, using onboard fish finders and GPS to locate the best action. When you hook into something heavy, you'll appreciate the boat's stability and fighting chair setup. Between strikes, stay comfortable with the onboard refrigerator keeping drinks cold and a private head for convenience. The radar system keeps you safe if weather rolls in, while the spacious layout gives all 5 anglers room to fish without getting tangled up. Your experienced first mate handles the gear, sets lines, and helps land fish – they work hard for tips, so plan on 10-20% if they put you on fish. Just bring your hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bottled water's provided, and moderate alcohol is welcome (no glass or hard liquor). Perfect setup for an afternoon of serious offshore fishing.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the heavyweight champions of billfish - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males top out around 350. They cruise the deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks. Here in Kona, we see them year-round in 1,000+ feet of water, but prime time runs April through September. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power and those famous aerial displays when they're fighting. The meat's excellent too, similar to swordfish but with a cleaner taste. These fish are built for speed with that torpedo body and can change colors when excited. Local trick: when we're marking fish deep but nothing's hitting the spread, we'll stop and chunk cut bait to bring them up. Once you get a grander on the line, you'll understand why Kona is famous for big blues.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ in good years. Look for them around floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks in 200-2,000 feet of water. Spring through fall are peak seasons here in Kona. What makes them crowd favorites is that aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus the meat is outstanding - mild, sweet, and perfect for grilling or fish tacos. They mature fast and spawn year-round, so the population stays strong. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around. Keep a second rod ready with live bait because where there's one mahi, there's often a school.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill Spearfish are lean, fast billfish that run 50-75 inches and rarely exceed 115 pounds. You'll spot them by their short bill and high dorsal fin - taller than marlin but shorter than sailfish. They're surface feeders that hit small fish and squid in the open blue water. Winter months are prime time when water temps hit around 77°F. Most catches happen as bonus fish while targeting tuna or marlin since they're not super common. What makes them special is the meat - tastes like marlin but with more flavor, perfect for grilling. Here in Kona, we call them "hebi" and they're a real treat on the dinner menu. Pro tip: when trolling for tuna, keep your lures skipping on the surface - spearfish love that action and will come up from the depths to investigate.
Kajikia AudaxStriped Marlin are the most beautiful billfish with those distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They average 200-300 pounds with a more slender build than their blue cousins. We see them in Kona's deeper waters, usually 1,000+ feet, with peak action from late winter through summer. What sets them apart is their amazing aerial displays - they'll jump, tail-dance, and put on a show that'll leave you speechless. The meat's excellent too, makes great sashimi that locals call "nairagi." They're apex predators that love hitting schools of tuna and smaller fish. These fish are smart and can be finicky, so having multiple lines out helps. Pro tip: watch for bird activity over bait schools - striped marlin often hunt underneath, and if you position your spread right, you'll get some spectacular strikes.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are speed demons that can hit 50 mph with those torpedo bodies and bright yellow fins. Most fish here run 40-100 pounds, though we see some real giants pushing 200+. They cruise the upper 300 feet of blue water and are available year-round in Kona's deep waters. What makes them so popular is that blistering run when hooked - they'll peel line like crazy. The meat is world-class too, perfect for sashimi or searing on the grill. These warm-blooded fish are constantly on the move, following bait schools. They respond well to trolling, but nothing beats the excitement of chunking and having one blow up a surface plug. Local secret: when the dolphins are working, yellowfin are usually underneath feeding on the same bait. Position yourself downcurrent and get ready for some serious action.
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