Half Day Fishing And Snorkel Trip in Kona
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour private charter targeting Blue Marlin, Ono, and Mahi Mahi offshore.Includes custom snorkeling experience with provided equipment along Kona coast.Familyfriendly trip accommodates up to five guests with experienced crew.
If you're looking for the perfect blend of world-class offshore fishing and crystal-clear snorkeling on the Big Island, this five-hour private charter with Reel Escapes Hawaii hits all the marks. We'll start the day chasing pelagic game fish in some of Hawaii's most productive blue water, then shift gears to explore Kona's stunning underwater world. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family for their first taste of deep-sea fishing, this top-rated combo trip delivers the best of both worlds along the legendary Kona coast.
Your morning kicks off targeting the big pelagic species that make Kona famous – Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and lightning-fast Ono. We'll head out to the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off dramatically just minutes from shore, putting us right in the strike zone where these apex predators cruise the currents. The first half of your charter focuses purely on fishing, with all gear provided and our experienced crew coaching you through every hookup. After we've had our fill of the fishing action, we'll transition to the snorkel portion of your adventure. Depending on what Mother Nature's serving up that day, you might find yourself swimming with spinner dolphins, watching humpback whales during season, or exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. All snorkel gear comes included – masks, fins, and flotation devices – so you can focus on soaking up the magic beneath Kona's famously clear waters.
We run a serious spread of lures designed to fool the smartest fish in the Pacific. Our trolling setup typically includes a mix of large marlin lures, smaller mahi-specific baits, and high-speed ono catchers – all rigged on quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to crash the party. The beauty of Kona fishing is that the deep water starts close to shore, meaning we're not burning half the day just getting to the fishing grounds. We'll be working the 600 to 2,000-foot depth contours where the upwelling creates a baitfish highway that attracts everything from schoolie mahi to grander-class marlin. The crew handles all the technical stuff – setting the spread, adjusting speeds based on conditions, and coaching you through the fight when something eats. For the snorkeling portion, we'll anchor up or drift along protected bays and reef systems where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and the marine life is abundant year-round.
Blue Marlin are the undisputed kings of Kona waters, and hooking one of these apex predators is a bucket-list experience that'll have your heart pounding. These magnificent billfish can exceed 500 pounds and are known for their aerial displays when hooked – launching completely out of the water in spectacular fashion. Peak marlin season runs from May through September, though we see them year-round in these productive waters. What makes them so special is their intelligence and power; a big blue marlin will test every ounce of your skill and stamina, often taking hours to bring to the boat. The thrill of seeing that distinctive blue back and towering dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your lure is something every angler dreams about.
Mahi Mahi, also known as Common Dolphinfish, are the perfect fish for families and newer anglers looking to experience the excitement of offshore fishing without the marathon battles of larger species. These brilliantly colored fish – flashing gold, green, and electric blue – typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in Kona waters, though bulls can push 50 pounds or more. Mahi are aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters, known for their spectacular jumps and runs when hooked. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for guests wanting to take home a fresh catch. We find them consistently around floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks, especially during the warmer months from April through October when they're most abundant in Hawaiian waters.
This customer-favorite combo trip offers something for everyone in your group, whether they're die-hard fishing enthusiasts or prefer exploring underwater. With only five guests maximum, you'll get personalized attention from our crew and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the experience. The flexible format means we can adjust the day based on fishing conditions, marine life activity, and your group's preferences. Don't let this world-class opportunity slip away – Kona's offshore fishing and snorkeling conditions are legendary for good reason, and this trending combo trip showcases the very best of both. Book your spot today and get ready for a day on the water that perfectly captures the magic of Hawaii's most renowned fishing destination.
Meet the Reel Escapes, our 31-foot offshore sport fishing machine that's built to chase big pelagic fish in Kona's deep blue waters. This boat handles up to 5 anglers with serious fishing gear including outriggers, a fighting chair for battling those monster marlin, and a fish finder to locate where the ono and mahi mahi are biting. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds working baitfish, while the comfortable cabin offers seating, a table, and a clean head when nature calls. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox, and GPS keeps us on the productive fishing grounds. After working the offshore waters for marlin and tuna, we'll cruise the coast for snorkeling or dolphin watching depending on what's happening that day. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience both the excitement of deep sea fishing and the beauty of Kona's marine life in one epic day on the water.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the trophy fish every angler dreams about. These apex predators can reach massive sizes - females often hit 400-1,000 pounds, while males stay smaller around 200-300 pounds. They cruise the deep blue waters offshore, usually beyond the 1,000-foot mark where the water turns that brilliant cobalt blue. Here in Kona, we see them year-round, but summer months tend to be most productive when the water's warmest. What makes them special is their legendary fight - they'll jump, tailwalk, and make blistering runs that can peel hundreds of yards of line. The meat's rich but many anglers release these magnificent fish. Local tip: when trolling, keep your lures skipping on the surface around 8-9 knots. Blue Marlin love to come up from the depths to smash a bait that looks like it's trying to escape.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are one of the most rewarding fish to target - they're fast-growing, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we catch some pushing 50+ pounds. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the open ocean, usually in the top 100 feet of water. The action stays consistent year-round here in Kona, with peak times during summer when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is their spectacular aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly when hooked, showing off those brilliant gold and green colors. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around - Mahi often travel in schools, so there's usually more where that came from. We'll often catch multiple fish from the same spot.
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