Ultimate Kailua-Kona Offshore Big Game Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour extended offshore charter targeting trophy marlin and tunaPremium big game fishing in worldrenowned Kona watersProfessional crew with specialized trolling patterns and expert guidance
When you're serious about targeting trophy fish in Hawaiian waters, this 10-hour extended offshore charter with Reel Havoc Sportfishing delivers the goods. We're talking about a full commitment day on one of the planet's most productive big game fisheries, where the Kona coast drops off into deep blue water that holds some massive pelagic species. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip—we're built for anglers who want maximum range, serious fishing time, and the best shot at hooking into something that'll have you talking for years. The extended hours mean we can run farther offshore, hit multiple zones, and capitalize on different bite windows throughout the day when these big migratory fish are most active.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure from Honokohau Harbor, getting you on the grounds before the sun breaks the horizon. The crew runs proven trolling spreads with a mix of lures and live bait, adjusting tactics based on water temperature, current breaks, and bird activity. With 10 hours on the water, there's time to work different depths and structure—from the nearshore seamounts where mahi stack up, to the deeper blue water channels where the big marlin cruise. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so everyone gets rod time without feeling crowded. You'll cover serious distance, sometimes running 20-30 miles offshore to find the best water conditions and bait concentrations. The crew knows how to read the signs—temperature breaks, current edges, and debris lines that hold feeding fish.
This operation runs a professional spread with heavy tackle designed for big pelagic species. We're talking 50-80 pound class gear with circle hooks and quality reels that can handle long, powerful runs. The trolling pattern typically includes a mix of large skirted lures, cedar plugs, and fresh bait depending on what's working. The crew adjusts boat speed between 6-9 knots based on conditions and target species—slower for marlin, faster when covering ground between spots. Live bait fishing comes into play when marking schools of tuna or when conditions call for a more finesse approach. The extended time allows for multiple technique changes throughout the day, from high-speed wahoo trolling in the morning to live bait fishing over structure in the afternoon. Professional-grade electronics help locate bait schools and temperature breaks where predators concentrate.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Kona fishing, with fish ranging from 200 to over 1,000 pounds cruising these waters year-round. Peak season runs May through September when the big females move through, but don't count out the winter months for solid action on smaller bulls. These fish are aggressive fighters that'll test your endurance with long runs and spectacular jumps. The thrill of seeing a grander marlin come up behind your lures is something that stays with you forever.
Yellowfin Tuna, locally called Ahi, are built like underwater torpedoes and fight with raw power that'll burn your arms. These fish school in deeper water and can range from 40 pounds up to 200-pound giants. They're most active during summer months but can be found year-round. When you hook into a big yellowfin, expect a straight-down fight followed by powerful runs that'll test your gear and stamina.
Mahi Mahi bring non-stop action and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These colorful fighters typically range 10-40 pounds and school around floating debris or current lines. They're most abundant during warmer months and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. Their aggressive nature means multiple hookups are common when you find a good school.
Wahoo, known locally as Ono, are speed demons that can hit 60 mph and make blistering runs when hooked. These toothy predators typically range 20-80 pounds and prefer deeper water along drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months and provide some of the most exciting strikes you'll experience—often taking lures at full trolling speed with explosive force.
Black Marlin are less common but represent the ultimate trophy when encountered. These massive fish can exceed 1,000 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and endurance. They're typically found in deeper offshore waters and provide the fight of a lifetime for any angler lucky enough to connect with one.
This extended offshore charter represents serious value for committed anglers who want maximum time on productive water. The 10-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species and trophy-class fish that casual day trips simply can't match. Reel Havoc Sportfishing runs a tight operation with experienced crew who know these waters intimately and adjust tactics based on real-time conditions. Whether you're chasing your first marlin or looking to add to an already impressive logbook, this charter delivers the range, time, and expertise needed for a memorable day on the water. Book early during peak season as serious fishing charters like this fill up fast with repeat customers and referrals from satisfied anglers.
Your platform for serious offshore fishing in Kailua-Kona waters is this beautifully restored 39' Topaz sportfisher, fresh from a 2025 rebuild and powered by twin 500HP Yanmar diesels. Built to handle Hawaii's big game fishery, she cruises smoothly at 24 knots to get you out to the deep water where marlin, ahi, and mahi roam. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while the crew works the spread below. When you're not fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin equipped with a full kitchen, comfortable bed, and head. The fish finder helps locate baitfish and structure, while the spacious cockpit provides plenty of room to battle trophy pelagics. Cold drinks stay fresh in the refrigerator, and the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the longer runs. With space for up to 6 anglers, this boat strikes the perfect balance between fishing performance and comfort for those extended 10-hour missions targeting Hawaii's premier gamefish in some of the Pacific's most productive waters.
Istiompax IndicaBlack marlin are the tanks of the marlin family - typically 200-600 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. Unlike blues, they'll come closer to shore around structure and drop-offs in 300-1,500 feet. While more common in Australia and Central America, we do see them seasonally from June through September. These fish are famous for brute strength rather than jumping - they'll pull straight down and test every component of your gear. The fight is intense but usually shorter than blues due to their power. Most anglers target them for the challenge since the meat quality isn't as good as other billfish. Key difference from other marlin: their pectoral fins don't fold back, creating more drag but also more power. When fighting one, keep steady pressure and be ready for sudden direction changes - they're unpredictable.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate big game trophy - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300-400 lbs. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond 1,000 feet, following warm currents and baitfish. Peak season runs May through September when water temps climb above 78°F. What makes them special? Pure power and aerial displays that'll test every piece of your gear. They're notorious for long, brutal fights that can last hours. The meat's decent but most anglers release these giants. Here's the local secret: when you see a marlin "lit up" with those electric blue stripes, it's hunting mode - that's your shot. Make sure your drags are set right because these fish will expose any weak links in your tackle setup fast.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure fun on light tackle, averaging 15-30 pounds with bulls hitting 40-50+ lbs. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or around FADs in 200-2,000 feet of water. They're year-round residents here but peak from April through October when the water's warmest. What guests love most? They're aggressive feeders with amazing colors that light up when hooked - those electric greens and golds are something else. Plus they're fantastic eating - firm, white, mild fish that's perfect for the grill. The fight's acrobatic but manageable for most anglers. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep trolling - mahi travel in schools and you'll often get multiple hookups before the school spooks.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo, or "ono" in Hawaiian, are built for speed - hitting 50+ mph in short bursts. They typically run 20-40 pounds around Kona, though 60+ pounders show up regularly. These silver rockets cruise the deep blue water from 200-1,000 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing is May through October, especially early morning when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? That blistering initial run will test your drag system, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders. The meat's white, flaky, and mild - some of the best eating fish out here. Local trick: troll faster than you think - 12-15 knots with small lures. Most guys troll too slow and wonder why they're not getting bit. Wahoo want that lure screaming across the surface.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna (ahi) are the workhorses of offshore fishing here - most run 40-100 pounds but we see 200+ pounders regularly. They school in deep water from 500-2,000 feet, often around seamounts and temperature breaks. Year-round fishing with peak action May through October. These fish are pure muscle with incredible stamina - they'll drag you into your backing and keep pulling. The meat is what sushi dreams are made of - deep red, rich, and worth its weight in gold at the fish market. They're challenging because they're constantly moving and can be picky eaters. Here's what works: when the trolling bite dies, switch to live bait and chunk. Drop a hooked opelu down 100-200 feet while chumming with cut bait - that's when the big ones usually show up.
Kailua-Kona, HI