Private Offshore Charter: Blue Marlin & Mahi Mahi
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private fullday charter targets Blue Marlin and Mahi Mahi offshoreProfessionalgrade equipment and expert guidance included for serious anglersOptional snorkeling break at Kealakekua Bay adds marine exploration
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want the waters to yourself, this private full-day charter out of Kailua-Kona delivers exactly what professional anglers are looking for. We're talking about prime Big Island fishing grounds where Blue Marlin cruise the blue water and Mahi Mahi light up in electric colors when they hit your spread. This isn't a cattle boat operation – it's your boat, your crew, and your shot at the fish that make Kona famous worldwide. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows, and the captain's undivided attention on putting you on fish.
Your day starts early at Honokohau Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions, tackle, and game plan. The boat heads out into some of the deepest, clearest water you'll find anywhere – we're talking 1,000+ foot depths just a few miles from shore. That's what makes Kona special for big game fishing. The continental shelf drops off fast here, bringing pelagic species right to your doorstep. Your spread will typically include a mix of lures and natural baits, with the captain adjusting based on what's been working and current conditions. Between the serious fishing action, there's an optional stop at Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling if the group wants a change of pace. Just remember you'll need a non-resident marine fishing license – grab it online before your trip. There's also a potential $100 fuel surcharge depending on current fuel costs, but your captain will let you know upfront.
This charter runs a professional spread designed to attract multiple species at once. We're talking heavy tackle – 50 and 80-pound class outfits that can handle whatever comes up from the depths. The boat trolls a variety of lures including cedar plugs, jet heads, and skirted trolling lures in colors that work in Kona's gin-clear water. The captain will adjust trolling speed based on target species – slower for marlin, faster when mahi mahi are the focus. Outriggers spread the lines wide to avoid tangles and create a natural bait school appearance. When fish are located, the boat may switch to live bait fishing with opelu or other local baitfish. All tackle, lures, and rigging are included, though serious anglers often bring their favorite rods if they have preferences. The crew handles all the technical stuff like setting the drag, gaffing, and boat positioning during fights.
Blue Marlin remain the crown jewel of Kona fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the largest Pacific Blue Marlin caught anywhere. These apex predators can show up any time of year, but late spring through fall tends to be most productive. A 200-300 pound blue marlin will test your endurance and technique, often jumping repeatedly and making long, powerful runs. What makes catching one here special is the crystal-clear water – you can actually watch the fish work during the fight. Mahi Mahi provide fast action and incredible table fare, typically running 10-40 pounds in these waters. They're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Yellowfin Tuna are pure muscle, fighting straight down with bulldogging power that will burn your arms. These fish are prized for sashimi and can reach 100+ pounds in Kona waters. Striped Marlin offer aerial displays that rival blue marlin but in a smaller, more manageable package. Shortbill Spearfish are the speedsters of the billfish family, making blistering runs and providing excellent light tackle action.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize fish, with Kona waters producing fish over 1,000 pounds. These magnificent billfish are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round. They're ambush predators that cruise the edge of the thermocline, often following schools of baitfish. The fight is legendary – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last hours. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish. Mahi Mahi are the workhorses of offshore fishing here, providing consistent action and fantastic eating. They're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. These fish light up in brilliant golds and greens when excited, putting on a visual show during the fight. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with fish ranging from small school-size dolphins to large bulls over 50 pounds.
Yellowfin Tuna are built for speed and endurance, making them one of the most challenging fish to land. In Kona waters, they typically run 40-150 pounds and are found around schools of porpoise or working bird flocks. They fight deep, using their powerful tail and streamlined body to maintain constant pressure. The meat is premium grade, making them highly sought after. Striped Marlin are smaller cousins to blue marlin but equally spectacular fighters. They're most common during winter months and provide incredible aerial shows. These fish typically range 80-150 pounds and are known for their intelligence and wariness. Shortbill Spearfish are the smallest billfish you'll encounter, but don't underestimate them. They're incredibly fast and acrobatic, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They're excellent on lighter tackle and provide great action when larger fish aren't cooperating.
This private charter represents world-class offshore fishing at its finest, with professional-grade equipment, expert local knowledge, and waters that consistently produce trophy fish. Whether you're after that grander blue marlin, a boat load of mahi mahi for the dinner table,
The Silky is a 45' Viking motorboat built for serious offshore fishing in Kona's deep blue waters. This tournament-ready vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with air conditioning, two staterooms, and two full bathrooms for those long days chasing marlin and mahi mahi. The flybridge gives you commanding views while trolling, and the advanced fish finder and GPS help locate the best fishing grounds. Professional-grade tackle is ready to go, plus an icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With radar for safety and a full galley onboard, you're set for a productive day targeting yellowfin tuna and other pelagic species in Kona's legendary fishing waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate prize fish here in Kona waters. These apex predators can range from 200-pound males up to massive 1,000+ pound females that we call "granders." They cruise the deep blue water beyond the shelf, typically in the top 300 feet where they hunt tuna and smaller pelagic fish. Year-round fishing is solid here, but summer months often produce the biggest fish. What draws anglers back is their raw power and aerial displays - nothing matches watching a giant marlin launch itself out of the water. The fight can last hours on the big ones. We troll heavy tackle with lures or rigged ballyhoo, focusing on temperature breaks and current edges. Pro tip: when you get a bite, resist the urge to horse them - let the fish run and tire itself out first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are one of the most reliable and fun fish we target offshore. These colorful fighters typically run 15-40 pounds, though we see some bulls pushing 60. They love floating debris, current lines, and temperature breaks in the upper water column. The fishing stays consistent year-round in Kona, with peak action during warmer months. What guests love is their aggressive strike, spectacular colors, and acrobatic jumps - plus they're outstanding eating with sweet, firm white meat. We find them by looking for birds working bait or floating logs and weed lines. Trolling with small lures or ballyhoo works great, but casting to visible fish under debris is pure excitement. Once you hook one, work the area hard - they usually travel in schools and you can often get multiple fish.
Tetrapturus AngustirostrisShortbill spearfish are one of the rarer billfish we encounter out here, making them a special catch when they show up. These sleek fish typically run 50-75 pounds with their trademark short bill and high dorsal fin that's taller than a marlin's but lower than a sailfish. They're surface feeders that cruise the warm offshore waters, often caught as bonus fish while trolling for marlin or tuna. What makes them exciting is their acrobatic fight and excellent table fare - locals call them "hebi" and they taste similar to marlin with a bit more flavor. Since they're not targeted specifically, your best bet is running a spread with lures or ballyhoo in the deeper blue water. When one hits, you'll know it's something different right away.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are considered the most beautiful billfish we catch, with distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fish is landed. These sleek fighters typically range 200-400 pounds and have a more compressed body than their blue marlin cousins. They prefer the warmer offshore waters and can be found year-round, though late winter through summer tends to be most productive. What makes them special is their incredible aerial displays and the challenge of the hunt - they're smart fish that require patience. The meat is excellent, often used for sashimi. We troll with lures and rigged baits, watching for their distinctive dorsal cutting the surface. Key tip: when you spot one, approach from downwind and keep your baits moving naturally - these fish are easily spooked but incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are speed demons that'll test your tackle and endurance. These torpedo-shaped fish average 60-100 pounds but can push over 200 in our waters. They're found in the upper 300 feet of open ocean, often around schools of bait or current breaks. We target them year-round, with consistent action during most seasons. Anglers love the screaming runs and bulldogging fight - they're pure muscle and never give up easy. The meat is premium grade, perfect for sashimi or steaks. We troll with cedar plugs, skirted lures, or rigged bait, but jigging deep when you mark fish can be deadly. Chunking with live bait brings them up from the depths too. My tip: when trolling, keep your speed up around 8-9 knots - yellowfin love fast-moving baits and won't hesitate to crush a lure at full throttle.
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