Kona Night Tuna Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15hour overnight charter targets yellowfin tuna and swordfishLive squid fishing and deep dropping techniques usedAccommodates up to 6 experienced anglers with gear included
If you're serious about catching big ahi and want to fish when the real monsters come up to feed, this 15-hour night charter is what you've been looking for. Starting at 5:00 PM and running through the night, this trip takes you into Kona's most productive offshore waters when yellowfin tuna and bigeye are actively hunting. Captain and crew know these waters inside and out, and they'll put you on fish using time-tested techniques that work in the dark. This isn't a sunset cruise with some fishing thrown in—it's a dedicated overnight mission for anglers who understand that the best tuna action happens after the sun goes down.
This charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll head out as the afternoon light starts to fade, giving the crew time to get you into position and set up for the prime feeding hours. The boat stays in deep offshore waters throughout the night, positioning in areas where upwelling and current breaks concentrate baitfish. Expect to fish in 1,000+ feet of water where the big pelagics roam. The overnight format means you're not rushed—when fish are biting, you stay on them. When they're not, the crew repositions to find active water. Bring layers because it gets cooler out there at night, and pack snacks since meals aren't provided. The crew will keep you caffeinated and focused, but fuel for the long haul is on you.
The crew starts by catching live squid using specialized lights and jigs—fresh ika is absolute candy for big tuna. Once you've got bait sorted, it's all about reading the water and putting baits where fish are feeding. Chum bags go out to create a scent trail, and lines get set at various depths using downriggers and outriggers. Deep dropping is a key technique here, getting baits down 200-400 feet where bigeye cruise. All rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear are provided—we're talking serious offshore setups that can handle 100+ pound fish. The captain and mate will coach you through the fight when you hook up, but this trip works best for anglers who already know their way around heavy tackle. Night fishing requires different skills than daytime trolling, and the crew will adjust techniques based on what's working each specific night.
Yellowfin tuna are the primary target and for good reason—Kona's waters hold some of the best yellowfin fishing in the Pacific. These fish average 40-80 pounds but can push well over 100. Yellowfin feed aggressively at night, coming up from deep water to hunt baitfish near the surface. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your endurance on heavy tackle. Best months are typically April through October, though Kona's year-round fishery means you've got shots any time. What makes yellowfin special is their speed and power—they'll rip drag and make long runs that get your heart pumping.
Bigeye tuna are the holy grail of night fishing in Kona. These deep-water specialists rarely come up during daylight hours, making night trips your best shot at hooking one. Bigeye grow larger than yellowfin, with fish over 150 pounds caught regularly in these waters. They prefer cooler water and feed primarily at night, making them perfect targets for this type of charter. Bigeye have huge eyes adapted for low-light hunting, and they're incredibly strong fighters that dive deep when hooked. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but the biggest fish often show up during winter months.
Swordfish are the bonus species that can make a great night even better. Kona's deep offshore waters hold good numbers of broadbill, and night fishing with deep-dropped baits is the most effective way to target them. Swordfish are ambush predators that hunt at night, rising from depths of 1,000+ feet to feed in the upper water column. When you hook a sword, you know it immediately—they jump, they dive, they fight dirty. Fish range from 50 pounds to over 200, with the bigger ones showing up more consistently during cooler months. Landing a swordfish on this type of trip is special because it requires everything to come together—right bait, right depth, right presentation.
This overnight tuna charter offers serious anglers the chance to fish Kona's most productive waters during prime feeding hours. With only 6 spots available and a crew that knows how to put you on fish, this trip fills up with repeat customers who understand the value of dedicated night fishing time. The 15-hour format gives you maximum opportunity to connect with trophy-class tuna and maybe even a swordfish. All tackle is provided, but bring your A-game because these fish don't give up easy. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so book when you're committed to the date. If you're ready to experience world-class night fishing in some of the Pacific's best tuna waters, this charter delivers the goods.
Your night tuna fishing adventure begins aboard this 45-foot Kona sportfishing boat, purpose-built for serious offshore angling. With space for up to six anglers, the vessel features outriggers and downriggers for trolling, plus a fighting chair when you hook into that big ahi. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the fish finder and GPS keep you on productive fishing grounds throughout the night. Air conditioning provides relief between fishing sessions, and the onboard restroom means no interruptions to your 15-hour pursuit of yellowfin tuna. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold as you work the deep water off Kona's coast. The boat's radar system ensures safe navigation in low-visibility conditions, letting you stay in prime fishing zones when the tuna are most active after dark.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna, known locally as ahi, are built for hunting in deep water with their massive eyes and streamlined bodies. These fish typically run 60-200 pounds but can push over 400. They live in depths from 800-2000 feet during the day, making them perfect targets for our night fishing when they move up to feed. Peak season runs May through September when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes bigeye special is their rich, fatty meat - it's the most valuable tuna by weight and tastes better than yellowfin. They fight hard and steady, not as flashy as some fish but they'll test your endurance. My tip: when we're deep dropping at night, let that bait get down to 1200+ feet and be patient. These fish feed methodically, so when you get a bite, it's usually a good one.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate nighttime challenge - these prehistoric-looking fighters average 100-300 pounds and can hit 15 feet long. During our overnight trips, they move up from 1500+ foot depths to hunt in 300-800 feet of water. Best conditions happen on dark, calm nights when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes swordfish special is that flat bill they use to slash prey and their ability to heat their eyes and brain for better night vision. The fight is different from tuna - more bulldogging power than speed, but they'll test every piece of gear you've got. Meat-wise, they're excellent eating with firm, meaty steaks. The secret to hooking swordfish here is getting your lights positioned right at 80-120 feet down with fresh squid. When you see that rod tip bouncing with their distinctive bite pattern, get ready for a battle that could last hours.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of our night fishing trips, running anywhere from 40-150 pounds with the occasional giant pushing 200+. They cruise the upper water column from surface down to 300 feet, making them accessible during our overnight sessions. Best fishing happens during new moon phases when they feed aggressively near the surface. These fish are pure muscle - they'll make screaming runs at 50 mph and fight until the very end. The meat is top-shelf sashimi quality, firm and clean-tasting. What guests love most is the variety of ways we can catch them: trolling, chunking, or jigging depending on conditions. The key trick here in Kona waters is fresh squid - when we catch live ika early in the trip and use them for bait, yellowfin just can't resist. They'll come up from the depths to hammer a properly presented squid.
Kailua-Kona