Fishing Charters in Kona, HI

Compare 10 verified charter captains in Kona. Trips start from $886. Average captain rating: 4.8 stars. Book instantly with the lowest fees in the industry.

10

Charter Captains

4.8

Avg Rating

$886

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Fishing in Kona, Hawaii

Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the world's premier big-game fishing destinations. The deep blue water begins just a short distance from the harbor, with depths plunging to thousands of feet within a mile of shore. The calm leeward coast and nutrient-rich upwellings create ideal conditions for Pacific blue marlin, which Kona is most famous for. The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, held here annually since 1959, is one of the most prestigious marlin tournaments in the world.

Top Species

Pacific Blue MarlinYellowfin Tuna (Ahi)Mahi-MahiStriped MarlinOno (Wahoo)Spearfish

Fishing Types

OffshoreDeep SeaTrollingBottom FishingLight Tackle

Best Season

Year-round, with peak blue marlin from June through September

Top-Rated Captains in Kona

The VENTURE Boat Ko Olina

5.0(92)From $642Up to 6

Center console boats · 32'

Reel Escapes Hawaii

4.9(287)From $782Up to 5

Sportfishing boats · 33'

Reel Escapes Hawaii – A'u Nui

4.9(54)From $971Up to 6

Sportfishing boats · 40'

Skillet Sportfishing

4.9(385)From $872Up to 6

Sportfishing boats · 32'

Private Charter Waikiki Deep Sea Fishing

4.9(139)From $1244Up to 6

Sportfishing boats · 47'

Ohana Deep Sea Fishing – Reel Life

4.8(99)From $1294Up to 6

Sportfishing boats · 48'

Fishing Charter FAQ for Kona

What fish can I catch in Kona?
Kona is world-famous for Pacific blue marlin, with fish exceeding 1,000 pounds ('granders') caught each year. Other billfish include striped marlin, spearfish, and sailfish. Yellowfin tuna (ahi), skipjack tuna (aku), mahi-mahi, and ono (wahoo) are common catches. Bottom fishing trips produce various snapper species, jacks (ulua), and grouper. The Big Island's unique underwater terrain creates a year-round fishery.
When is the best time to go fishing in Kona?
Kona produces big-game fish year-round thanks to its deep, warm waters. Peak blue marlin season runs from June through September, coinciding with the summer tournament season. Striped marlin are most common from January through May. Mahi-mahi peak from March through September. Yellowfin tuna and ono are available year-round with varying peaks. There is no true off-season in Kona.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Kona?
Half-day charters (4 hours) in Kona typically run $700-$1,200. Three-quarter day trips (6 hours) cost $900-$1,500. Full-day charters (8 hours) range from $1,200 to $2,500. Shared or split charters, where you book individual spots on a boat, are available for $250-$400 per person. Bottom fishing trips are generally less expensive at $200-$300 per person.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Kona, HI?
No. Hawaii does not require a recreational marine fishing license for hook-and-line fishing from a charter boat. There is no saltwater fishing license requirement in the state. However, certain species have size and bag limits, and your captain will know all current regulations.

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