Kona Fishing Charters
Kona fishing charters head straight into deep Pacific waters for marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, ono, and a variety of bottom species just minutes from shore.
Top Rated Fishing Charters in Kona
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Kona, HI Fishing Guide
Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the most famous sportfishing destinations in the world, and for good reason. The island’s west coast drops off steeply, putting thousands of feet of water within sight of the harbor. This means anglers are fishing bluewater grounds just minutes after clearing the breakwall. Honokohau Harbor is the primary launch point, with a fleet ranging from 20-foot center consoles to 50-foot sportfishing boats equipped with fighting chairs, tuna tubes, and heavy trolling gear.
Kona charters are structured around the offshore bite. Half-day trips troll the ledges and buoys a short run from the harbor, often producing ono, mahi, and smaller tuna. Full-day trips expand the search zone, hitting deep canyons, FADs (fish aggregation devices), and current lines where big blue marlin and yellowfin patrol. Specialty trips include overnight runs for swordfish, or split days that combine offshore trolling with bottom fishing around seamounts. Because the water is calm compared to other Hawaiian coasts, trips here are typically comfortable, with many boats fishing year-round regardless of season.
The seasonal bite shifts slightly but remains consistent. Marlin, especially blues, are possible any month, with peak runs in summer. Ono are best in spring, mahi in late winter through early summer, and ahi peak June through August. Many crews stick to traditional trolling spreads of skirted lures, but live baiting, vertical jigging, and deep dropping are also productive when conditions line up. The Kona Coast is dotted with historic fishing grounds like “The Grounds,” “The Slide,” and “OT Buoy,” each with its own reputation among captains. The fishery is a unique mix of accessibility, size potential, and year-round action that makes Kona stand out from anywhere else in Hawaii.
Fishing Seasons in Kona
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Kona brings ono close to the ledges, with wahoo running strong along the 40–100 fathom line. Mahi mahi are still around from the late-winter push, often found near floating debris and buoys. Trolling high-speed lures and smaller jet heads is the main tactic for ono, while mahi respond well to medium-speed skirted lures and dead bait. Charter activity increases as seas remain calm and weather is stable, making spring one of the best times for mixed-bag action.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for giant blue marlin, with fish over 500 pounds a real possibility on any trip. Yellowfin tuna are also at their peak, holding around FADs and deep ledges. Crews run heavy trolling spreads with large skirted lures, teasers, and daisy chains to raise marlin. Live baiting with skipjack tuna is a deadly tactic when fish are finicky. Full-day trips dominate the season, with anglers chasing big game offshore from dawn until mid-afternoon. The annual Kona marlin tournaments also highlight just how consistent and world-class this fishery is in summer.
Fall (September–November)
Fall sees a more mixed bite, with smaller blue marlin, striped marlin, and spearfish appearing alongside tuna and mahi. September and October often feature calmer seas and lighter trade winds, making conditions excellent. Vertical jigging and deep dropping for snapper and amberjack can supplement trolling when pelagic activity slows. Ono become less predictable, but reef edges still produce the occasional strike. Charters remain busy, with anglers targeting multiple species on the same trip.
Winter (December–February)
Winter brings cooler water, shifting the focus more toward striped marlin, spearfish, and mahi mahi. Blue marlin are less common but not out of the picture, with some big fish still caught. Charters troll medium-size lures and bait strips, adjusting spreads for smaller billfish and tuna. Bottom fishing becomes a strong option when pelagics are scattered, with amberjack, snapper, and grouper caught deep on jigs or cut bait. Shorter half-day trips are popular in winter, as the inshore ledges can be productive without long runs.
Gamefish in Kona
- Blue Marlin – 150–1,000+ lbs. Year-round offshore, best June–August, taken trolling large skirted lures or live bait.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–200 lbs. Peak in summer around FADs and ledges, caught trolling or live baiting with skipjac
- Mahi Mahi – 10–40 lbs. Strong in winter through spring, found around debris, buoys, and current lines.
- Ono (Wahoo) – 15–50 lbs. Best in spring along drop-offs, taken on high-speed trolling rigs.
- Striped Marlin – 40–120 lbs. Winter and early spring offshore, caught trolling medium-size skirted lures.
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs. Year-round but most common in winter, taken trolling small lures offshore.
- Amberjack – 20–80 lbs. Deep structure near seamounts, best in fall and winter, caught vertical jigging or with live bait.
- Gray Snapper (Uku) – 5–15 lbs. Found on deep reefs, caught year-round with baited rigs or jigs.
Kona Fishing FAQs
What species are caught in Kona year-round?
Honokohau Harbor is the central launch point for charters, with fuel, ice, and a large fleet of sportfishing boats.
Are half-day trips worthwhile in Kona?
Thanks to the island’s steep drop-offs, deepwater grounds are just 5–10 minutes from the harbor.
What species are caught in Kona year-round?
Blue marlin are always possible, along with tuna, ono, mahi, and bottom fish like snapper and amberjack
Are half-day trips worthwhile in Kona?
Yes, because deep water is so close, even a 4-hour trip can put you on marlin, tuna, or ono within sight of land.
What’s the peak season for big marlin?
June through August is prime for giant blues, coinciding with summer tournaments.
Do charters provide fishing gear?
Yes, all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included. Most boats are tournament-rigged with heavy gear.
Are there specialty trips in Kona?
Some captains offer overnight swordfish trips or deep dropping for snapper and grouper when pelagic action is slow.
Do I need a license to fish in Kona?
No license is required for saltwater charter fishing in Hawaii.
What techniques are most common here?
Trolling with skirted lures is the standard, but live baiting, jigging, and bottom fishing are also available depending on conditions.