Big Island Fishing Charters
Big Island fishing charters give anglers deep drops into Pacific bluewater just minutes offshore, with year-round chances at pelagics like marlin, ahi, mahi, and ono.
Top Rated Charters in Big Island
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Big Island, HI Fishing Guide
The Big Island’s fishery is unlike anywhere else in the U.S.—you can be trolling in 1,000 feet of water less than a mile from shore. That’s what makes Big Island fishing charters so effective, especially out of ports like Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, and Hilo. Most captains here run half-day and full-day offshore trips focused on trolling for big game, with quick access to deep drop-offs and ledges thanks to the island’s volcanic underwater terrain.
Offshore fishing is the main draw, with blue marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna (ahi), wahoo (ono), and mahi-mahi all caught within sight of land. The Kona Coast, in particular, is a world-famous blue marlin destination, with granders landed regularly. Since the drop-off is so close to the harbor, run times are short—sometimes just 10–15 minutes from the dock to the first spread.
Bottom fishing and nearshore trips are also available, often targeting snapper, amberjack, and reef fish with jigs or baited rigs. The calmer leeward side near Kona offers better year-round conditions for these trips, while the Hilo side is more weather-dependent but can produce on calmer days.
Live bait (opelu) is king on many serious Kona charters, especially when targeting ahi or marlin around deep ledges and FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices). Trolling lures like skirts, plugs, and daisy chains are standard, especially for fast-moving species like ono and mahi. Some captains mix in jigging or deep-drop electric reels for bottom dwellers when conditions allow.
With little seasonal migration and warm water year-round, Big Island fishing stays productive across all months—you just need a captain who knows where the bite is shifting.
Fishing Seasons in Big Island
Spring
Spring brings solid variety off the Big Island. Mahi-mahi begin pushing closer to shore in better numbers, and ono start showing strong along the ledges. You’ll still see a few striped marlin and smaller blue marlin in March and April, and bottom fishing near Kona stays steady. Weather tends to be calm on the leeward side, making this a great time for half-day trips or exploratory runs to FADs and drop-offs. Live bait becomes more available this time of year, and that opens the door for slow-trolling techniques to shine.
Summer
This is prime time for blue marlin, with the largest fish of the year often caught from June through August. Yellowfin tuna (ahi) also peak in summer, especially on full-day runs targeting offshore FADs or deeper ledges. Some boats switch to chunking or live bait when they locate a good school. The weather is generally calm island-wide, and both full- and half-day charters book up fast. Mahi and ono remain consistent, though marlin is the main show. Big game anglers often plan trips around the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in July.
Fall
Fall is a transitional period, but fishing stays strong. Ahi taper off slightly but are still catchable, especially early in the season. Mahi-mahi numbers pick back up in October and November, and there’s a second push of ono that lasts into early winter. Blue marlin remain catchable year-round but drop in average size. Bottom fishing becomes more of a focus when surface action slows, and jigging trips out of Kona can produce amberjack, snapper, and grouper on structure. Water temps stay warm and the seas remain manageable, especially on the Kona side.
Winter
Winter brings rougher seas to the Hilo side, but Kona stays fishable most days thanks to its leeward position. Striped marlin become more common this time of year, along with shortbill spearfish and occasional swordfish for those willing to deep-drop. Mahi-mahi and ono continue to hit lures offshore, and bottom fishing often picks up as pelagic activity dips. Some winter days offer glassy conditions and surprise marlin bites—local captains know how to adjust quickly depending on wind and water clarity.
Gamefish in Big Island
- Blue Marlin – 150–1,000+ lbs Caught year-round in deep water near the Kona Coast. Trolled with large skirted lures or live opelu along ledges and drop-offs.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) – 30–200+ lbs Peak in summer near FADs and ledges. Caught trolling, chunking, or with live bait on full-day offshore trips.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–40 lbs Common spring through fall, often caught around debris, FADs, or while trolling open water with lures or ballyhoo.
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- Striped Marlin – 40–100 lbs More common in winter months. Trolled offshore with smaller skirts or feathers in cooler water
- Shortbill Spearfish – 20–60 lbs Caught winter through spring, often on trolled lures while targeting marlin or mahi.
- Amberjack – 20–80 lbs Found on deep structure. Targeted with vertical jigs or live bait on bottom fishing trips.
- Snapper (Opakapaka, Onaga) – 5–20 lbs Caught with deep-drop electric reels over rocky ledges. Available year-round, weather permitting.
Big Island Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are offered on the Big Island?
Most Big Island charters are offshore trolling trips, but bottom fishing and light tackle nearshore trips are also available. Captains out of Kona, Honokōhau, and Hilo offer half-day, ¾-day, and full-day options.
Where do Big Island fishing charters usually launch from?
Kailua-Kona and Honokōhau Harbor are the most popular launch points on the west side, with Hilo Harbor serving the east. Kona offers the calmest waters and fastest access to deep offshore fishing.
Is the fishing good year-round on the Big Island?
Yes, Big Island waters are productive all year. Some species peak seasonally, but blue marlin, ono, and mahi can be caught in every month.
How far do you have to run to reach good fishing grounds?
Not far—Big Island charters often start fishing within a mile or two of shore. The drop-off is extremely close thanks to the island’s volcanic underwater shelf.
What gear is provided on Big Island charters?
All tackle is typically included, from heavy trolling gear for marlin to jigging and bottom rigs. Some boats also carry live bait when available.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Hawaii?
No license is required for recreational saltwater fishing in Hawaii when fishing with a licensed charter.
Can I keep what I catch?
That depends on the charter. Some captains allow you to keep edible species like mahi or ono; others split fillets or retain pelagics like marlin for sale or future bait.
Are Big Island trips family-friendly?
Yes, many captains offer family-friendly half-day trips with calmer water near Kona. Just check in advance for age or motion sickness concerns.
What’s the best time to catch blue marlin?
Blue marlin can be caught year-round, but summer is peak season, especially July and August when the biggest fish are landed near the Kona Coast.
