Kona's Premier Marlin & Tuna Fishing Adventure

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Kailua-Kona
$700 - $1,150 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore action? This 6-hour fishing charter out of Kailua-Kona puts you right in the heart of Big Island's rich fishing grounds. We're talking prime spots for big game fish like Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), and Mahi Mahi. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to deep sea fishing, the experienced crew at Konadice Sportfishing has you covered. They provide all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on the hunt. Choose from morning, midday, or afternoon trips to fit your schedule. The boat's clean and well-equipped, perfect for a day on the water. Just bring your own snacks, drinks, and sun protection. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and chances to reel in the big one. It's a solid day of fishing in one of Hawaii's most beautiful and productive areas.

Kona's Premier Marlin & Tuna Fishing Adventure

Big Game, Big Smiles

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Hook into Kailua-Kona's fishing paradise

Fisherman catches a big yellowfin tuna in Hawaii

Tuna Fishing magic happens in Kailua-Kona

A big 31-inch fish caught while fishing in HI

Fisherman's paradise found in Kailua-Kona

Reel in Big Game: Kona's Epic Offshore Adventure

Ready to tangle with some of the Pacific's most sought-after gamefish? Our 6-hour offshore charter out of Kailua-Kona is your ticket to the action. We're talking world-class fishing for marlin, ahi (yellowfin tuna), and mahi mahi in the deep blue waters off the Big Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. With morning, midday, and afternoon departures available, we've got a time slot that fits your schedule. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the high seas for some serious pelagic action!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the harbor, you'll feel the excitement build. Our well-maintained vessel is rigged and ready for battle with these offshore giants. The crew will set out a spread of lures, and we'll be trolling the productive waters where the big ones lurk. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface – that's often a dead giveaway that gamefish are feeding below. When that reel starts screaming, it's game on! Whether you're cranking on a 100-pound ahi or watching a blue marlin put on an aerial show, the adrenaline rush is unbeatable. And don't worry if you're new to big game fishing – our crew will coach you through the fight and make sure you've got plenty of Instagram-worthy photos with your catch.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

We use a mix of tried-and-true Kona trolling techniques to target the big boys. Expect to see a spread of artificial lures and maybe some live bait if the conditions are right. We're running top-of-the-line Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy-duty line – these fish don't mess around, so neither do we. Outriggers help us cover more water and keep multiple lines in play without tangling. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. You'll be strapped into a fighting chair for the bigger specimens, giving you the leverage you need to work that fish to the boat. Our crew's got years of experience in these waters, so trust their guidance and you'll be posing with a trophy in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Marlin are the crown jewels of Kona fishing, and for good reason. These magnificent billfish are known for their spectacular aerial displays and sheer power. Blue marlin are the main attraction, with specimens over 1,000 pounds possible (though 200-400 pounders are more common). They're here year-round, but peak season is typically June through October. When a big blue crashes the spread, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life!

Yellowfin tuna, or ahi as they're known locally, are prized for both their fighting ability and their mouthwatering meat. These streamlined torpedoes can top 200 pounds, though 50-100 pounders are more typical. They often travel in schools, so multiple hookups are possible. Ahi fishing is generally best from May through September, but they can be caught year-round. The initial run of a big yellowfin will test both your drag system and your stamina.

Mahi mahi (also called dorado or dolphinfish) are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea, with their electric blue and gold coloration. They're also acrobatic fighters and delicious on the plate. Most mahi we catch range from 15 to 30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. These fish often travel in pairs, so when one is hooked, keep an eye out for its mate. Mahi mahi can be caught year-round in Kona, with slight peaks in the spring and fall.

Shortbill spearfish are a bonus catch that adds variety to our trips. These smaller cousins of the marlin are still impressive fighters for their size, usually ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. They're most common from December through May and are known for their tender, white meat.

Wahoo (or ono in Hawaiian) are speed demons of the ocean. These sleek predators can hit lures at over 60 mph and make blistering runs. Most wahoo we catch are in the 30 to 50 pound range, but larger specimens over 100 pounds are possible. They're available year-round but tend to be more common in the summer months. Wahoo are prized for their firm, white flesh that's excellent for sashimi or grilling.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these Kona waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance at landing that grander (1,000+ pound) blue marlin. Or the consistent action we see thanks to our nutrient-rich currents. But I think it's more than just the fishing – it's the whole package. The breathtaking backdrop of Hualalai volcano rising from the sea. The pods of spinner dolphins that often cruise alongside the boat. The way the sun paints the ocean gold as we head back to the harbor, swapping stories of the day's battles. It's a slice of paradise that's hard to beat, and we're stoked to share it with you.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to test your mettle against some of the Pacific's top gamefish, our Kailua-Kona offshore charter is calling your name. With comfortable boats, expert crews, and some of the most productive big game waters on the planet, we've got all the ingredients for an epic day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy marlin or just want to fill the cooler with some fresh ahi, we'll do our best to make it happen. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in the deep blue off the Big Island. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are a favorite here in Kona. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 70. You'll find them in the open ocean, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're around all year, but peak season is May through October. Mahi are popular for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked and their excellent eating quality. To catch them, troll with rigged ballyhoo or colorful lures near the surface. Keep an eye out for birds working – that often means Mahi are feeding below. When you spot a school, cast a live bait or jig to the edges. They travel in pairs or small groups, so if you hook one, keep the boat nearby. There's a good chance its buddies will stick around, giving you a shot at multiple fish.

Shortbill Spearfish

Shortbill Spearfish are a prized catch off Kona. These sleek billfish average 50-75 inches long and put up an impressive fight. Look for them in deep, open water, especially near temperature breaks or current edges. They're typically found year-round, but peak season is spring through fall. Anglers love targeting Shortbills for their acrobatic jumps and blazing runs. Their meat is similar to Marlin, with a firm texture and mild flavor. To increase your odds, troll with small lures or rigged baits like ballyhoo at varying depths. Keep an eye out for diving birds or bait balls – that's often where you'll find Shortbills feeding. When you hook one, be ready for some serious action on light tackle.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo, or Ono as we call them here, are the speedsters of the Pacific. These streamlined torpedoes can hit 60 mph and grow up to 6 feet long, though most we catch are 3-5 feet. Look for them in the open ocean, often near drop-offs or current edges. They're around year-round, but fishing really heats up from May to October. Anglers love Wahoo for their blistering runs and excellent table fare. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bullet-headed lures or skirted ballyhoo. Use wire leaders – their teeth will slice through mono like butter. When you hook one, hang on tight and be ready for some smoking runs. Fresh Ono makes killer fish tacos, so be sure to keep a few for the grill.

Yellowcheek Wrasse

The Yellowcheek Wrasse is a colorful little character you might spot while reef fishing. They're usually 6-11 inches long, with bright blue and yellow patterns. You'll find them around coral reefs and rocky areas in depths of 65-300 feet. These guys are active year-round but seem more abundant in warmer months. While not a primary target, they're fun to catch on light tackle and make for great photos. Use small hooks with bits of squid or worm to entice them. Yellowcheeks are cleaner fish, so watch for them near larger reef species – that's where they'll be hanging out, picking parasites off their "clients." If you hook one, bring it up slowly to avoid barotrauma. They're better left in the water, but make a neat addition to reef aquariums if you're into that.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna, or Ahi, are the prize of Kona's offshore waters. These powerful fish average 30-100 pounds but can top 200. You'll find them in the open ocean, often near temperature breaks or underwater structures. They're here year-round, with peak fishing from summer through fall. Anglers love Yellowfin for their brutal fights and world-class sushi-grade meat. To target them, we'll troll with a spread of lures and live baits, or chunk if we're marking fish deep. Keep an eye out for bird activity or jumping bait – that's often where the Ahi are feeding. When you hook up, be ready for a long, hard battle. These guys don't give up easy. Pro tip: when you see one hooked up, get a bait in the water fast. Yellowfin often travel in schools, so there's a good chance to hook multiple fish.

About the Sportfishing Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: 6bta 5.9l Cummins Diesel

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Ready for some serious offshore action in Kailua-Kona? Hop aboard our fully-equipped fishing vessel for a 6-hour adventure chasing big game fish like Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), and Mahi Mahi. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at deep sea fishing for the first time, our experienced captain and crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. We provide all the necessary tackle and gear, so you can focus on reeling in the catch of a lifetime. With flexible departure times in the early morning, mid-day, or afternoon, it's easy to fit this trip into your Hawaiian vacation plans. Just bring along some snacks, drinks, and sun protection - we've got everything else covered for a productive day on the Big Island's rich fishing grounds. Our clean, comfortable boat has room for up to 6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families looking to share an epic day on the water together.

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