Professional fishing charter boat heading out from Honokohau Harbor with crew and anglers

The Ultimate Charter Guide

Your complete approach to Big Island fishing charters

Kalani Miller, Big Island fishing charter expert

Part III of Big Island Fishing Guide

The Ultimate Approach to Big Island Fishing Charters

Heading out on a charter from Honokohau Harbor is the quintessential Kona fishing experience. With one of the most accomplished fishing fleets in the world based here, you have a lot of choices. Making the right one is the single most important factor in having a successful and memorable day on the water. It's not just about the boat; it's about matching the trip, the crew, and the philosophy to your specific goals.

Private vs. Shared Charters: Your Day, Your Way

The first decision you'll need to make is whether to book a private or a shared charter. The difference goes far beyond just cost and will fundamentally shape your experience.

A private charter means you and your group have the entire boat to yourselves. This is the premium experience, offering total flexibility and personalized attention. You can work with the captain to target specific species, try different techniques, or even decide to head in early if the kids get tired. It's the ideal choice for serious anglers focused on a trophy fish, families who want a comfortable and private environment, or any group looking for a customized day on the water.

👑 Private Charter Features

Higher initial cost (per boat)
Best for families, serious anglers, corporate groups
High flexibility: You control the schedule and targets
Dedicated one-on-one crew attention
Often more flexible fish policy; discuss with captain
Total privacy for your group

👥 Shared Charter Features

Lower cost (per person)
Best for solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious groups
Low flexibility: The trip follows a pre-set plan
Crew attention divided among all anglers on board
Standard boat policy, often rotation-based fishing
Shared with other individuals and groups

A shared charter, often called a "split" or "party" boat, means you pay a per-person rate to share the vessel with other anglers who have booked separately. The primary advantage is affordability, making it a great option for solo travelers, couples, or anyone on a budget who wants to experience deep-sea fishing. The trade-off is a lack of flexibility. The trip follows a preset plan, and the crew's attention is divided among all the guests. On most shared boats, anglers fish in a rotation, taking turns on the rods when a fish strikes.

Deep-Sea vs. Nearshore: Choosing Your Adventure

While Kona is world-famous for its deep-sea giants, that's not the only game in town.

🌊 Deep-Sea (Offshore) Fishing

This is the classic Kona trip. This involves trolling large lures or baits in the deep waters miles offshore, targeting the big pelagic species: marlin, ahi, mahi-mahi, and ono.

Target Species: Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo

Experience: Hunt requiring hours of patience punctuated by moments of pure adrenaline

🏝️ Nearshore & Bottom Fishing

These trips focus on the reefs and ledges closer to the coast, targeting a huge variety of hard-fighting and delicious reef fish.

Target Species: Ulua (Giant Trevally), Omilu (Bluefin Trevally), Various Snappers

Experience: More consistent action, excellent for families

**Nearshore & Bottom Fishing** offers a different kind of excitement. Here you can cast for ulua (giant trevally), omilu (bluefin trevally), various species of snapper, and a host of other colorful characters. Some charters specialize in bottom fishing, which can provide more consistent action and is an excellent, engaging choice for families or anglers who want to feel a bite more frequently.

How to Choose Your Captain & Crew: The Most Important Decision You'll Make

A common mistake I see visitors make is booking a top tournament boat for their kids' first fishing trip. They get a world-class captain who is intensely focused on finding a 1,000-pound marlin, and the kids get bored waiting for a bite that might not come. You have to match the crew's style to your goal for the day.

From my years fishing these waters, the single most important factor for a great day is the crew. Here's what to look for:

Define Your Goal

Are you after a trophy marlin? Do you want to fill the cooler with mahi-mahi for dinner? Or do you just want your kids to have a fun, action-packed day? Be honest about your priorities, and find a captain whose philosophy aligns with them. Many charters are explicitly family-friendly and excel at teaching kids the ropes.

Do Your Homework

Don't just book from a slick website. Check the charter's recent social media posts to see what they've been catching. Read reviews on independent platforms like FishingBooker, which can give you a real sense of the experience from past guests.

Talk to the Captain

A quick phone call can tell you everything you need to know. Is the captain passionate and friendly? Do they listen to your questions and goals? This conversation will give you a feel for their personality and whether they're a good fit for your group.

Inspect the Vessel

A well-maintained boat is a sign of a professional operation. Look for a clean vessel with quality gear. For family trips or longer charters, amenities like ample shade, a clean private bathroom (called a "head"), and an air-conditioned cabin can make a huge difference in comfort.

Understand the Fish Policy

Be sure to ask about the boat's policy on keeping the catch. The tradition in Hawaiʻi is that the catch often belongs to the boat and is part of the crew's livelihood. However, most charters are happy to fillet a reasonable amount of the smaller, edible fish (like mahi-mahi or ono) for you to take with you. For the big billfish, conservation is key. Expect that any blue marlin over 100 pounds will be a catch-and-release fish, tagged for scientific research before being set free to fight another day. Clarifying this beforehand prevents any misunderstanding at the end of the day.

Kona's Tournament Scene: Fishing for Glory

The calm seas and giant fish of Kona have made it a global hub for competitive sportfishing. The season is packed with high-stakes tournaments that draw the best anglers from around the world.

🏆 Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT)

The crown jewel is the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT), often called the "Grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments". Since its inception in 1959, just two days after Hawaiʻi became a state, the HIBT has been synonymous with Kona's fishing legacy.

Established: 1959 (2 days after statehood)

Legacy: World records & celebrity anglers

Conservation: Pioneer of tag-and-release

Research: Scientists joining since 1963

It has a storied history of world records, celebrity anglers like Richard Boone and Lee Marvin, and groundbreaking conservation efforts. The HIBT was one of the first major tournaments to embrace scientific research, with scientists joining annually since 1963, and it pioneered the tag-and-release system that is now a global standard for billfish conservation.

While the HIBT is the most famous, it's just one part of a busy tournament calendar that includes events like the Blue Marlin World Cup, the Skins Marlin Derby, and the Big Island Marlin Tournament. These events transform Honokohau Harbor into a festival of fishing, celebrating the skill, luck, and camaraderie that define the sport. For more information, you can visit the official HIBT website at hibtfishing.com.