Big Island ~ Kona, Florida

Fishing & Travel Destination

The availability of such high numbers of large and popular sport fish lurking in Kona’s cobalt blue waters provides the essence of true deep sea fishing. Located on the lee (western) side of the Big Island, Kona is protected from the trade winds by two mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. This keeps the offshore waters extremely calm for fishing almost every day of the year, and optimal for charters and other fishing boats. Like every other Hawaiian island Kona is a volcanic mass off rocks rising dramatically from the ocean bottom, and this means the water gets deep quickly, once offshore. In fact, you can reach depths of 6,000 feet just a few miles away, putting you into prime territory for all the biggest species in no time; and it only continues to get much deeper, and more exciting, after that.

Honokohau Harbor on the Kona coast is located three miles south of the Kona Airport, and connects to the ocean via a short artificial channel. Two small beaches are located on either side of the harbor, and local trails give easy access to the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.

Kona Charter Fishing

This harbor is the home port for most of Kona’s fishing fleet, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Over 75 active and successful charters from Honokohau Harbor offer trips from half-day to overnight, depending on how long you want to spend on the water. These trips can take you quickly into the deepest waters, to other popular and more secluded spots around the island, or out to the other Hawaiian Islands. More harbors on the island, like Kealakekua and Kamuela host charter boats and knowledgeable local guides; but the majority are along the western Kona coast, since this area features easiest access to the best waters.

Kona Marlin Fishing 



The mystical Pacific Blue Marlin and five other species of billfish – for which Kona is most widely known – may be the most popular sport fish in these waters, but there are many other big, delicious targets here; most of which can be caught almost any day of the year. Kona is home to the world-record - at 1,376 pounds - and more catches of 1,000-pound Blue Marlin than any other place in the world. Black Marlin, found most often here in the winter months, are similar in size and weight to their Blue cousins; and Kona is the only place in the world where both Blues and Blacks weighing over 1,000 pounds have been caught. Striped Marlin average less than 120 pounds, but travel in groups of three to ten fish, often striking in patterns behind the same boat. Shortbill Spearfish are some of the most acrobatic and exciting fish to land, averaging around 40 pounds in these waters. Broadbill Swordfish are caught off the Kona coast in the spring and summer months, usually at night. They can grow to surpass 1,000 pounds, but are more commonly landed near 250 pounds. Pacific Sailfish frequent these waters during the summer months, providing many thrills during battle, and averaging up to 100 pounds in Kona’s waters.

Kona Tuna Fishing 

Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) reach sizes up to 200 pounds and are more plentiful during the summer months. Mahi Mahi, some of the most colorful and exciting acrobats, are regularly taken at weights between 20 and 50 pounds. Smaller game may interest some younger or less experienced anglers, like Skipjack Tuna (Aku), which can even be caught from land; along with Wahoo (Ono), or many other, equally exciting fish. Barracuda, Amberjack, Giant Trevally (Ulua), and an exciting array of Sharks are also available year-round, to fill in any unlikely down-time during your trips. Trolling is the most popular technique to landing the bigger fish, but live bait is also popular, especially when bottom fishing near ledges, reefs and wrecks for species like Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, and Sharks.

Between June and September every year are a number of tournaments, all corresponding with the migrating arrival of Blue Marlin and other large species during the peak fishing months of the year. All of Kona’s local captains and guides are knowledgeable and competitive, so you will not need to worry about anything but your own strength and stamina. If you want a vacation that will bring you to a beautiful locale where you will find the best and biggest fish, there are few other places that compare to Kona’s sheer numbers, ideal water depths, and magnificent physical features.