Private Fishing Charters on the Big Island

A private fishing charter is the ultimate Kona fishing experience — your own boat, captain, and crew dedicated entirely to putting you on fish. Private charters offer the flexibility to target specific species, fish at your own pace, and customize everything from departure time to the techniques used. It's the way serious anglers and families alike prefer to fish these legendary waters.

Kona's private charter fleet ranges from sleek 28-foot center consoles to fully equipped 50+ foot sportfishing yachts with fighting chairs, outriggers, live bait wells, and tournament-grade tackle. Experienced captains — many with decades of Kona fishing knowledge — read ocean conditions, water temperature breaks, and bird activity to locate the most productive fishing grounds.

Half-day private charters (4-6 hours) provide plenty of time to reach productive waters and battle multiple fish. Full-day charters (8+ hours) allow the boat to range further offshore to deep-water FADs (fish aggregation devices) and known big-fish spots where the chances of hooking a trophy marlin, large ahi tuna, or giant mahi-mahi increase significantly.

All equipment, tackle, bait, ice, and fishing licenses are included. Many charters also provide drinks and snacks. Your catch can be kept for personal consumption, and many captains will recommend local restaurants that will prepare your fresh catch for dinner.