Chasing Blue Marlin off Kailua-Kona: A Guide to the Grander Grounds
The Kona Coast has produced more grander blue marlin than anywhere on Earth. Here's how to target the biggest gamefish i...
Read MoreHawaii · Big Island
KAILUA-KONA
FISHING CHARTERS
40+ verified captains. Instant confirmation. Best price guaranteed.
40+
Verified Captains
4.9★
Avg Rating
1
Fishing Types
5+
Species
Anglers:
2 Adults
0 Kids
Instant Booking
Free Cancellation
Best Price Guarantee
About
Kailua-Kona Fishing
Kailua-Kona is the undisputed capital of Pacific big game fishing, producing more grander blue marlin (over 1,000 pounds) than any other port in the world. The Kona Coast's deep blue water starts just offshore, with the 1,000-fathom ledge accessible in minutes. Year-round action for blue marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and ono (wahoo) makes Kona a year-round fishing destination. Honokohau Harbor is the main base for the legendary charter fleet.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Kailua-Kona?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
G | G | G | G | P | P | P | P | P | G | G | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
F | F | G | G | P | P | P | P | G | G | F | F |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
G | G | G | G | P | P | P | P | P | G | G | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | G | G | P | P | G | G | - | - | - | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Kailua-Kona Fish Species
5+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Kailua-Kona
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Kailua-Kona Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Kailua-Kona.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Kailua-Kona Fishing Reviews
Blue Marlin Capital of the World
Trolled the Kona Coast ledge and a 650-pound blue marlin exploded on the long rigger lure at 2 PM. The fish greyhounded five times before settling into a deep, grinding fight that lasted 90 minutes. Tagged and released in beautiful shape — Kailua-Kona is where blue marlin dreams come true.
C
Captain Kai Mahina
August 2025
Blue Marlin
Yellowfin and Mahi Mahi Slamming the Spread
Ran the lure spread along the 1000-fathom edge and the yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi were competing for the baits. Boated six yellowfin to 80 pounds on skirted lures and four mahi to 30 pounds on the lighter trolling rods. Kona's deep water right off the coast means world-class fishing within minutes of the harbor.
C
Captain Jake Morrison
October 2025
Yellowfin Tuna
Mahi Mahi
Ono Speed Demons on the Troll
The ono were flying today — trolled Rapala magnums at 9 knots and three wahoo crushed the high-speed spread in the first hour. Biggest ono went 55 pounds and smoked 200 yards of line in seconds. Also boated a pair of nice mahi on the lighter lines. Ono sashimi tonight — nothing beats it.
C
Captain Leilani Akana
March 2025
Ono (Wahoo)
Mahi Mahi
Start Your Adventure
Ready to Fish Kailua-Kona?
Post your trip request and let Kailua-Kona's top captains compete for your business. Or browse available charters and book instantly.