Hawaii Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Hawaii

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

60% (5)
31 ft 1 - 4 People From $175 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Legendary Sportfishing

100% (1)
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $250 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kapaʻa

Eastside Sportfishing Half Day

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $150 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Deep Sea Special

NEW
42 ft 1 - 4 People From $325 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Lihue

Kaua'i Quick Offshore Run

100% (1)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $144 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Big Island Big Fish

NEW
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $100 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in Hawaii

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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Fishing Charters In Hawaii

Breathtaking Maui scenery … optimal sportfishing conditions … impeccably maintained and outfitted 42′ (loa) Dorado sportfisher … an experienced and courteous crew. Put it all together and you’ve begun to picture your Maui sportfishing experience aboard Lahaina Maui’s #1 highliner with Captain Deli! Whether you’re a novice or an experienced sportfishing enthusiast, you’ll discover that deep sea fishing off Maui, Hawaii is unlike any other sportfishing experience you’ve ever had. A Maui sportfishing adventure from Lahaina may take you around the islands of Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe or Molokini, offering a fishing guest a rare experience afforded only a few of Hawaii’s visitors! On these Maui trips you’ll have a chance to hook up to a variety of Marlin species, Mahi Mahi (dorado), Ahi (tuna), Ono (wahoo) and more. These trips involve a slight run offshore (30-40min) to get to the deep water where all the game fish you'll target will be caught on the troll. Trolling is when one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. The fishing rods are placed in rod holders and the lines are set with the lures at varying distances behind the boat held apart by the outriggers to avoid line tangling. Trolling speed varies depending on water and weather conditions. The ideal position of the bait is skimming on the surface of the water to mimic the behavior of an injured or fast-moving fish, this is what attracts the game fish we are targeting. Everything is provided when you go out with Captain Deli and his crew from top-of-the-line rods and reels, to bait and tackle, to ice cold waters and fishing licenses. All they recommend you bring is your sunscreen (lotion only), non-marking shoes, and any snacks and drinks you'd like to enjoy onboard. Captain Doug and Crew will take care of the rest to ensure you make memories that last a lifetime aboard their boat! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Lahaina

Afternoon Maui Sportfishing

NEW
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $233 / person

Kona is a sport fisherman's paradise, and is uniquely situated to give you access to some of the best offshore fishing anywhere in the world. Captain John and his crew are exceptional anglers who will do everything in their power to get you hooked up on some of the biggest, baddest, fastest pelagic sportfish in the Pacific. Once you leave the Honokohau Harbor, you'll enter the fishing grounds immediately. Most big game fisheries around the world require a 50+ mile run offshore to starting finding fish, but not here—in Kona, your targets are literally swimming right out of the harbor! Nowhere else in the world is such successful big-game fishing found in such calm waters. Sea conditions off the Kona coast are typically calm and sunny, and the island’s steep bottom puts big game fishing just 1/4-mile offshore. Once lines are in the water, you'll be fishing for the largest gamefish to roam the planet: Blue Marlin. Hawaii has claimed the largest Blue Marlin in the world, and has seen many world records caught in her blue water. While your odds of a big Marlin are more favorable than any other location in the Pacific Ocean, this doesn’t mean that’s all you can catch! Here, there will be great opportunities for Ono (Wahoo), Striped Marlin, Ahi Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Shortnose Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Skipjack Tuna! These fish are each amazing eating, and a fisherman's dream in terms of their fighting ability and endurance. To hook these fish, you'll be primarily live-baiting and trolling with lures. Lures are the most common fishing practice as it allows us to cover a larger area in a day. For live-baiting, we use small tunas or mackerels that are caught during the charter and can be fun for kids to reel in! You'll be fishing aboard a 35' custom Funai sportfishing vessel, purpose-built for hunting giant sportfish here in Hawai'i. She runs on twin 260HP Yanmar engines to get you out there in no time. She's also comfortable, clean, fast and very maneuverable—perfect for the fishing trip of a lifetime! She's equipped with outriggers to catch fish on the troll, plus all kinds of onboard amenities to enhance your experience. All you need to bring for a great experience is some sunscreen (no spray), sunglasses, and a hat. You can also bring some snacks and drinks on board—there's a big cooler! Please leave marking shoes by the dock. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Coast Big Game Fishing

NEW
35 ft 1 - 5 People From $170 / person

Join Captain Mark for an unforgettable fishing experience off the coast of Kalaoa, where the target is big Yellowfin and Marlin. Captain Mark is serious about catching trophy-sized fish, so don't expect to go after smaller species like Mahi Mahi or Wahoo. Instead, you'll be reeling in massive gamefish like giant Yellowfin Tuna and big Blue Marlin, which put up an impressive fight and are known for their aerial displays. Hawaii is home to deep waters that are just a short, 15-minute ride offshore. This means that you won't have to spend hours on a boat to get to the prime fishing waters. In fact, thousands of feet of water can be reached within minutes, where you can target trophy gamefish. Captain Mark's trip includes everything you need for a successful day of fishing: fishing licenses, tackle, bait, fish cleaning and packaging, and coolers filled with ice. Plus, you'll even receive complimentary photos and videos of your trip. All of the gear on board is of the highest quality, with Shimano reels and IGFA-qualified rods and tackles. If you're looking to catch the trophy of a lifetime, Captain Mark is the man for the job! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kalaoa

Ahi And A'u Adventure - 38' Ocean

NEW
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $217 / person

If you've been hunting for a classic offshore sportfishing trip here in Hawaii, this is your ticket! Join Captain Rob on a thrilling fishing charter in Eleele, Hawaii, where you'll have the opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after fish in the Pacific Ocean, including Wahoo (known here as Ono), yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, and Mahi Mahi! Wahoo, known for their incredible speed and fighting power, can be found year-round in the waters around Eleele, and are a popular target for anglers. yellowfin Tuna, another prized species, can be caught from June to November, and are known for their delicious meat and high value as a game fish. Striped Marlin, a powerful billfish species, can be caught from April to November, and are a challenging and exciting species to target. Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado, are a brightly-colored fish that can be caught year-round, and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. All of these species are excellent on the grill, but you should also consider preparing your catches as poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish made using raw fish and a huge variety of seasonings and sauces. Captain Rob is a seasoned vet when it comes to offshore fishing, and runs his charters on a decked-out 42' Uniflite sportfisher. She has all the necessary gear for trolling, plus live wells for bait, ice boxes, and full cabin, and more. Rob will provide you with all the necessary instructions and guidance throughout the charter, making sure that you have a fun and successful fishing experience. All you need to bring is your sunscreen, and a cooler to take home your catch. Book your trip now and experience the thrill of catching these amazing fish in the beautiful waters of Eleele, Hawaii with Captain Rob! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Eleele

6 Hour Hawaiian Sportfishing

NEW
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $213 / person

If you've been hunting for a classic offshore sportfishing trip here in Hawaii, this is your ticket! Join Captain Rob on a thrilling fishing charter in Eleele, Hawaii, where you'll have the opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after fish in the Pacific Ocean, including Wahoo (known here as Ono), yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, and Mahi Mahi! Wahoo, known for their incredible speed and fighting power, can be found year-round in the waters around Eleele, and are a popular target for anglers. yellowfin Tuna, another prized species, can be caught from June to November, and are known for their delicious meat and high value as a game fish. Striped Marlin, a powerful billfish species, can be caught from April to November, and are a challenging and exciting species to target. Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado, are a brightly-colored fish that can be caught year-round, and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. All of these species are excellent on the grill, but you should also consider preparing your catches as poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish made using raw fish and a huge variety of seasonings and sauces. Captain Rob is a seasoned vet when it comes to offshore fishing, and runs his charters on a decked-out 42' Uniflite sportfisher. She has all the necessary gear for trolling, plus live wells for bait, ice boxes, and full cabin, and more. Rob will provide you with all the necessary instructions and guidance throughout the charter, making sure that you have a fun and successful fishing experience. All you need to bring is your fishing license, sunscreen, and a cooler to take home your catch. Book your trip now and experience the thrill of catching these amazing fish in the beautiful waters of Eleele, Hawaii with Captain Rob! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Eleele

4 Hour Hawaiian Sportfishing

NEW
42 ft 1 - 6 People From $165 / person

Maui is known worldwide for its legendary sportfishing, and this trip off of Ho'okipa is no exception. Aboard Captain Ikena's 35' Cabo Express sportfisher, you'll be able to chase some of the Pacific's greatest pelagic species, including everything from Wahoo (known locally as "ono") to Striped Marlin, Bigeye Tuna, and many, many more. Nowhere else in the world is such successful big-game fishing found in such calm waters. Sea conditions off the Ko'okipa coast are typically calm and sunny, and the island’s steep bottom puts big-game fishing just 1/2-mile offshore. In addition, Pacific currents and trade winds make this area an important stop for migrating pelagic fish, which come here to feast on baitfish, squid, and more. Six species of billfish congregate here, including Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Shortnose Spearfish, Sailfish, and Swordfish. These are all on the menu on this trip, although of course there are no guarantees. You'll be in great hands with Captain Ikena. He has years of experience fishing these waters, and his boat is decked out with luxury amenities and advanced sportfishing equipment to give you the best chance of hooking some huge fish. That includes a full flybridge, A/C cabin, full restroom, galley, and dinette. His rods are custom-built for the boat (courtesy of Kaua'i's Z-Lures) and are paired with Shimano Tiagra reels. Rest assured, when you're fishing with Captain Ikena, you will be using top of the line tackle to land your fish of a lifetime. The fish are waiting—get out there and chase 'em! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Lihue

Ho'okipa Fishing Trip

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $198 / person

Discover the ultimate fishing experience in Kauai, Hawaii with Captain Ikena at the helm. With over 20 years of fishing expertise and a passion for the sea, Captain Ikena will guide you to the hottest fishing spots in search of the catch of a lifetime. This trip is aimed at finding, hooking, and landing some of the largest, fastest pelagic species that the Pacific Ocean has to offer, so bring your A-game! You'll be fishing on board Ikena's 35' Cabo Express sportfisher, a top-of-the-line fishing vessel equipped with the latest technology and gear. The boat's spacious deck and comfortable seating provide ample room for you and your group to move around and make the most of your day on the water. After you set sail, get ready to pursue some of the most sought-after species in Hawaiian waters. With Captain Ikena's guidance, you'll have the opportunity to target big-time Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfin Tuna, and more. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, you'll have the time of your life as you go toe-to-toe with a massive pelagic sportfish! When fishing for pelagics, you'll primarily be trolling, using a variety of baits and lures to attract different species. This is a great method, as you can relax and enjoy the scenery while waiting for a fish to grab the hook. Once a fish is on, strap in for a massive test of strength, skill, and endurance! These fish are tough, and they can snap lines, toss hooks, and fight you all the way to the rail. The excitement doesn't stop once you've landed your catch. You'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the Hawaiian coastline as you head back to shore, and savor the memories of the day's adventure. With a successful fishing trip, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest seafood you've ever tasted! Book your trip with Captain Ikena today and get ready for a day filled with unforgettable memories, stunning scenery, and, of course, plenty of fish! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kauai's rich fishing heritage and make memories that will last a lifetime. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Lihue

Hana Hou Deep Offshore Trip

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $251 / person
See All Trips in Hawaii

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Hawaii

What are the best fishing charters in Hawaii?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 13 trips in Hawaii, and the most popular trips in the area are Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram guided by Dale, Kona Legendary Sportfishing guided by Gaige, and Eastside Sportfishing half day guided by Harry.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

The most popular cities to book a charter in Hawaii are Kailua-Kona, Lihue and Eleele.

Looking for kid friendly charters in Hawaii? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Hawaii.

What types of fishing charters are common in Hawaii?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Hawaii as well as nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Hawaii are: 1. yellowfin tuna, 2. blue marlin, 3. wahoo, and 4. mahi mahi.

The most common fishing techniques in Hawaii are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but live bait fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.

How much do Hawaii fishing charters cost?

in Hawaii prices can range anywhere from an affordable $400 to $2,100, but the average price for a half day trip in Hawaii is $900. The average price for a full day trip in Hawaii is $1,212.

What month is best for fishing in Hawaii?

The most popular season for fishing in Hawaii is summer, and most anglers book their trips 39 days in advance.

Do I need a Hawaii fishing license and what are the bag limits in Hawaii?

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Hawaii don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Hawaii.

Hawaii Fishing Overview

The Hawaiian Islands are the peaks of an underwater mountain range putting deep water and huge fish well within reach. The fishing opportunities in Hawaii will spoil any deep sea angler with travel times measured in minutes and fights that can last hours. Leaving the Honokohau Harbor in Kona Hawaii takes about 5 minutes to get from the docks to the buoys. At this point, start setting out lines because by the time the last one hits the water you are fishing in over 1,000 feet of water. All of the Hawaiian Islands have similarly exceptional fishing and every trip has the potential to hook up with massive and delicious fish. There are plenty of stories about tuna and blue marlin being caught within sight of the buoys.

Hawaii Nearshore Fishing

There is very little difference between nearshore and offshore fishing in Hawaii because of how quickly the seafloor drops off. With that being said, fishing closer to shore is more likely to produce mahi-mahi, wahoo (Ono), and skipjack tuna (Aku). These fish will push closer to shore to hunt currents and deep rock formations. Baitfish will group up around anything that might provide cover but these aggressive fish don’t have trouble finding them.

Mahi typically weigh 25 pounds and grows over three feet long but will occasionally grow much larger with the current record sitting at 82 pounds. Wahoo are the most ferocious of these fish with a mouth full of sharp teeth, a common size of three to four feet long, and a weight of about 20 pounds. The largest wahoo can grow to almost six feet long and over 150 pounds which would be a tough fight for any angler. Mahi and wahoo are also some of the most delicious fish with frim white delicate meat. Skipjack tuna are much smaller at around five pounds for most fish but they have been known to grow well over 30 pounds. With darker red meat skipjack are tasty but oily with a more pronounced flavor that can be hit or miss.

All of these fish all travel in schools and trolling frequently produces multiple bites that happen all at once. Nearshore trips are great for targeting these fish but there is still a chance that one of the larger species will move in from the depths and crush your bait.

Deep Sea Fishing Hawaii

Trolling for deep sea giants is the same as nearshore but instead of following the shoreline, you are likely to head away from land. The nearshore fish also hunt further out but they have to compete with the marlin, tuna, and sailfish. These fish are next-level predators in both size and strength. Hooking into a big marlin could mean you will be battling it out for the next several hours.

Yellowfin tuna are widely accepted as one of the most delicious fish in the ocean but trying to land one is no easy task. Yellowfin tuna can grow up to almost eight feet long and 440 pounds with 100 pounds being fairly common. These tuna are formidable fighters that will test the endurance of even seasoned anglers.

The most prized sportfish in Hawaii is the blue marlin. These bluewater behemoths as fast, strong, aggressive, and grow over 1,000 pounds. A blue marlin over 1,000 pounds is called a grander and Hawaii has been responsible for landing over 150 of them. The striped marlin is a smaller relative of the blue marlin topping out around 200 pounds. Both of these fish are fierce and require anglers to be on point if you want to land one.

Best Times to Go Fishing in Hawaii

Starting in the winter months, striped marlin and mahi are in the area and firing on all cylinders until late spring. The wahoo bite picks up fast from late spring into the summer when the yellowfin and blue marlin move in. Summer into fall is one of the best times to take a trip with the yellowfin and blue marlin bite at its peak while also overlapping with all of the other species at different points.

Other Things to Do in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to tropical weather and stunning landscape. The weather can vary dramatically depending on the island and area you stay in but there is plenty to do wherever you go. If you love being outdoors then hit the hiking trails for amazing views or to reach faraway secluded beaches. If relaxation is the goal then a soft sandy beach with a sunrise or sunset view is never far away. Snorkeling or diving at the historic Cook’s cove is some of the best in the world if you like to immerse yourself in nature. To find your next adventure in Hawaii, all you have to do is leave your room and go looking.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Had an awesome time, and definitely once in a lifetime trip! Captain Gaige was very welcoming and helpful and his first mate was also very helpful with my boys and I fishing. The boat is extremely well maintained and cared for, and it sounds like they work hard to make sure it’s up to date with the latest technology to make for a great experience. We were hoping for a fun day, and got just that with our first Blue Marlin and a spearfish as well! Definitely some fun action! I will definitely be scheduling again the next time I make it out!

    Matthew O. with Gaige I. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Dale and his deckhand were extremely professional, my father is an older gentleman that is not very mobile, they went above and beyond and accommodating for him, and my son caught his first blue marlin!!!!! They were wonderful and I’m looking forward to another day on the ocean with him tomorrow, if it was anything like today, it will be a day to remember

    Kirk E. with Dale L. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    These guys made for a great fishing trip. Very hospitable, friendly, and knowledgeable. Boat was clean and comfortable. Would definitely recommend.

    Thomas H. with Ikena H. of Lihue, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Dale and first mate Jack were great. The 31’ Bertram was clean and spacious and ran smooth as can be, and the canopy came in handy on a Sunny day. While the Marlin fishing was slow (listening to the radio, none of the boats in the tournament caught), we couldn’t have had a better time swapping stories with Dale and Jack, downing some Big Island brews, taking in the scenery, and watching whales breach. Hope to do it again soon! -Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. with Dale L. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Everying as promised. If you want a fishing experience captain Dale is your man. We had an amazing day and Dale and Jack took care of us. Can't say enough about the experience and we had ages 8 to 80 involved. Great times aboard the Sea Strike.

    Tom H. with Dale L. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Top Types of Fishing in Hawaii

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