FISHING GUIDE · KONA, HAWAII

Kona, Big Island of Hawaii Fishing Guide

Kona is one of the best places in the world for big blue marlin, with deep water close to shore and calm seas in the lee of the island's mountains. Charters from Honokohau Harbor also catch ahi (yellowfin tuna), ono (wahoo), mahimahi, striped marlin and spearfish. The coast has protected marine areas with strict rules, and nonresidents now need a fishing license.

📍 The west (Kona) coast of Hawaii Island, about 60 miles from the Kona Airport area south to Milolii. Most charter boats leave Honokohau Harbor, between the airport and Kailua-Kona. 'The Grounds' are ledge areas north of Honokohau.

Map: spots, ramps and marinas

★ Fishing hot spot · ● Boat ramp · ● Marina · ▭ Protected area (solid red = no fishing, dashed = fishing with rules)

Open the full Hawaii map →

Quick facts

The all-tackle world record Pacific blue marlin, 1,376 pounds, was caught off Kona by Jay de Beaubien on May 31, 1982.
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament was first held in Kona in August 1959.
Blue marlin over 1,000 pounds have been weighed in Kona in every month of the year.
The water drops off fast; Kona boats often start fishing after only about a quarter-mile run from the harbor.
Since May 2, 2024, nonresidents 15 and older need a Hawaii recreational marine fishing license ($20 a day, $40 a week, $70 a year).

What you can catch

Pacific blue marlin
Kona's signature fish; caught all year, most steady April to September.
Yellowfin tuna (ahi)
Caught all year, most plentiful May-September; big ones often travel with spinner dolphin schools offshore.
Wahoo (ono)
Most available summer and fall (May-October); found along offshore ledges.
Mahimahi
Catches usually peak March-May and September-November.
Striped marlin
Best in winter and spring.
Shortbill spearfish
Winter and spring fish.
Skipjack tuna (aku)
Gathers in upwellings and draws blue marlin.

Month by month

January	Striped marlin and spearfish season. Humpback whales around; fishing can be a bit slower.
February	Striped marlin and spearfish; whales present.
March	Start of prime big blue marlin months (March-May). Mahimahi picking up.
April	Big blue marlin; mahimahi peak. Spearfish still around.
May	Big blues; ahi and ono season starting; mahimahi peak.
June	Steady blue marlin; ahi and ono.
July	Blue marlin; ahi and ono.
August	Blue marlin, ahi, ono. The HIBT was first held in August 1959.
September	End of the most consistent marlin stretch; ahi still good; mahimahi pick up again.
October	Ono season winds down; mahimahi peak (Sep-Nov).
November	Mahimahi; granders possible any month.
December	Winter pattern starts: striped marlin and spearfish; whales arrive.

Tips

Nonresidents: buy the Hawaii recreational marine fishing license online before your trip; DAR says it covers charter boat clients too.
Do not anchor in the Old Kona Airport MLCD or in Kealakekua Bay Subzone A.
Know where the Fish Replenishment Areas and MLCDs are along the Kona coast; fish feeding is banned in them.
Leave sharks and rays alone; several sharks and rays may not be taken in West Hawaii.
Book early for spring (March-May) if you are after a very big blue marlin.

Rules and license

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) · Official rules page ↗

Nonresident recreational marine fishing license required at age 15 and older since May 2, 2024 ($20 1-day, $40 7-day, $70 annual); active-duty military and families exempt.
West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area (South Point to Upolu Point): no scuba spearfishing; aquarium collecting needs a West Hawaii permit.
No take in West Hawaii of Hawaiian, broad and pelagic stingrays, spotted eagle ray, tiger shark, whale shark and three reef shark species.
Big Island Marine Life Conservation Districts: Kealakekua Bay, Old Kona Airport, Lapakahi, Waialea Bay and Waiopae Tidepools. Taking marine life is mostly banned; only limited methods are allowed in some zones.
Kealakekua Bay MLCD: no fishing in Subzone A; Subzone B allows hook-and-line and throw net for finfish. Old Kona Airport MLCD: no anchoring; only a few listed methods (such as shore pole-and-line without a reel) are allowed.
Kaupulehu Marine Reserve: closed to harvest since 2016; reopening expected late 2026 once new rules are adopted.
Fish Replenishment Areas (e.g., Puako-Anaehoomalu, Kaupulehu, Kaloko-Honokohau): no fish feeding and lay-net limits.
Deep 7 bottomfish: boat owners must register the vessel with DAR (no fee).

Rules change. Always check the official page before you fish.

Boat ramps and marinas

The map above shows 4 boat ramps and 0 marinas from OpenStreetMap. Tap any dot for directions.

Boat Launch Ramp
Boat ramp near Keauhou Bay
Boat ramp near Keoneele Cove

Sources

Checked October 2026. BigJoe does not invent facts: every number on this page comes from the sources listed above.