Hawaiians have fished these waters for more than a thousand years. Long before sport fishing, the moana — the open ocean — fed these islands.
That history runs through every Kona charter — and every captain and crew who chooses to fish here. We're proud to be part of a tradition that goes back centuries, and we take it seriously. When you step aboard Ambush, you're part of it for the day. That's a piece of what makes fishing in Kona different from fishing anywhere else.
We want this to be a day you'll talk about for years — big fish, big stories, real fishing. We also fish with kuleana, the Hawaiian word for the responsibility that comes with what's been entrusted to you. Healthy marlin are tagged and released, we take only what gets eaten, and we leave the water the way we found it. If you bring that same spirit aboard — respect for the fish, the ocean, and the people who fished these waters long before us — the day takes care of itself.
We work the spread hard, run the right grounds, switch to live bait when we need to, and put every tool aboard in play.
That said: these are wild animals in open ocean. The bite isn't guaranteed — nobody fishing honestly will promise it.
What we guarantee is the effort, the boat, and a day in some of the best fishing water on earth. Some days the fish cooperate. Some days they don't. Either way, you'll have a story.
Ambush is extraordinarily equipped for this hunt — 360° Furuno Omni sonar, two 34′ outriggers, fighting chair, tuna tubes and live well, light-to-heavy tackle, a full tuna tower. If anything is biting out there, we have what it takes to put you on it.
Career bests aboard Ambush800lbBlue marlin·275lbYellowfin tuna
Bring a camera or have your phone ready. The fight, the gaff shot, the dock photo — that's the part of the day you'll want to keep.
Standard charter etiquette is 15–20% of the trip total, with 20% being the customary mark in Kona.
On a $1,500 day, that's $225–$300 for the captain and crew. Not required — appreciated.
The tip goes to the people working the trip. The trip price covers the boat — running a rig like this (Furuno Omni, tuna tubes, the gear in the cockpit) eats most of the fare. The captain and crew earn their day on tips, fish or no fish.
Cash to the captain at the dock is the smoothest way. Card works too. The harbor has an ATM. Mahalo in advance.
One simple price for the day — no hidden fees, no upcharges at the end. Filleting, cleaning, ice, bait, snacks, all the gear — everything aboard is included. Some Kona operators charge to clean and bag your catch. We don’t. Trip price plus tip is what you pay. That’s it.
One trip. One price. Your group on the boat, up to four anglers. Call to lock in a date.
The questions guests ask most.
Pacific blue marlin and yellowfin tuna (ahi) lead the spread, with mahi mahi, ono (wahoo), and shortbill spearfish in the mix year-round. Blue marlin peak June through September. Spearfish are best January through May.
That said — these are wild fish in open ocean. We know how to find them, but no captain can promise a catch on any given day. What we can promise is a real shot at the bite, on a boat rigged for it, with two captains who fish this water for a living.
Yes — as of 2024, Hawaiʻi requires non-resident anglers 15 and older to hold a Recreational Marine Fishing License: $20 day, $40 week, $70 year. Buy online at fishing.hawaii.gov. Hawaiʻi residents, active-duty military, and anglers under 15 are exempt.
We agree the plan before we leave the harbor. As a rule, healthy marlin are tagged and released. Table fish are typically split: you take home what you’ll enjoy on vacation, and the rest goes to the boat. Tell us what you want and we’ll honor it.
For marlin over 500 lbs, talk to the captain. There are situations where keeping a fish that size makes sense, and we’ll discuss it on the water.
Filleting and bagging are free aboard. Most Kona operators charge to clean your catch; we don’t. You leave the dock with your fish prepped and ready to cook.
We provide snacks aboard, but not a full meal — pack your own lunch, especially for three-quarter and full-day trips. There's a microwave in the cabin if you want to warm something up. Water and ice are on the boat. Bring your own drinks too. Cans only — no glass. No bananas.
Lotion sunscreen (no spray on the deck), hat, polarized sunglasses, light layers. Your packed lunch and drinks (see “What about food?” above).
For your feet: barefoot is preferred — most days everyone on the boat is barefoot and it’s easier on the deck. If you’d rather wear something, rubber-bottom boat shoes only. No street shoes, no black soles, no anything that’ll mark the teak.
Honokōhau Harbor — ten minutes north of downtown Kailua-Kona and five from the airport. You'll get the slip number and arrival time when you book.
Kona rarely cancels — the leeward side of the Big Island is the protected side. If conditions truly aren’t safe, the captain calls it and you get a full refund.
Kona is one of the calmest fishing destinations in the world. Take Dramamine or Bonine the night before and the morning of, eat a light breakfast, and lay off the alcohol the night before. You'll be fine.
Call. The fastest way to lock in a date is a phone call — you can ask about the current bite and we’ll set the day right then. No deposit required.
Tell us your dates. We'll give you the bite report, the openings, and the plan.
Call to Book · Check Availability (808) 366-4808
