Some people come to Hawaiʻi for the beaches. Others come for volcanoes, golf, or sunsets. But if you’ve ever watched a sportfishing boat return to Honokōhau Harbor after a day on the water, you know there’s another side to life on the Big Island.

Kona isn’t just a beautiful place to fish, it’s one of the most respected big game fishing destinations in the world. Thanks to calm waters, deep offshore drop-offs just minutes from the harbor, and year-round opportunities to catch blue marlin, ahi, ono, mahi mahi, and spearfish, anglers travel from around the globe to experience what our island has to offer.

Whether you’re visiting Hawaiʻi on vacation or you’re lucky enough to call the Big Island home, spending a day offshore is one of those experiences you’ll remember for years.

Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many incredible captains in Kona, but two boats immediately come to mind when friends ask me for recommendations: Sea Baby III and Cherry Pit.

Sea Baby III: Chasing Giants

Sea Baby III is one of those boats that longtime Kona fishermen recognize immediately. The 35-foot custom Funai Sportfisher was purpose-built for Hawaiian waters and has earned a reputation as one of Kona’s premier big game boats. The boat’s largest recorded catch is an incredible 1,195-pound blue marlin, a testament to both the fishery and the experience of the crew.

Today, Sea Baby III is owned by John Bennett and captained by Nate, who continue the tradition of taking guests out on some of the most productive sportfishing waters in the world.

What makes Kona so unique is that you’re fishing almost immediately after leaving Honokōhau Harbor. Unlike many destinations where anglers spend hours running offshore before dropping lines, Kona’s deep water begins just offshore, allowing more time actually fishing.

One feature many visitors appreciate is Sea Baby III’s catch policy. If you’re fortunate enough to land table fish such as mahi mahi, ono, or tuna, you’ll generally be able to take your catch home to enjoy during your stay, making the experience even more memorable. (As always, it’s a good idea to confirm current policies when booking.)

Learn more about Sea Baby III:

https://www.seababykona.com

Cherry Pit: Fishing with Captain Bobby Cherry

If you’ve spent much time around Kona’s fishing community, you’ve probably heard the name Captain Bobby Cherry.

Captain Bobby is known for doing things a little differently. Rather than spending the day exclusively trolling for marlin, he often incorporates live bait fishing and handmade trolling lures to maximize opportunities for a variety of species, including ahi, mahi mahi, ono, and marlin. His philosophy is to keep anglers engaged and increase the chances of catching fish throughout the day.

One thing many guests appreciate is that Captain Bobby is highly involved throughout the trip, and his owner-operated approach reflects years of local knowledge and hands-on experience. Whether you’re an experienced offshore angler or stepping onto a fishing boat for the very first time, his passion for the sport comes through quickly.

Cherry Pit also has a fish-sharing policy that differs slightly from some other charters. Guests typically receive fillets from species such as mahi mahi, ono, and smaller tuna, while larger tuna and fish over 40 pounds generally remain with the captain, which helps support the operation and keeps charter costs competitive.

Learn more about Cherry Pit Sportfishing:

https://fishingchartersinkona.com

What Makes Them Special

What I love most is that this isn’t about choosing one over the other.

Sea Baby III and Cherry Pit are both operated by people who have dedicated their lives to Kona’s fishing community. They’re local businesses owned by people who genuinely care about sharing this incredible fishery with others. They spend countless days on the water, support our local economy, and continue the traditions that have made Kona one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations.

Both crews also participate in local fishing tournaments whenever they can, competing alongside some of Hawaiʻi’s best anglers while continuing to represent Kona’s rich fishing heritage.

When you book a trip with either one, you’re not just booking a fishing charter. You’re supporting local families, local businesses, and people who have built their lives around these waters. That’s something I always try to do whenever I can.

One More Reason We Love Living Here

One of the things I love most about living on the Big Island is that experiences like this don’t have to be once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Maybe you have family visiting from the mainland. Maybe you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a weekend with friends. Or maybe it’s simply a beautiful Kona morning and you decide to spend the day on the ocean.

Watching the sun rise as you leave Honokōhau Harbor, seeing spinner dolphins alongside the boat, feeling the excitement when a reel starts screaming, and ending the day with stories you’ll be telling for years. Those are the moments that remind me why I love living here.

Whether you’re here for a week or fortunate enough to call the Big Island home, I can’t recommend spending a day offshore enough. You’ll experience another side of Hawaiʻi that many visitors never see, and you’ll do it with some of the best sport fishermen Kona has to offer.

At LUVA Real Estate, we love sharing the people, businesses, and experiences that make the Big Island such a special place to call home. Sometimes the best way to understand why so many of us love living here isn’t by touring neighborhoods or visiting beaches. It’s by spending a day on the water with the people who have spent their lives sharing this incredible place with others.