Private Deep Water Fishing in Kauai

Kauai’s west coast gives you a real shot at big ocean fish, from yellowfin tuna and ono to marlin, sailfish, and spearfish. Jessie and Elijah adjust the plan to the conditions, and if offshore fishing is slow, they can troll closer to shore for amberjack, snapper, and trevally. One recent trip even brought a 400-pound Galapagos shark to the line.

I like the private boat format, since your group of up to six gets the crew’s full attention instead of sharing space with strangers. I also like the practical touches: an onboard restroom, water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and guides who know how to help when seasickness hits.

The main drawback is simple: ocean fishing is never guaranteed. The $1,700 price makes the most sense for a full group, and the early 6:00 am start plus six hours on open water may be a lot for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Big-game targets: The crew fishes for yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin.
• A backup plan near shore: If offshore fishing produces little, the boat can troll for amberjack, snapper, and trevally.
• Private group of up to six: You fish only with your own party and the crew.
• Fish you catch can go home with you: You may keep as much of the meat as you like.
• Useful comforts onboard: You get snorkeling gear, bottled water, snacks, and a restroom.
• Strong early start: Meet at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha at 6:00 am for roughly six hours on the water.

A 6:00 am start at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor

Your morning begins at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, at 8932 Kekaha Road in Kekaha. The meeting time is 6:00 am, and the boat returns to the same harbor at the end of the trip.

That early start matters. Fishing trips often use the first part of the day to reach productive water and set lines before the heat builds. Here, the timing also gives you a full six-hour outing without taking the entire day away from the rest of your Kauai plans.

You need to arrange your own way to the harbor. Private transportation is not included, so confirm how you will get there before booking, especially if you are staying on the opposite side of the island. The directions give you a clear starting point, but getting to the marina is your responsibility.

The west side of Kauai has a more working-waterfront feel than the resort areas. You will not be picked up at a hotel or swept into a large group transfer. Instead, you meet the boat directly at the harbor, where the trip begins and ends.

What six hours of west coast fishing really means

The main plan is offshore fishing off Kauai’s west side. The crew targets yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin. These fish require patience, attention, and a bit of luck. You may spend time watching the lines and waiting for action rather than reeling in fish every few minutes.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. A private fishing trip does not turn the ocean into an aquarium, and the crew cannot promise a catch. What they can do is adjust the plan and work different areas instead of locking you into one unchanging routine.

If offshore fishing is not producing, the crew can move closer to shore and troll for amberjack, snapper, and trevally. I consider that backup plan important. It does not guarantee success, but it gives the day another direction and broadens the types of fish you may encounter.

The boat remains on the water for about six hours. That is long enough to give the fishing a fair chance, but it also means you should be honest with yourself about how you handle open water. Two people on one recent outing became seasick, and the crew offered ginger chews and practical help. The trip was shortened, but the crew kept working to make the group comfortable.

That kind of flexibility matters more than fancy talk. A good fishing day is not only about the biggest fish. It is also about feeling safe, being listened to, and having a crew that can respond when conditions or comfort levels change.

Jessie and Elijah bring a calm, personal approach

The guides are Jessie and Elijah. They handle the boat, fishing, and group needs on a private basis, so your day can be shaped around what you hope to get from it.

If you are an experienced angler, you can focus on the fishing and the chance to work larger species. If you are new to the sport, you get room to ask questions and learn as you go. One first-time angler described having an excellent day despite having little fishing experience, which tells me this is not limited to serious sport fishers.

The crew also pays attention to the people who are not feeling well. Ginger chews are available onboard, and the guides have suggestions for easing seasickness. That does not replace proper preparation, but it can help when the water is rougher than expected.

The private format makes this care easier. With only your own group onboard, the crew does not need to balance your needs against a boat full of unrelated passengers. If one person wants to keep fishing while another needs a break, the situation is easier to manage.

You should still bring a sensible attitude. The crew can help, but nobody can remove the motion of the ocean. If you know you get sick on boats, consider speaking with a medical professional about preparation before the trip.

The fish can become the best souvenir

One of the strongest practical benefits is the chance to keep as much of your catch as you like. If you land tuna, ono, or another legal catch, you can take home the meat rather than leaving it behind.

That turns the trip into more than a sightseeing outing. You may end the morning with food for a meal, not just photos and a story. The catch also gives the day a direct connection to Kauai’s working ocean culture.

The fishing can produce memorable wildlife encounters even when the action takes an unexpected turn. On one outing, a 400-pound Galapagos shark grabbed a line while the group stayed safely in the boat. On another, a tiger shark followed a fish as it was being reeled in. These moments are not promised, but they show the kind of large marine life that may appear around the boat.

Whales were also spotted during one trip. Again, you should treat that as a possible bonus, not part of the guaranteed program. The listed goal is fishing, and marine life sightings depend on the day, season, and conditions.

The catch can come quickly, or not at all

One group caught three fish within the first couple of hours. Another brought in two large tuna, which became the highlight of the day and provided meat for the table.

Those results sound encouraging, but they should not be treated as a promise. Fishing conditions change, and even a skilled crew can have a quiet stretch. The value of the trip rests partly in the crew’s ability to keep trying different options and partly in your willingness to enjoy the process.

The target list gives you a sense of the range. Yellowfin and skipjack tuna offer strong, useful catches. Ono is another prized fish, while sailfish, spearfish, and marlin bring the possibility of a larger sport-fishing battle. Near shore, amberjack, snapper, and trevally provide a different kind of opportunity.

The trip may suit you best if you can enjoy both outcomes: a successful catch and an active day spent waiting, watching, and changing tactics. If you only want a guaranteed fish for dinner, this is not the right type of outing.

Snorkeling gear is included, but fishing remains the focus

Snorkeling equipment is provided, which adds some flexibility to the day. Still, the information supplied does not promise a separate snorkeling stop or a set amount of time in the water.

Think of the gear as an extra option rather than the main reason to book. The stated plan centers on fishing off west Kauai, with a possible move to closer waters if offshore fishing is slow. If snorkeling is a must-have part of your morning, ask the provider how and when the equipment is used before you reserve.

The included basics are more useful than they may first appear. Bottled water helps you stay hydrated, snacks keep you going during a long morning, and an onboard restroom is a welcome feature during a six-hour trip. You still may want to bring any personal items you need for comfort, but the boat is not leaving you without the essentials.

Because the outing lasts much of the morning, wear clothing suited to time on a boat and protect yourself from the sun. Specific clothing or equipment requirements are not provided, so confirm any questions with Explore Kauai Scuba before departure.

Is $1,700 a fair price for six people?

The price is $1,700 per private group, with up to six people included. A full group would pay about $283 per person before any separate personal costs. With four people, the effective cost rises to $425 each. With only two people, it becomes $850 per person.

That makes group size the key value question. For six people who want a private boat, the price can make sense, especially when you consider the six-hour duration, crew attention, possible fish to take home, and the chance to target larger species.

For a couple or a very small group, the cost is much harder to justify. You are still paying for the private boat and crew, not simply for individual seats. I would compare the price with shared fishing options if your party is small and privacy is not essential.

The included water, snacks, restroom, and snorkeling gear add convenience, but they are not the main reason to pay this amount. The real value lies in having a private six-hour attempt at Kauai’s larger offshore fish, with a crew that can change plans when conditions call for it.

Who will enjoy this private fishing trip most?

This outing fits a family or friend group that wants a private morning on the ocean and is willing to accept the uncertainty of fishing. It also works well for mixed-experience groups, since beginners can participate while more serious anglers have a chance to pursue larger fish.

The option to keep the catch makes it especially appealing if you enjoy preparing local fish afterward. The possible shark and whale sightings add excitement for anyone who likes marine life, but they should remain bonuses rather than booking requirements.

I would be more cautious if your group includes people who strongly dislike boats or have serious motion sickness. The crew handled seasickness with care, but two people on one trip became ill enough that the outing ended early. Six hours can feel long when the water is moving.

This is also not a good choice if you need hotel pickup. You must reach Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor yourself, and the trip starts early.

Booking details that affect your decision

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If your plans change, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 6:00 am start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The activity is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of 97 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last few days if your dates are fixed, especially if you need a private boat for a larger group.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a private, serious attempt at west coast fishing and your group can share the $1,700 cost. Jessie and Elijah provide the sort of personal attention that helps both beginners and experienced anglers, and the backup plan near shore gives the crew another way to use the morning.

I would book it for a group of four to six people who would enjoy eating their catch, seeing what marine life appears, and accepting that the ocean makes no promises. I would skip it if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you need guaranteed snorkeling, guaranteed fish, or hotel transportation.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip begin?

It begins at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, 8932 Kekaha Road, Kekaha, Hawaii 96752.

What time should I arrive?

The stated start time is 6:00 am.

How long does the trip last?

The trip lasts approximately six hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

Up to six people can participate in one private group.

What fish does the crew target?

The crew targets yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin offshore. If offshore fishing is slow, the boat can troll closer to shore for amberjack, snapper, and trevally.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. If you catch fish, you can keep as much of the meat as you like.

What is included onboard?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and a restroom are included. Private transportation is not included.