Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Large Group Private Charter on OE II

Kona fishing can turn into a family story fast. One outing produced a released blue marlin of about 160 pounds, a 65-pound striped marlin, and a second blue marlin near 250 pounds. On another, a first-time angler fought a 437-pound marlin for two and a half hours. The fish are real and the coaching matters.

I like the private format, since your group of up to 10 gets the boat to itself, and I like the practical setup: all fishing gear, ice, and cooler space are included. The catch is that ocean fishing has slow stretches, and the $1,938.82 group price makes the most sense when you can fill the boat.

Key things to know before booking

• Big-game possibilities: Troll Kona’s waters for bigeye tuna, spearfish, marlin, mahi mahi, ono, and other catches.
• A true private charter: The rate covers up to 10 people, so you are not sharing the boat with another booking.
• Bring your own provisions: Food and drinks are not included, but you can store them in the cooler with ice. Adult beverages are allowed, but glass bottles are not.
• Crew-led fishing: The captain and mate provide equipment, explain what to do, and coach you through the fight.
• Snorkeling takes planning: Snorkel gear is available upon request, but you must notify the office at least 24 hours ahead.
• Flexible timing: Plan on roughly four to eight hours, with the exact feel of the trip depending on the duration you choose and the ocean conditions.

What a day on OE II can really deliver

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added as an afterthought. The point is to spend serious time looking for sport fish along the Kona Coast, with the crew handling the setup and helping you when a fish takes the line.

You might troll for long stretches before anything happens. That is part of the deal. One of the useful details from past outings is that the crew has shifted tactics when the main bite was quiet, including targeting ono about half a mile offshore. That kind of adjustment matters more than a promise of constant action.

When the fishing does turn on, the day can change in seconds. A family outing put a first-time angler into a blue marlin, then a daughter onto a striped marlin, followed by a much larger blue marlin for the son. Another trip produced a double marlin hookup, though one fish got away. That is normal big-game fishing: even a strong day includes missed opportunities.

The crew can also help you decide how to use the time. Past trips have included fishing, dolphin encounters, whale watching, and time near a whale shark. Those sightings are not guaranteed, and the exact plan depends on conditions and what your captain considers safe and worthwhile, but the private format gives your group more room to discuss priorities.

Starting at Bite Me Sportfishing in Kailua-Kona

You check in at Bite Me Sportfishing, located at 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, number 1, in Kailua-Kona. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The crew meets you there, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

The office also sells Bite Me logo gear and handles bookings for the company’s other Ocean Encounters outings. If your group is staying in Kona for several days, you can ask about the morning reef snorkel, midday snorkel, or manta ray night snorkel. Those are separate activities, not automatic parts of this fishing charter.

The check-in stop is simple, but use it to confirm the day’s plan. If you want to snorkel, make sure the office knows at least 24 hours ahead so equipment can be arranged. The standard charter includes fishing equipment, not snorkel gear.

Fishing the Kona Coast with a working crew

Once offshore, the captain and mate set up the fishing gear and guide you through the process. You do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. The crew explains how to handle the rod, manage pressure, and work with the person on deck when a fish runs.

That coaching is especially valuable with marlin. These are not casual catches. One angler needed two and a half hours to bring a 437-pound marlin close enough for the crew to handle. Another first-timer landed a young blue marlin after receiving instruction before the hookup and steady coaching during the fight.

The captain’s role is more than steering. The best examples from this operation show captains changing tactics, watching for signs of fish, and keeping the mood comfortable during the quiet periods. Captain Brian Harnden and mate Darin Castoro helped a family land and release large marlin. Captain Curtis and deckhand Anthony guided a long fight with a very large fish. Captain Taylor handled a mixed day of dolphin viewing, whale watching, fishing, and a spearfish catch.

Crew assignments can vary, so you should not book expecting one specific captain unless the company confirms it. Names connected with past trips include Brian, Darin, Cam, Jason, Cory, Kalin, Tiger, Tara, Nate, Lee, Taylor, Curtis, and Anthony. The consistent point is the crew’s hands-on role, not a guaranteed lineup.

Big fish, smaller catches, and honest expectations

The Kona Coast is known for the chance at powerful pelagic fish, but a charter cannot control the bite. You may catch a marlin, tuna, spearfish, mahi mahi, ono, or yellowtail. You may also spend part of the trip trolling without a hookup.

Past catches give you a useful sense of the range. One outing produced a tuna and two marlin, with one marlin lost. Another landed an 84-pound blue marlin and a mahi mahi. A family caught three blue marlin among them, plus a yellowtail. One group caught an ono when the crew focused on a different target close to shore.

The crew may clean and portion edible fish after the trip. On several outings, the catch was divided between the people aboard and the crew. That can be a fine ending to the day, but you should not count on a particular species, size, or amount of meat. The fishing is the experience. Dinner is a possible bonus.

Some fish are released, including large blue marlin. A crew may tag a fish before release, as happened with a roughly 250-pound blue marlin. If keeping a catch matters to you, ask about current rules and the captain’s plan before departure.

How snorkeling fits into the charter

The experience is built around fishing, but snorkeling can be part of your group’s plan if arranged in advance. Snorkel equipment is available upon request, and you need to notify the office at least 24 hours before the trip.

Do not assume that a fishing charter automatically includes a full reef-snorkel session. The supplied information confirms the possibility of requesting equipment and shows past outings that included swimming with dolphins. It does not promise a specific snorkel site, length of time in the water, or wildlife encounter.

That uncertainty is worth discussing with the office if your group has mixed interests. A private boat gives you a better chance of shaping the day around fishing and water time, but the captain still has to work within weather, sea conditions, and safety limits.

The same applies to whale watching and wildlife sightings. Pilot whales, porpoises, sea turtles, dolphins, and even a whale shark have appeared on past trips. Treat those as lucky additions, not as scheduled stops.

Four to eight hours: choosing the right length

The charter runs approximately four to eight hours. A shorter trip can work well if your group includes children, first-time anglers, or people who are unsure about spending a full day at sea.

A full-day outing gives the crew more time to search, change tactics, and wait for a serious bite. The strongest fishing stories came from longer trips, including the family that left around 6:30 in the morning and the marlin fight that lasted hours. More time does not guarantee a fish, but it gives you more opportunity.

The longer format also helps if you want to mix activities. Fishing, wildlife watching, and possible snorkeling take time. If you want a relaxed day rather than a hard push for fish, tell the office and captain what your group wants before leaving the dock.

For children, a private boat is easier than a shared trip because the captain can explain things at your group’s pace. Still, children must be accompanied by an adult, and a long day in sun and open water can test even enthusiastic young anglers.

What to pack for the cooler

Food and drinks are not included. Bring what you want to eat and drink, and use the onboard cooler with ice. Adult beverages are allowed, but glass bottles are not.

Pack food that is easy to handle on a moving boat. Small portions, sandwiches, fruit, and sealed drinks are more practical than anything that needs careful preparation. Bring enough water for the group, especially if you choose the longer option.

Sunscreen is not provided, so pack it. A hat and light clothing also make sense, though the supplied information only specifically recommends sunscreen. Since conditions can change, keep your belongings compact and easy to secure.

You will not need to bring fishing rods, tackle, or other fishing equipment. Those are included. You do need to handle your own meals, drinks, sunscreen, and any personal items.

A fishing license is required. Confirm how to obtain it before departure, since the charter price does not include the license.

Is $1,938.82 good value for 10 people?

The price is $1,938.82 per group, up to 10 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $194 per person before food, drinks, fishing licenses, and any other personal costs.

That is a better value for a large family or friend group than for two people paying to use the whole boat. With four people, the effective cost is about $485 each. With six, it is about $323 each. The private setting is the main reason to accept that higher total price.

You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, a captain and mate, fishing equipment, cooler space, and the chance to pursue large fish with direct coaching. You are not paying for a guaranteed catch or included catering.

I would consider the price fair when privacy matters, your group can fill most of the 10 spaces, and at least several people are excited about fishing. If only one person wants to fish and everyone else mainly wants snorkeling, a dedicated snorkel outing may fit better.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

This works best for families, groups of friends, and multigenerational parties that want a private day with several possible activities. The past outings included people from age 8 to 82, with fishing, wildlife watching, and time in the water all folded into one day.

It also suits first-time anglers. The crew teaches you what to do, and you do not need to arrive with your own gear. The biggest fish described here were not reserved for experts. A first-timer can get the rod, though the fight may be physically demanding.

Experienced anglers may appreciate the chance to target blue marlin, tuna, spearfish, ono, and other game fish along the Kona Coast. The boat and crew handle the technical setup, leaving you to focus on the fight and the decisions at the rod.

This is less suited to anyone who needs guaranteed nonstop action. Fishing has quiet periods. It is also not the best match if your group refuses to bring its own food and drinks or if nobody wants to handle the required fishing license.

Weather, cancellation, and practical details

The charter requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes and cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Confirmation arrives when you book. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. Children must have an adult with them.

The trip is offered in English, and your ticket is mobile. Keep the meeting address handy and arrive 15 minutes early so the crew can check everyone in without rushing.

Should you book the OE II private charter?

Book it if your group wants a serious fishing outing with room for big-game possibilities, practical crew coaching, and the freedom of a private boat. The strongest reason to choose it is the combination of expert instruction and real stakes: you might spend a quiet hour trolling, then find yourself fighting a marlin for much longer than expected.

The value improves sharply as your group approaches 10 people. Bring your own meals and drinks, plan for sunscreen, arrange snorkel gear ahead if needed, and treat wildlife and a big catch as possibilities rather than promises.

I would skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed snorkel session, a short sightseeing cruise, or a low-cost outing for only one or two people. For a full group that wants to fish, share a memorable day, and perhaps bring home some fresh catch, this is a strong Kona choice.

FAQ

How many people can join the private charter?

The rate covers up to 10 people, and only your group participates in the activity.

Where does the charter meet?

Check in at Bite Me Sportfishing, 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway, number 1, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Bring your own food and beverages. Adult beverages are allowed, but glass bottles are not. A cooler with ice is provided.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The charter includes all fishing equipment, along with a captain and crew.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Snorkel equipment may be provided upon request. Notify the office at least 24 hours in advance. The trip requires good weather, and specific snorkeling time or wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.