Anglers arrive at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) and are transported to the Kona Country Club Villas in Keauhou for check-in. Depending on arrival times, check-in times, and errands, lunch/dinner is at the group’s leisure.
Anglers sleep in and get acclimated to the time zone while the instructors gather supplies. An afternoon trip along the coast and up the mountain to Waimea is a must for those who wish to see some of the gorgeous views Hawaii has to offer, with dinner at The Fish & The Hog, a restaurant that serves well-executed dishes, homemade desserts, fruit-muddled cocktails and a selection of Maui Brewing Co. beers on tap.
Welcome to Kona, where big blues swim in water that sparkles like diamonds on a flat-calm sea of blue velvet. Our instructors will meet every angler at their skill level, giving you the tips and tricks needed to stay connected to some of the largest fish found in the Pacific Ocean. Whether it’s your first time in the chair or your hundredth, our captains are there to put us on the fish. Be prepared: we’re going after marlin, spearfish, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo as well.
We’ll take a short break from fishing for a little downtime and take in Hawaii’s beauty. Catch up on some sleep and have an “Island Style” brunch waffle at Island Lava Java, then take a casual walk along the waterfront of the Kailua-Kona Village historic district and pick up some keepsakes. Or, wake up super early and take the drive up to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to visit the wildly active Halema‘uma‘u Crater after it doubled in size following the eruption at Kilauea’s summit caldera in 2018; walk the Devastation Trail, or try a quick-loop hike through the steamy Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks). And of course, there are our favorites: ‘Akaka Falls State Park and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Hunting, horseback riding, and ziplining are also good lay-day activities.
We’ll wrap the day up with an afternoon pool party and dinner at the host house. Or, you can lounge by the beach (or the private pool!) all day—it’s totally up to you.
The teams are scrambled for Days 7 and 8 while the fishing continues offshore. On Day 9, a one-day shootout tournament is in play and the original teams are reunited. Bring your betting money, because who doesn’t love a good gambling opportunity? The winners will receive custom trophies designed by our fish replicas partner, King Sailfish Mounts, and delivered to your home.
After a light breakfast and checkout, we will transport you back to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) for your return flight home.
Given its location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, these volcanic islands serve as natural feeding outposts for many pelagic species. The depths plummet rapidly, so there’s no reason to make a long run; trolling often begins as soon as the boats leave the harbor.
Marlin fishing in Kona can be good year-round. Blues over 1,000 pounds have been caught every month of the year, but the most consistent fishing is usually found between April and September. In 2024, the month of June saw significant catch rates, and the year before, a wild bite showed up in January.
The island isn’t known for big numbers of fish overall, although multiple blue marlin bites are not uncommon. The spring and early summer months are best for spearfish, while other species, including striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo show up in the spread from time to time as well.
Kona’s fishery is about as historic as it can get. This 10-day trip to the Big Island is an excellent way to get in some chair time or introduce your fishing buddies to the sport of legit big-game billfishing using heavy tackle and lures. The camaraderie and good times at Marlin Expeditions will never disappoint. And the gorgeous weather? Well, it’s just the cherry on top.
Only nine spots are available for this Big Island adventure. Three anglers per boat for maximum catching!
2nd Offense
Capt. Kevin Hibbard moved from St. Augustine, Florida, to the Big Island of Hawaii in January 1995 to pursue his passion for blue marlin fishing. He learned from the best captains, and this experience ignited his desire to chase giant marlin around the globe, including the Azores, Cape Verde, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Despite his travels, Kona remains his favorite place to fish. Specializing in heavy tackle and lure-fishing, he also is a world-record chaser, both on conventional and fly. A high-profile tournament winner, Hibbard is the first captain in tournament history to win the HIBT back-to-back.
2nd Offense is a 43-foot Allied Marine made with a solid fir frame and then glassed. She raises monsters, including a 1,400-pound blue marlin by Capt. Marlin Parker and a 1,102-pound blue by Capt. Jason Holtz. The vessel was completely refitted in 2018 where no stone was left unturned. She is also outfitted with an Omni sonar and exclusively fishes Shimano tackle on custom-built rods.
Bwana
Capt. Teddy Hoogs is a Kona native who grew up immersed in the world of fishing, learning the trade from his accomplished father, Peter Hoogs. With more than 30 years of experience in Kona’s waters, Teddy has made a name for himself on the tournament circuit, boasting numerous victories. His passion has led him to explore the waters off the west coast of Africa, Ascension Island, Portugal, and six seasons chasing black marlin on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Teddy’s extensive experience and enthusiasm ensure an exceptional fishing experience. We can’t wait to fish with him!
Bwana is a 46-foot Gamefisherman and exclusively fishes custom rods on Shimano Tiagra reels. The boat is equipped with an Omni sonar for maximum fish-tracking opportunities and is a proven fish-catcher, winning more than her share of Hawaii tournaments.
Pursuit
Capt. Jason Holtz is a fourth-generation captain from Kona who developed a deep love for offshore fishing at a young age, learning the ropes from his father, a veteran charter fisherman. After college, Jason refined his skills working with Kona’s top skippers before joining the prestigious mothership operation, God’s Will and God’s Favor. He’s fished in more than 10 countries, landing multiple grander marlin, including one weighing 1,337 pounds. Jason’s expertise has led to significant tournament winnings approaching $800,000. Despite these accomplishments, Jason remains approachable and dedicated to making sure your fishing experience is a good one.
Pursuit is a 54-footer built in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, by Scarborough Boatworks. Delivered in 2019, she’s known as Kona’s premier charter boat operation and comes complete with Omni sonar, Shimano gear, and the finest tackle money can buy. If you love big fish, grand slams, and local records, then you’re in for a real treat.
Lunch, drinks, and snacks are served on board to keep you nourished for battle and your instructors are there to give angling support and advice anytime you need it.
The Villas
Rest and downtime in stunning villas with panoramic views of the Pacific take on a new meaning this go-around. Our two- and three-bedroom condos are nestled on the fairways of Kona Country Club, overlooking the sparkling waters of Keauhou Bay, just 10 minutes south of Kona town. Enjoy the ocean views from your terrace lanai, swim in one of three pools, relax in the hot tubs, or play on the newly resurfaced tennis courts. Nearby, explore Keauhou Bay, Kahalu’u State Park, and local shopping—all within walking distance. The Country Club Villas offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Keauhou Resort Area. Each client has their own bedroom and bathroom, and each villa has a washer/dryer, air conditioning, a full kitchen, lanai, and ocean views.
The Host House
Hale Ohana Lea is where we gather and connect. Dinners are served here on the nights we don’t eat out and is where you can walk right in anytime. The staff will stay here and is just 1.5 miles up the road from the villas. The covered lanai overlooks the saltwater pool with a Hawaiian island-chain motif, a plunge pool, and amazing ocean vistas. The gourmet kitchen makes the perfect spot for our private chef, Sarid, to work her magic, and there’s plenty of room to socialize at cocktail hour and beyond. Just minutes from beach access, the supermarket, golf courses, a theatre, restaurants, and Kailua-Kona Village, this house provides the tranquil tropical oasis we’re looking for.
This expedition is priced as a fully curated package, with most meals, two lay days, six days blue marlin fishing, standard boat tips, professional instruction and support, country club accommodations, on-island transportation, and airport transfers included.
Airfare to and from Kona and lay day activity costs are not included.
To secure and confirm your reservation with Marlin Expeditions, the following payment schedule is required:
Reservations are only considered confirmed once the deposit and all payment terms are satisfied within the specified deadlines.
Repeat clients, active-duty military, and veterans qualify for special discounts, please contact the director for more information.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Marlin Expeditions at [email protected].
a. Administrative Cancellation Fee
b. Standard Cancellation Deadlines
The cancellation terms depend on trip length:
c. Forfeiture & Floater Credit
If you cancel within the non-refundable period but your vacant spot is resold and the trip runs at full capacity, your deposited funds (less the administrative fee) may be placed into a Floater Credit for future expedition use.
d. Failure to Appear / No-Show
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation coverage are not included in your expedition fare and are strongly recommended to protect your financial investment, trip fare, and personal safety.
Policy Notes & Definitions
Terms such as “days prior to departure” are calculated based on calendar days from the scheduled departure date.
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