Charter Info & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions | Kona Sportfishing Charters

Playtime Sportfishing offers premier private deep-sea fishing charters departing daily from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Honokohau Harbor Location & Arrival

Where do we meet for our fishing charter at Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona?

Next to the bright ICE machine sign, Meet at the Pavilion, 74 KEALAKEHE PKWY North Side of Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

— Google Business Profile Directions
What parking options are available at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor?

Parking: Free on-site parking.

— Google Business Profile Amenities
What is the direct phone number to call or text Captain Shawn?
questions about current fishing conditions or how we can make your trip Call Shawn

+1 808-796-0611

— Direct Vessel Contact
Where do Playtime Sportfishing charters depart from on the Big Island?

Departing daily from Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

“My fiancé and I decided to go for a half day trip on short notice. Captain Shawn and first mate Joe were very accommodating… Very professional, this charter is a great family owned charter leaving from Honokohau Harbor.” — Verified Guest Review by Cristian Laguillo

The Vessel & Onboard Amenities

What kind of boat will we be deep-sea fishing on in Kona?

Fish the calm, world-renowned Kona waters aboard our comfortable 26′ Shamrock sportfisher equipped with outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, tournament-grade tackle, and a clean, private marine head.

“The boat was comfortable, and we learned a lot along the way. We had a great day on the water and came home with fresh fish for dinner!” — Verified Guest Review by Jessica Joto
Is there a private bathroom on board the boat?

equipped with a clean, private marine head.

— Vessel Specification
Who operates the boat and guides our Kona fishing trip?

Captain Shawn and our skilled crew tailor every trip to your goals.

“Shawn and Joe are such a dynamic duo… Shawn the cool, calm and collected OG captain. Along with Joe, the talkative, informative and full of whimsy first mate! These two explained step by step what to do when a fish was ‘on’ and made us comfortable providing us with space to learn!” — Verified Guest Review by Alec Cornejo
What is the condition of the boat and tournament fishing equipment?

130lb Penn reels on Bent Butt Rods, also 50 lb Shimano in the Stinger, Jigging and Live Bait Rigs. Teasers, Dredges and Planars, Custom Handmade Marlin Lures.

“These guys are professional, have a great boat and equipment and know how to use it. They both were very friendly and helpful.” — Verified Guest Review by Frank H.

Private Charters & Target Game Fish

What private charter lengths do you offer out of Kailua-Kona?

We specialize in half-day (4 hr), 3/4-day (6 hr), and full-day (8 hr) private charters.

“We had an awesome time on our 8-hour charter today! The captain worked hard all day to put us on fish… Even when the bite slowed down, he kept moving and trying different spots to give us the best chance of success.” — Verified Guest Review by Jessica Joto
What pelagic big game fish species do you catch off the Kona Coast?

targeting Pacific Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Aku (Skipjack), Ono (Wahoo), Mahi Mahi, and Shortbill Spearfish.

“We caught a blue marlin (about 100#s) and a striped marlin (about 35#s)… We caught fish when the boats around us were having little if any success.” — Verified Guest Review by Frank H.
Can we see marine wildlife like spinner dolphins, pilot whales, or humpback whales?
“We saw pilot whales AND black tip sharks just casually living their best lives out there. Basically felt like we were in a nature documentary, but with better snacks and a cooler captain. Shawn is the real deal.” — Verified Guest Review by Brian Trujillo
How are the ocean conditions and sea swell off the Kona Coast of Hawaii?

Fish the calm, world-renowned Kona waters.

“On our way out, they were giving us information about the island, and the need of marine species, felt like a private tour. We tried different places to fish, saw dolphins, pilot whales, really awesome experience will come back again.” — Verified Guest Review by Cristian Laguillo

Catch Sharing Policy & Hawaii Regulations

What is the boat’s policy for fish over 60 lbs?

Its been our experience that most people arent equip to keep 60 lbs of tuna fillets cold, nor is the hotel refrigerator, and there is no pack and ship fish facilities in Kona. We will gladly prepare and fillet anything else smaller.

— Vessel Policy
What is the charter cancellation and weather refund policy?

If your charter must be canceled due to unsafe weather or mechanical conditions as determined by the captain, you will receive a 100% full refund or the option to reschedule. For guest-initiated cancellations, 50% Nonrefundable Deposit when canceled at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

— Vessel Policy
Can charter guests keep, fillet, and eat fish under 60 lbs?

At Playtime Sportfishing we are happy to fillet up fish under 60lbs for the guests to cook, eat or have prepared at a local kona restaurants.

“He even butchered our fish for us like a pro, which was above and beyond. 10/10 would trust this man with my fishing destiny again.” — Verified Guest Review by Brian Trujillo
Are commercial Pack and Ship facilities currently operating in Kona?

Pack and Ship facilities are no longer available in Kona

— Local Kona Harbor Notice
Are fishing licenses required for charter passengers in Hawaii?

As of 2026 fishing licenses are required for all passengers over 14. You can purchase one at the link -> Click Here

— State of Hawaii DLNR Regulation

The Guest Experience & Crew Expertise

Are kids welcome on board, and how does the crew keep families engaged?

Kids are always welcome at Playtime Sportfishing. We have children’s life jackets onboard, but if you have one that already fits your child well, please bring it.

“Amazing fishing trip! Shawn and Joe were fantastic. We brought our 8-year son along, and they were incredibly patient with him… He got to reel in several interesting little fish and stayed engaged the whole time. Overall, it was a great experience with a friendly, knowledgeable crew. Highly recommend!” — Verified Guest Review by Cara
What does Captain Shawn do if big pelagic fish aren’t biting right away?

Although we didn’t catch anything big they made sure we landed several fish, keeping the trip fun and engaging.

“Even when the bite slowed down, he kept moving and trying different spots to give us the best chance of success. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole trip enjoyable… and came home with fresh fish for dinner!” — Verified Guest Review by Jessica Joto
How knowledgeable is the crew on Kona fishing grounds and marine ecology?

they’re well versed, and educated on the fish they are catching.

“Jordan shared a lot of knowledge he has learned in several years as a Captain about the environment and fishing off of Kona… These guys are professional, have a great boat and equipment and know how to use it.” — Verified Guest Review by Frank H.
What is it like when a big Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) strikes the spread?

The best way to describe it is to experience it. Working the bird piles where the Tuna are feeding suddenly the line goes tight and pops out of its clip. The reel start to scream and we scramble to get our angler (YOU!)strapped into the chair. if you want to see more you can watch our catches at Click Here

“The trip was excellent. The Captains did a fantastic job of getting multiple lines in the water to maximize our trolling efforts… Towards the end of the charter, BAM, Fish On! We landed an ~ 120lb ahi tuna. I don’t know who was more excited, us or the Captains! Great day and great experience on the water.” — Verified Guest Review by Tim H.
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