Kona big fish in a small private group. I love the private charter format for up to 10 passengers and the crew coaching that helps you manage your lines, tagging, and release. I also like the chance to bring your lunch and drinks, stash them in the onboard cooler, and stay focused on the hunt. One thing to plan: you need a fishing license and you bring your own food (snorkel gear is available only if you request it in advance).

This is a Big Island Kona charter that runs out of Bite Me Sportfishing in Kailua-Kona, on the OE II. The focus is serious offshore fishing for species like bigeye tuna and spearfish, with snorkeling built into the idea of the trip when you can make it work with conditions.

It’s priced per group (up to 10), and the timing is flexible by day length—so you’ll want to watch the weather and be ready for a day that can run anywhere from about 4 to 8 hours. One more practical note: adult beverages are allowed, but they ask you not to bring glass bottles.

Key points that make this Kona charter a smart choice

• Private boat for up to 10 people means more attention and less waiting around.
• Lunch-and-drinks plan with an onboard cooler helps you stay comfortable for long stretches.
• Fishing equipment is included, so you can show up without buying gear.
• Snorkel equipment is request-based, not automatically guaranteed for everyone.
• A crew that coaches hard shows up repeatedly in the experience stories, including first-timer wins.

Stop 1 at Bite Me Sportfishing: check-in rhythm and what to bring

Your day starts at Bite Me Sportfishing at 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before departure for check-in, because that’s when the crew meets you and gets the day moving. It’s a small window, so I’d rather you overestimate your travel time from your hotel than gamble on parking and walking.

You’ll want to come ready to spend real time on the water, not just show up for a quick photo. The trip includes a cooler with ice for your food and drinks, so you can pack a simple lunch and keep beverages cold without hauling extra gear yourself. Adult beverages are allowed, and the operator specifically requests no glass bottles—so think cans or other non-glass packaging.

What’s on you:

• A fishing license (required)
• Your own food and non-fishing drinks (the cooler is provided, the contents are yours)
• Sunscreen is recommended (bring it)
• If you want snorkeling gear, you may need to arrange it ahead

What’s handled for you:

• All fishing equipment
• A captain and crew running the tactics and safety
• The cooler with ice
• Mobile ticket entry in the system

A quick note on snorkeling gear: the operator says snorkel equipment is available upon request if you notify the office 24 hours in advance. That matters because you don’t want to assume you’ll be able to borrow gear at the last minute—especially if you’re traveling with kids or you’re on a tight schedule.

What you’re really fishing for off Kona: bigeye tuna, spearfish, and marlin energy

The “why” behind this charter is that Kona offshore fishing is equal parts strategy and coaching. The highlight list calls out bigeye tuna and spearfish, and the practical reality from the experience stories is that marlin and other game fish can enter the picture too.

Here’s what that means for your day:

• You’ll likely spend time trolling, adjusting based on conditions, and working lures/baits in the water column.
• The crew watches for signs—then helps you set up for your turn on the reel.
• Even if the bite isn’t fast at first, a good crew changes the plan rather than shrugging and calling it luck.

A repeated theme in the experiences is that the captains and mates actively coach. Names that come up include Captain Brian Harnden and Mate Darin Castoro, with crew members like Jason and Cory mentioned for helping with instruction, safety, and making sure you actually land fish you hook. Other captain and deckhand combinations show up as well—Captain Nate and Lee, Captain Curtis with deckhand Anthony, and Captain Tara and Captain Taylor. Across these stories, you can tell the value isn’t only in catching fish. It’s in how they teach the process: fighting the fish, keeping control, and then handling tagging/release.

There’s also a “fishing plus wildlife” vibe that happens often enough to be worth expecting, not just hoping for. Pilot whales, porpoise, sea turtles, and even a whale shark get mentioned in experience stories. You can’t schedule wildlife, but you can benefit from crews that keep their eyes open for it.

One practical thing I like about a private setup: when you’re not sharing the boat with strangers, the crew can tailor instruction to your group. That’s especially helpful if you’re bringing a mix of ages or if some people are first-timers. You’ll also get a better sense of how the day is unfolding, instead of feeling like you’re waiting your turn while someone else’s group is driving the pace.

How the 4 to 8 hour window plays out on the OE II

The duration is listed as about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the plan for the day. In Kona, time on the water matters because fish don’t care about your schedule. If the bite is early, the day can feel like it goes fast. If it’s slower, the crew keeps working until conditions line up.

From an experience-value standpoint, the flexible length is a feature:

• If you’re booking a shorter window, you’re buying the chance to try, with fewer hours at sea.
• If you choose a longer outing, you’re buying more opportunities for different patterns and tactics.

In real life, many families and groups take a full day, and the stories mention early departures—often around dawn—so you can get on the water before the ocean turns into a rolling challenge. If your group includes kids, I’d keep in mind that a longer day is more tiring even if the action is great. If you’re bringing older travelers, you’ll still want good seasickness planning.

A private boat also tends to change how the hours feel. You get more control over pacing and more chances to ask questions. That’s where those named crew members come into focus: mates coaching while you’re learning the basics, and captains driving the tactics while staying aware of safety.

Snorkeling plans: when to request gear and how to keep it stress-free

This charter is described as fishing/snorkel, and the operator does note snorkel equipment is available upon request. The key detail is the timeline: you need to notify the office 24 hours in advance if you want snorkeling gear arranged. That’s your signal to plan ahead if snorkeling is a real priority, not a last-minute idea.

What you can reasonably expect:

• You’ll have chances to get in the water when conditions allow.
• The crew can help you make the most of those windows.
• If snorkeling gear isn’t set up, you might end up improvising, which can be a drag on a vacation day.

Also, the check-in office promotes snorkel adventures on their Ocean Encounters boats, including a nightly manta ray night snorkel, a mid-day snorkel, and a morning reef snorkel. You’ll still want to confirm what’s available around your dates, but it’s a helpful option if your main goal is guaranteed snorkeling rather than hoping for a window between fishing moves.

Bottom line: treat snorkeling here as a bonus that you can optimize. If you truly want water time, request gear early and come with your expectations calibrated. If you’re mainly there to fish, you can still enjoy snorkel moments as a break from the reel.

Food and cooler setup: how to pack for comfort, not chaos

The operator includes an onboard cooler with ice for your beverages and food. That sounds simple, but it’s a big quality-of-life upgrade on a boat where you don’t want to spend your day hunting down snacks or worrying about where your drinks are getting warm.

So pack like you’re feeding a small team, not just yourself:

• Bring lunch you can eat while watching the water.
• Pack drinks you actually want to drink all day.
• If adults in your group plan to bring something stronger, remember the glass bottle rule.

In experience stories, people describe the crew cutting and portioning the catch so that everyone can take some fish home. That’s not listed as a formal inclusion in the trip facts, but it’s an example of how the day often extends beyond just catching. If you care about maximizing what you take home, ask the crew how they handle meat prep at the end of the trip.

Also consider practical sun and comfort planning:

• Sunscreen is recommended.
• Bring layers if you get chilly on the water, even in Hawaii.
• If your group includes kids, pack a simple snack they’ll actually eat when they’re tired.

The biggest advantage here is that the trip doesn’t force you to buy meals on the pier. With the cooler included, you control the food choices, and you stay on the schedule the crew sets.

Price, private value, and who this charter is best for

The price is $1,938.82 per group up to 10 people. The value math changes fast based on how full your boat is. If you fill all 10 spots, you’re looking at about $194 per person. If you’re only a party of 4, the effective per-person cost is much higher.

So who is this best for?

• Families and friend groups who can fill the group cap
• Multi-generation trips where you want the crew to focus on safety and instruction
• Anyone who wants a private setup without sharing the boat with strangers
• People who want fishing gear provided and guidance on how to use it

Why private matters in a place like Kona is simple: your group gets time, attention, and coaching. The experiences with captains like Brian Harnden, Taylor, and others underline that the crew isn’t just moving the boat. They’re helping you do the work—controlling the fish, landing it, and handling release/tagging steps safely.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple with no ability to reach the group cap, you may feel the cost more strongly. In that case, you’d want to compare against shared options. But if you can bring a full group, this charter starts to feel like a smart way to buy a high-touch experience.

The reality check: weather, licenses, and what can slow your day down

This kind of charter is weather-dependent. The experience description notes that it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the ocean telling you it runs the schedule.

There are also two things you can control early:

• Make sure everyone in the group who fishes has the required fishing license
• Request snorkel equipment at least 24 hours ahead if it’s part of your plan

One more consideration: a fishing day can be intense. Even on a great trip, you can spend hours without hookups, then suddenly have multiple action moments. The value is in having a crew that keeps working the plan and coaches you when your turn comes.

Should you book the Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Private Charter on OE II?

I think this charter is a strong choice if you can fill a chunk of the up to 10 spots and you care about getting real coaching while fishing off Kona. The private format, cooler-and-lunch setup, and included fishing gear reduce stress and let you focus on the actual experience: hooks, lines, and that Kona offshore energy. If snorkeling is important, request gear in advance so you’re not negotiating underwater equipment on the fly.

Skip it or rethink it if you’re traveling solo or as a couple who won’t reach the group cap, or if you’re not ready to handle the fishing license requirement and your own food/drinks. Also, if your group has very limited time at sea, the 4 to 8 hour range means you’ll want to choose your timing carefully.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private charter?

The rate covers up to 10 persons in your party, and it’s a private tour/activity with only your group participating.

Where do we meet for the Kona charter?

You meet at Bite Me Sport Fishing, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the fishing/snorkel trip?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 8 hours.

What’s included on board?

Included items are a cooler with ice for beverages and food, a captain and crew, and all fishing equipment.

Do I need to bring food and drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own. The onboard cooler is available to store your items, and adult beverages are allowed with no glass bottles.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A fishing license is required.

What if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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