REVIEW · KAUAI
Private Deep Water Fishing in Kauai
Book on Viator →Operated by Explore Kauai Scuba · Bookable on Viator
Big-game fishing in Kauai starts at dawn. This private charter runs off the west side and gives you a real shot at yellowfin tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin, plus a back-up plan if offshore fishing is slow. I especially like the way the crew (Jessie and Eli/Elijah) focuses on what you want to get out of the day, and then works that plan on the water.
Two things I’d highlight are the chance to see whales while you fish, and the calm, hands-on support when conditions get tough. One thing to consider: you’re going out on open water early, so motion sickness is a real possibility even on a great day, and you’ll want a plan for that.
In This Review
- Key Highlights at a Glance
- Meet at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor: Early Start, Serious Time on the Water
- What You’re Really Fishing For: Tuna, Ono, Sailfish, Spearfish, and Marlin
- The Backup Plan: What Happens If Offshore Fishing Is Slow
- What “Private Charter” Means in Practice (Not Just on Paper)
- Keeping the Catch: Turning a Good Day Into Real Food
- When Seasickness Shows Up: Comfort Adjustments You’ll Appreciate
- Snorkeling Gear and On-Board Comfort That Keep the Day Moving
- Wildlife While You Fish: Whales Seen on the Route
- Price and Value: $1,700 for Up to 6 Anglers
- Who Should Book This Deep Water Fishing Trip?
- Should You Book Explore Kauai Scuba’s Private Deep Water Charter?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?
- How long is the private deep water fishing trip?
- How many people are included in a group?
- What fish species does the trip target?
- What happens if there is no luck offshore?
- Can I keep the fish I catch?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What’s included onboard?
- What about transportation and cancellation?
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Big-game targets near Kauai’s west side: yellowfin and skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin
- Two-stage fishing approach: offshore first, then inside trolling if you need a change of pace
- You keep the meat: if you catch fish, you can keep as much meat as you like
- Guides adapt fast: Jessie and Eli/Elijah adjust for comfort when seasickness hits
- Wildlife sightings while you work: whales spotted on the route during the trip
- Private charter for up to 6: so your group controls the vibe and pace
Meet at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor: Early Start, Serious Time on the Water
This is a true private trip out of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, starting at 6:00 am. Expect about six hours on the water, which is long enough to make real fishing attempts, not just a quick outing.
Logistically, you’ll want to show up early so you’re not rushing when you step aboard. Also, note that private transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to handle getting to the harbor on your own.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kauai.
What You’re Really Fishing For: Tuna, Ono, Sailfish, Spearfish, and Marlin
The core experience is deep water fishing off the west side of Kauai. The target list is the kind that makes people book charters in the first place: yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin.
Here’s why that matters for you: when a trip lists multiple big-game species, it usually means the day is about chasing the most available bite, not just one fish. That gives you flexibility, especially when ocean conditions shift.
And if you do land something, you’re not stuck with the “catch and release only” vibe. The trip is set up so that if you catch, you can keep as much meat as you like. That’s a big value factor if you want your fishing to turn into a real meal later.
The Backup Plan: What Happens If Offshore Fishing Is Slow
Deep water days can be unpredictable. The good news here is you don’t just keep trying the same thing for six hours and hope.
If there’s no luck offshore, the plan shifts to fishing inside by trolling for amberjack, snapper, and trevally. That matters because it keeps the day productive even when the big-game bite isn’t cooperating.
For you, this translates into less downtime and fewer “stand around and wait” moments. It also tends to help if your group has mixed comfort levels with open-ocean conditions, since the crew can change where you’re fishing based on what’s happening.
What “Private Charter” Means in Practice (Not Just on Paper)
This is a private tour/activity with only your group onboard. With up to six people per group, you’re not competing with strangers for space, attention, or instruction.
That matters when you’re learning or when someone in your party isn’t fully comfortable with saltwater conditions yet. The smaller the group, the easier it is for the crew to respond if a person needs a change in what they’re doing—like switching duties, adjusting position, or taking a short break.
It’s also a value win. At $1,700 per group, the total price isn’t per person. If you fill all six spots, that comes out to roughly $283 per person. If you’re fewer than six, the per-person cost rises, but you’re still paying for a dedicated boat and crew rather than trying to squeeze into a shared schedule.
Keeping the Catch: Turning a Good Day Into Real Food
One of the biggest selling points here is simple: you can keep as much meat as you like if you catch fish. That’s not a small detail. It changes how you think about the trip.
You’re not just chasing a photo with a rod in your hand. You’re aiming for something that can show up later as tuna, ono, or another target fish meal. If you’re traveling with people who don’t usually eat seafood often, this is also a way to make the trip feel practical and rewarding instead of purely sport.
Just plan your expectations realistically: you’re on a fishing charter, so there’s no guarantee you’ll land fish. But the trip is built around giving you the chance, and then making the results useful.
When Seasickness Shows Up: Comfort Adjustments You’ll Appreciate
Open-water fishing can be rough, even on calm days. One reason this charter stands out is the way the crew handles discomfort with empathy and flexibility.
On the kind of trip where people get seasick, the crew doesn’t just ignore it and keep going. Jessie and Eli/Elijah reportedly responded with understanding, shared practical tips, and even had ginger chews available on board. In one case, the group ended up cutting the trip short, but still felt supported and comfortable during the adjustment.
So here’s what you can do: if you’re sensitive to motion, plan ahead. Bring your preferred seasickness tools (meds you trust, acupressure bands, whatever works for you) and tell the crew early if you’re feeling off. The sooner they know, the easier it is for them to help you stay comfortable.
Snorkeling Gear and On-Board Comfort That Keep the Day Moving
Even though the headline is fishing, the trip includes snorkeling equipment, plus bottled water and snacks, and a restroom on board. Those are “small” details that turn into big ones once you’re out there for hours.
Why I like this setup for you: it reduces the friction of a long morning. You can snack, refill water, and use the restroom without worrying about waiting or stepping back onto land.
As for snorkeling, the included gear means it’s available for your use during the charter. Whether you actually get water time depends on conditions and what the crew decides on the day, but having the gear ready is better than scrambling for it.
Wildlife While You Fish: Whales Seen on the Route
One of the most memorable “bonus” experiences here is wildlife spotting while you’re working on the water. In the experiences shared from past trips, guides pointed out dozens of whales while fishing.
That’s not something you should book expecting on every single day, but it’s a real possibility given where you’re operating off Kauai’s west side. If your group likes nature sightings between fishing attempts, this is a great way to make the trip feel bigger than just the catch.
Price and Value: $1,700 for Up to 6 Anglers
Let’s talk value in a straight way. You’re paying $1,700 per group (up to 6) for a private six-hour deep-water fishing charter. There’s no private transportation included, but most of the core trip needs are covered onboard: gear (including snorkeling equipment), water, snacks, and restroom access.
What you’re buying for that price is:
- Dedicated time with a crew and a boat
- A targeted plan for multiple big-game fish
- A built-in backup strategy (trolling inside)
- The ability to keep fish meat if you catch
If you’re traveling as a family or a small group of friends, the math gets better when you fill more seats. If you’re two people only, it can still be worth it if you want privacy and personalized attention, but you should compare it to the kind of shared charters you could find elsewhere.
Who Should Book This Deep Water Fishing Trip?
This one fits best if you:
- Want private fishing time instead of sharing a boat with strangers
- Like the idea of chasing multiple species (tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, marlin)
- Prefer a trip with a backup plan if offshore fishing is slow
- Have a group that can handle early mornings and the open-water vibe
It may be less ideal if you’re extremely prone to seasickness and you don’t have a plan for it. Even then, you can still ask the crew how they handle comfort adjustments, since the approach onboard is clearly responsive when someone needs help.
It also suits beginners. One of the strongest themes from past trips is that people who weren’t master fishermen still had an excellent time because the crew guides the process and makes you feel safe.
Should You Book Explore Kauai Scuba’s Private Deep Water Charter?
If your top goal is a serious Kauai fishing day with big-game targets, good onboard comfort, and a crew that adapts when conditions or people need support, I’d say yes. The trip’s value is strongest when you can fill the group spots and make it a shared experience with friends or family.
Book it if you’re excited by the species list and you want the practical perks: snorkeling gear onboard, snacks, bottled water, and a restroom. Consider it carefully if motion sickness is a major issue for you, because this is open-water deep fishing that can be challenging for some people.
If you want, tell me your group size and whether anyone gets seasick easily, and I’ll help you decide if this charter is a fit for your exact situation.
FAQ
Where does the tour start, and what time does it begin?
The meeting point is Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, 8932 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha, HI 96752. The start time is 6:00 am.
How long is the private deep water fishing trip?
It lasts about 6 hours.
How many people are included in a group?
The price is per group for up to 6 people. It is private, so only your group participates.
What fish species does the trip target?
The trip targets yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, ono, sailfish, spearfish, and marlin. If offshore fishing is slow, it can shift to trolling for amberjack, snapper, and trevally.
What happens if there is no luck offshore?
If offshore fishing doesn’t work out, you can come inside and troll for amberjack, snapper, and trevally.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes. If you catch fish, you can keep as much meat as you like.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What’s included onboard?
Included items are bottled water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board.
What about transportation and cancellation?
Private transportation is not included. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time, and the trip requires good weather, with options for a different date or a full refund if it’s canceled due to poor weather. Service animals are allowed.
