Aloha, and welcome to the big one. A full-day fishing charter on the Emma Nalani, our 41-foot Bertram six-pack sport fishing yacht, gives you eight hours on Kauai's offshore water. It's built for serious anglers, bucket-list trips, and groups that came to the Garden Isle with a specific trophy fish in mind.
You check in at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor at 5:30 AM, catch your first glimpse of the sunrise breaking over the Haupu ridge, and push off at 6:00 AM sharp with the whole Pacific ahead of you. There's no rushing and no watching the clock — just the day spread out in front of you and a crew that's there to find fish.
Here's what an 8-hour fishing charter on Kauai looks like on our full-day run:
Eight hours is really the difference between fishing and hunting. The best full-day fishing charter Kauai offers gives your captain and crew the hours they need to chase the best bite of the day, work deeper structure, and put you on the fish of a lifetime.
This is our trip for serious anglers — a proper full-day deep sea fishing experience. If eight hours still isn't enough you can step up to our custom 10 or 12-hour fishing charter, while anyone looking for something shorter can start with the half-day or three-quarter-day.
A full-day fishing charter is our big-game trip — and honestly it's not for everyone. Eight hours offshore takes stamina, patience, and the kind of angler who understands that hunting trophy fish is a different game than chasing steady action. The Emma Nalani is a six-pack boat USCG-licensed for six passengers, and on a full-day trip those six seats are worth their weight in ahi.
A full-day fishing charter is the right call if:
These waters see lighter fishing pressure than the busier Hawaiian islands, with fewer charter boats working the same ledges and more fish per boat as a result. Eight hours out here is genuinely different than eight hours on Oahu or Maui, and experienced anglers usually notice the difference by mid-morning. Compare with the other trip options on the trip types page.
Gina has owned and operated Go Fish Kauai since 2014 — the only woman-owned fishing charter on the island. When you book with us, you book directly with her. She picks up the phone, knows every crew member by first name, and treats every guest like ohana from the moment you step onto the dock. It doesn't run on corporate. It runs on aloha, on knowing your neighbor, and on looking people in the eye.
The deep waters are so close we begin trolling right after we leave the harbor — no long boat ride eating up your morning, just fast action and more time with your lines in the water. A quarter mile from shore the ocean floor drops a thousand feet.
Step aboard the Emma Nalani — our 41-foot Bertram Sport Fishing Yacht with twin turbo diesel engines, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, a 16-foot flybridge, and a private flushing restroom which you'll appreciate on hour seven.
Our seasoned crew knows exactly where to find the island's most sought-after big game fish, including Pacific Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Ahi, Mahi Mahi, Ono (wahoo), and Aku — and they fish this water for a living, not a hobby.
The Emma Nalani isn't a rental — she's home. Every full-day fishing charter is run by people who love this water and love showing you why. This trip books up fast in peak season — lock it in early. Read more about the operation.
Daily deep sea fishing charters depart 6:00 AM from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Just bring your food and drink for the day — large coolers and ice are already on board, and you'll eat more than you expect over eight hours at sea. Fishing tackle and gear are included. We welcome seasoned anglers and first-timers alike. Our daily morning briefing covers everything you need to be ready for that first bite. This island offers access to some of the best offshore natural fishing grounds in all of Hawaii.
Free to cancel more than 5 days out. Full charge inside 5 days or no-show. Captain's weather cancellations are always free — we don't fish in water that isn't safe, and we don't charge you for it.
Fishing vessels don't offer stable footing. If you have any underlying medical issues, physical restrictions, or limitations that affect your ability to stand, walk, or brace yourself on a moving boat, contact Gina@GoFishKauai.com before you book. No pregnancies, no recent surgeries, no keiki under 8.
Full-day charters book fast in peak season. Reserve online or call Gina directly at 808-652-4556 — she'll answer, tell you what's biting, and lock in your date. Mahalo for fishing with us.
We'll see you at the dock before sunrise.