Kauai Fishing Charters: Half-Day, Three-Quarter-Day,
Full-Day, and Custom Sport Fishing Trips

Four charter options. One boat. The same captain runs every trip. Pick your hours, pick private or shared, and we'll put you on fish.

Book Your Trip Call 808-652-4556
Half-Day — 4 hrs ¾-Day — 6 hrs Full-Day — 8 hrs Custom — 10/12 hrs Reserve Online

Your Day Aboard the Emma Nalani

Every charter follows the same rhythm — early start, serious fishing, and a boat that's set up right for it. Here's what to expect from the time you arrive at the dock.

🌅
5:30 AM
Check In at the Dock

Meet the crew at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor (2494 Niumalu Rd, Lihue). Get your gear stowed, walk the boat, and get briefed on the plan for the day based on what's running.

6:00 AM
Lines Off — We're Fishing

The Emma Nalani pulls out right on time. Kauai's shelf drops hard — within 10 minutes of leaving the harbor we're in the fishing grounds and lines are in the water.

🎣
Underway
On the Water

You'll troll for mahi, ahi, ono, and marlin using Penn International Gold 2-speed reels and Blue Water rods. First-timers get coached. Experienced anglers get serious tackle. Everyone works together.

🐟
Return
Back at the Dock

When your trip ends, the crew handles the fish — cleaning and icing your catch so you can take it home or have it prepped at a local restaurant. Photos at the dock, no extra charge.

6 AM Daily Departure

What's Included on Every Charter

  • All fishing tackle, rods, reels, and terminal gear
  • Bait (live and artificial)
  • Ice and fish bags for your catch
  • Fish cleaning and filleting at the dock
  • Snacks, water, and soft drinks
  • USCG-required safety equipment
  • Valid Hawaii fishing license for the day (split between guests on shared charters)

Pick Your Trip Length

The longer you're out, the deeper you go. All four trips run on the same boat, with the same crew, and the same standards — the difference is how much water you cover.

Most Popular
4 hrs Half-Day Charter
4 Hours · 6 AM – 10 AM

Half-Day Fishing Charter

The right trip for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants the Kauai offshore experience without a full day commitment. Four hours puts you in real open-water fishing territory — not harbor tours. Mahi mahi, ono, and skipjack are common catches on a good morning run.

  • Trolling in 500–1,000 feet of water, 1–2 miles offshore
  • Common catches: mahi mahi, ono (wahoo), skipjack tuna
  • Shared option available — meet other anglers and split the cost
  • Great for families with kids or guests new to offshore fishing
  • Up to 6 guests private; up to 6 guests total on shared
Private Charter
$875
Up to 6 guests
Shared Charter
$190
Per person
Best Value
6 hrs ¾-Day Charter
6 Hours · 6 AM – Noon

¾-Day Fishing Charter

The sweet spot for most guests. Two extra hours over the half-day opens up more ocean — you can work the nearshore structure and push further offshore where the bigger ahi and marlin are likely to be. The ¾-day is what most repeat guests book.

  • More range: push 3–5 miles offshore into deeper blue water
  • Better shot at yellowfin tuna (ahi) and blue marlin
  • Shared option available — good if you're traveling solo or as a pair
  • The captain's most-recommended trip for experienced anglers
  • Up to 6 guests private; shared slots available based on availability
Private Charter
$1,225
Up to 6 guests
Shared Charter
$270
Per person
Big Game
8 hrs Full-Day Charter
8 Hours · 6 AM – 2 PM

Full-Day Fishing Charter

The full-day is for serious anglers who want to go offshore and stay there. Eight hours gets you into true big-game territory — the deep Pacific where trophy blue marlin and 100-pound ahi live. If you're chasing a fish of a lifetime, this is your trip. Private only.

  • True offshore distance — 5–15 miles from shore depending on conditions
  • Target species: blue marlin, striped marlin, large yellowfin ahi
  • Full-day is private only — the whole boat is yours, up to 6 guests
  • Penn International Gold 2-speed reels on heavy Blue Water rods
  • Best chance of a grander (1,000+ lb marlin) on any trip we run
Private Charter Only
$1,575
Up to 6 guests
Shared Available?
Private Only
Full boat, all yours
10 or 12 Hours · Flexible Departure

Custom Charter

The longest trip we run, built entirely around what you want to catch. Get out before dawn, push deep, and stay on fish all day. We'll plan the route, the tackle, and the strategy around your group's goals. Built for serious anglers who want the full Pacific experience and don't want to watch the clock.

Starting From
$2,000
Call for exact pricing
Duration
10 or 12 hrs
Private only
Inquire Now Learn More
Maximum Time on the Water

10 or 12 hours means the full offshore experience — sunrise to mid-afternoon at minimum.

Go Where the Fish Are

We run as far offshore as needed — no restrictions on range when you book the whole day.

Private. Always.

Custom charters are private only — up to 6 guests, complete flexibility, your group runs the show.

Special Occasions Welcome

Birthdays, bachelor trips, corporate outings — we've done them all. Call Gina and tell us what you're planning.

Private or Shared — Which Is Right for You?

Both options put you on the same boat, the same tackle, and the same fishing grounds. The difference is who's on the water with you.

Shared Charter

You book by the seat — we pair you with up to 5 other anglers on the same trip. You pay less, you fish alongside other people who love fishing as much as you do, and you still get the same boat and the same crew.

  • Buy individual seats, not the whole boat
  • Good option for solo travelers or couples
  • Meet fellow anglers who are passionate about the sport
  • Available on half-day (4 hrs) and ¾-day (6 hrs) only
  • Departure time is fixed at 6:00 AM
  • Captain may adjust strategy to serve the whole group
Best for Solo anglers · Pairs · Budget-conscious guests · Anyone who wants to meet other fishing enthusiasts

Not sure which to book? Call Gina at 808-652-4556 — she'll tell you honestly what makes sense for your group size and what fish are running. No upselling, no scripts.

What to Know Before Booking

Where We Depart

All charters depart from Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor, 2494 Niumalu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766. Check in by 5:30 AM. We're on the water at 6:00 AM — don't be late, tides don't wait.

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Light layers — mornings on the water can be cool even in summer
  • Closed-toe shoes or boat shoes (no flip-flops on deck)
  • Motion sickness medication if you're susceptible (take it the night before)
  • A camera — you'll want it
  • Personal snacks or a meal if you're on a longer charter
  • Cash tip for the crew (always appreciated, never required)

Cancellation Policy

Life happens and Kauai weather can be unpredictable. If we need to cancel due to unsafe sea conditions, you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. Cancellations by guests within 48 hours of departure may forfeit the deposit. Call Gina directly to discuss your specific situation — she's reasonable.

Restrictions

Guests must be at least 4 years old. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum 6 guests per charter (USCG certified). No alcohol provided onboard; guests may bring their own beer or wine in moderation. We are a non-smoking vessel.

Hawaii Fishing License — Required

Since May 2, 2024, Hawaii requires all recreational saltwater anglers to hold a valid fishing license. A one-day license costs $20 per angler. On private charters, you'll need one per fishing guest. On shared charters, we typically coordinate this as part of the booking — ask when you reserve.

Non-fishing guests (children watching, partners along for the ride) do not need a license.

Getting to the Harbor

Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor
2494 Niumalu Rd
Lihue, HI 96766

Free parking is available at the harbor. We're a 10-minute drive from most hotels in Lihue and Poipu. Look for the Emma Nalani — she's the big Bertram in the slip.

Book Directly With Gina

No booking apps. No call centers. No fees. Call 808-652-4556 and talk to the woman who actually runs the boat. She'll tell you what's biting, what trip makes sense for your group, and get you squared away in five minutes.

Your Catch

Hawaii law allows you to take your catch home. We'll clean and ice the fish dockside at no extra charge. Want it cooked that night? Several local restaurants in Lihue offer "catch-to-table" prep — ask Gina for recommendations when you get back.

Pick Your Trip. Call Gina.
Be on the Water Tomorrow.

Every charter departs at 6 AM from Nawiliwili Harbor. Book online or call the captain directly — she answers, she'll tell you what's running, and she'll get you on the right trip.

Questions? Check the fish we catch by season, or read about the Emma Nalani.

Mahalo for choosing Go Fish Kauai. We'll see you at the dock.