Kona Charter Full-Day Trips Yield Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna

A full-day charter out of Kailua-Kona delivered a solid mix of sportfish that matters to anyone planning a Kona trip this winter. Mauna Loa/Bad Co Sportfishing, skippered by captain Kaiwi Joe, logged consistent blue marlin bites along with a good showing of yellowfin tuna, plus occasional mahi-mahi and spearfish during a Jan. 15 outing.

The top-line takeaway is simple: full-day trips remain the best way to access both trophy billfish and productive tuna grounds in Kona. Anglers on the trip saw both billfish and tuna in the same grounds, a combination that gives charter clients options for fighting a marlin or filling the box with yellowfin (ahi). That versatility makes Kona attractive for mixed-target outings, tournament prep, and anglers who want a shot at a grander fight without sacrificing table fare.

Conditions held steady enough to keep anglers working the spread and staying on prime structure. The presence of blue marlin so early in the year reinforces Kona’s reputation for year-round billfishing opportunities, while the yellowfin numbers show the grounds still support a dependable tuna bite in January. Mahi-mahi and spearfish appeared less often but added welcome variety when they showed up.

For local anglers and visitors booking charters, the practical implications are immediate. Booking a full-day trip maximizes time on the bite and allows captains to move between billfish and tuna zones as fish reveal themselves. If your priority is a trophy billfish, stack the deck with full days and be ready to cover the spread; if you want a mix of sport and table fish, tell your captain you’re open to both blue marlin fights and yellowfin sets so they can tailor the plan.

Outfitters operating out of Kailua-Kona are already running into this pattern, so availability may tighten as word spreads. Planning ahead and confirming full-day availability will help anglers lock in the best windows for any winter visit.

This report keeps the early-2026 season looking promising for Kona anglers: trophy billfish are active and yellowfin remain a viable catch in January. Expect captains to continue offering full-day trips as the most effective strategy for anglers who want both the thrill of a marlin and the satisfaction of ahi on ice.