Reel Escapes Hawaii
4.9/5 (319 reviews)
74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States–
Reel Escapes Hawaii
Kailua-Kona, HI, United States
–33 ft
5
4.9/5 (319 reviews)
Angler's Choice
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Book your next trip with Reel Escapes Hawaii and find out what makes the fishing in Kailua-Kona so unique. With the team at Reel Escapes Hawaii, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands. We offer two different boats so if the date you requested isn't available on this boat, please look for us on our other boat 'Reel Escapes Hawaii - A'u Nui' also available through Fishing Booker.
We welcome you aboard a 33' Offshore sport fishing boat that can carry up to 5 passengers. It comes equipped with all the necessary fishing technology including outriggers, a fighting chair, and more. Plus, inside you'll find a small sitting area with table and a clean bathroom with sink and toilet. Your captain will provide rods and reels for you, along with lures.
Kona has the unique distinction of being one of the few places in the world that has a caught over a 1,000 lbs. blue marlin in each month of the year, meaning you have the opportunity to land a massive trophy fish.
Blue Marlin, ono (Wahoo), Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, Short bill Spearfish, and more are in the cards if you come at the right time of year.
All experience levels are welcome as we go through a complete safety briefing and tutorial regarding how the fish will bite, and how to properly use a fighting chair. Families are always welcome, and we love sharing fishing experience's with children. For some young anglers it can be a long day on a boat, so parents are encouraged to keep that in mind or please call us with any questions.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. Mates often work for tips and it's customary to offer them a 20% tip. You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen (non-spray). Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor and glass bottles.
Now, come aboard with Reel Escapes Hawaii and get hooked!
Book your next trip with Reel Escapes Hawaii and find out what makes the fishing in Kailua-Kona so unique. With the team at Reel Escapes Hawaii, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands. We offer two different boats so if the date you requested isn't available on this boat, please look for us on our other boat 'Reel Escapes Hawaii - A'u Nui' also available through Fishing Booker.
We welcome you aboard a 33' Offshore sport fishing boat that can carry up to 5 passengers. It comes equipped with all the necessary fishing technology including outriggers, a fighting chair, and more. Plus, inside you'll find a small sitting area with table and a clean bathroom with sink and toilet. Your captain will provide rods and reels for you, along with lures.
Kona has the unique distinction of being one of the few places in the world that has a caught over a 1,000 lbs. blue marlin in each month of the year, meaning you have the opportunity to land a massive trophy fish.
Blue Marlin, ono (Wahoo), Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Striped Marlin, Short bill Spearfish, and more are in the cards if you come at the right time of year.
All experience levels are welcome as we go through a complete safety briefing and tutorial regarding how the fish will bite, and how to properly use a fighting chair. Families are always welcome, and we love sharing fishing experience's with children. For some young anglers it can be a long day on a boat, so parents are encouraged to keep that in mind or please call us with any questions.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. Mates often work for tips and it's customary to offer them a 20% tip. You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen (non-spray). Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor and glass bottles.
Now, come aboard with Reel Escapes Hawaii and get hooked!
Popular features
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Toilet
Ice box
Popular features
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Toilet
Ice box
Customer reviews
Rating
4.9
319 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (329)
What anglers say
98%
Great experience
90%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
67%
Caught fish
All reviews (319)
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 319 reviews
Dennis Schmidt
Minnesota, US
•
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
Never give up
6 Hour Fishing Escape on May 20, 2026 • 2 adults
Captain Dean and First mate Logan put us on Ahi within the first half hour. Unfortunately, we didn’t get hooks in either one. It was a slow bite for the rest of our trip, fishing deep, then shallower, we covered a lot of water.
It was less than two minutes before Logan was going to pull lines for the day when “pop” and the fish was on. My wife, Darlene, nervously took the chair. Logan got her buckled in and the fight was on. Less than five minutes later she had a very rare, Short billed spearfish boat side. A few pictures and the fish lives to fight another day.
Both Captain Dean and First mate Logan are professionals in their field. They did everything exactly as they should have to make sure we got the fish boat sided without losing it. They were always communicating with each other along with giving words of encouragement to my wife and letting her know what the next moves were. Fantastic job by the crew, an amazing and memorable experience, and we most certainly recommend Reel Escapes Hawaii for your fishing experience. Top notch!!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
May 21, 2026
Mahalo for such an incredible review and for sharing your experience with us!
That’s exactly why we never quit early, you just never know when that last-minute bite is going to happen. Getting a shot at ahi right away definitely had everyone excited, and while they didn’t stick, it sounds like the ocean had one more surprise waiting for Darlene at the very end!
A short billed spearfish is an incredibly special catch and not something many anglers get to experience. We’re so glad Logan and Dean were able to guide her through the fight and help make it such a memorable moment. Communication and teamwork are a huge part of successfully landing these fish, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to both of them.
Thank you again for trusting us with your Kona fishing adventure and for recognizing the effort the crew puts in every day. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you both back out on the water again someday!
With aloha,
Brent & The Reel Escapes Crew
David Molina
California, US
•
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Absolutely Fantastic
5 Hour Fishing Escape on April 2, 2026 • 2 adults
When planning our family trip to Kona, an excursion to try big game fishing with my son was a must. I reviewed every option I could find and eventually ended up booking with Reel Escapes Hawaii because of their reviews and customer feedback.
If you are in the same situation trying to decide which charter to book, you can end your search right here and book with Reel Escapes Hawaii. Captain Brent and his deckhand (Dave) were absolutely AWESOME and made our experience even that much more memorable.
In a society where customer service and providing a customer experience has become an afterthought, it’s refreshing to know there are still small business owners like Captain Brent who make the experience for the customer their main focus and priority.
If I could give more than 5-stars, I would because that’s what is truly deserved based on the experience my son and I had aboard the Reel Escapes Hawaii. 10/10!!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 3, 2026
Aloha David,
Wow… thank you so much for this. Truly.
Reading this means more than I can properly put into words. The fact that you trusted us with something as important as a trip like this with your so, and that it lived up to (and exceeded) those expectations, truly means everything to us.
We know there are a lot of options out there, and it’s not something we take lightly when someone chooses to spend their time with us. Hearing that the experience stood out, not just the fishing but the way you were treated, is exactly what we strive for every single day.
Dave and I had an absolute blast with you both. Those shared moments out on the water, especially between a parent and their kid, are what make this job so special. It reminds me of my time spent with my father when we would fish for hours. Sometiumes catching, sometimes not. It’s never just about the fish, it’s about the memories that come with it, and we’re really grateful we got to be a part of yours.
Your words about customer service honestly mean the world. That’s the foundation of everything we do, and knowing it came through like that makes all the effort worth it.
Thank you again for taking the time to write this and for choosing us. We truly hope to have you both back out with us again someday.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Greg Bailey
Texas, US
•
Member since 2025
2
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Experience – Hooked a Blue Marlin!
5 Hour Fishing Escape on February 15, 2026 • 4 adults
I booked a 5-hour trip with Captain Brent two months in advance, and I was impressed when he called me personally within minutes of booking to welcome us.
This is a top-tier operation. My wife, two sons, and I had an amazing time, but it’s important to know that this isn't like a standard charter out of Padre Island or Galveston where you're just looking to hit a limit on Red Snapper. This is about the "big game" experience. About an hour into the trip, my son hooked a beautiful Blue Marlin—easily one of the most exciting fish you can catch.
Captain Brent and Rooster really know their stuff. They are total pros who made the entire trip fun and memorable for my whole family. If you're looking for a high-quality, professional fishing experience, I highly recommend booking with them.
Response from Captain
March 9, 2026
Aloha Greg,
It was an absolute pleasure having you, your wife, and the boys out on the water with us. I’m especially glad your son was able to hook into that beautiful blue marlin, that’s a moment that’s hard to beat and one you’ll hopefully all remember for a long time.
I also really appreciate you explaining the difference in the Kona fishery. It truly is a big-game experience, and when it all comes together like that it makes the day pretty special.
Rooster and I had a great time fishing with your family, and we’re grateful you chose to spend your day on the water with us. Hopefully we’ll get another chance to chase the next one together someday!
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Louie Alviar
Repeat angler
Washington State, US
•
Member since 2025
•
4 trips
1
5.0
Verified
An Unforgettable Marlin Charter with Reel Escapes Hawaii
5 Hour Fishing Escape on December 31, 2025 • 2 adults
We booked a 4-hour fishing trip with Reel Escapes Hawaii in Kailua-Kona and specifically asked ahead of time to target marlin, as it was a lifelong dream for both my son and me. The captain acknowledged this request in advance, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear how seriously he took it.
The captain was extremely well prepared and thoughtful in his approach. He has a fleet of boats and intentionally selected the one that produced the least noise on the water to improve our chances. He checked in with other charters to find where Marlin had been most active, referenced his own detailed fishing log to choose the most successful lure, and rigged our lines accordingly. He even considered the moon phase to anticipate when fish were most likely to strike and actively searched for birds, explaining how they often work with game fish to trap baitfish.
After about an hour of trolling, we hooked a marlin, but unfortunately, the hook didn’t set and came loose. Instead of moving on, the captain circled back and continued working the area. About an hour later, we hooked another marlin—and this time my son successfully brought it in. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us.
Even as our four hours were nearly up, the captain and deckhand kept trying to hook another fish. Their commitment, determination, and genuine desire to give us an unforgettable experience really stood out. This charter exceeded our expectations in every way, and I highly recommend Reel Escapes Hawaii to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated fishing experience in Kona.
Response from Captain
January 28, 2026
Aloha Louie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a lot.
Targeting marlin is never something we take lightly—especially when it’s a lifelong dream shared between a father and son. We’re thrilled to hear how much confidence you had in us from the start and that our preparation, attention to detail, and decision-making translated into such an unforgettable experience on the water.
Hooking not one, but two marlin—and seeing your son successfully land one—is exactly why we do what we do. Those once-in-a-lifetime moments are what Reel Escapes Hawaiʻi is all about. We always stay committed right through the end of the trip, doing everything possible to maximize your time and opportunities.
Thank you again for trusting us with such an important experience and for your incredibly kind recommendation. We’d love the opportunity to welcome you back on the water anytime you return to Kona.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Mark Shurek
Manitoba, Canada
•
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
What an amazing trip!!!
8 Hour Fishing Escape on March 24, 2026 • 2 adults
We went on an 8 hour excursion with Capt. Brent and Deckhand Ian. It was truly amazing, they made the day so memorable for us! We caught a stripped marlin and it was truly a RUSH! Ian was the biggest help when reeling it in, he talked me through it and coached me like a champ! Both Brent and Ian kept the vibes high the whole time and the excursion flew by! They also kept us feeling safe and were thorough with the rules. I would highly recommend Reel Escapes with Capt Brent and Deckhand Ian! Cant wait to book again, next time we are back on the island! Mahalo!!!
Response from Captain
April 3, 2026
Aloha Mark,
Mahalo for the amazing review. Truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
That striped marlin was an incredible fish, and you did an awesome job in the chair. Ian is great at what he does, and it’s always fun watching him coach guests through those moments—it’s what makes it all come together. We’re glad you felt the good vibes and had a safe, memorable day out there with us.
Trips like that are exactly why we love what we do. It was a pleasure having you onboard, and we’d be stoked to get you back out again next time you’re on the island.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Trip availability and prices
Trip Date:
Group Size:
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June 2026
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1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Sunset Bite Escape - 4 Hours
4 hour trip starts at 2:00 PM
US $850
Entire boat: up to 5 people
US $850
Entire boat: up to 5 people
5 Hour Fishing Escape
5 hour trip multiple starting times (6:30 AM, 12:00 PM)
US $950
Entire boat: up to 5 people
US $950
Entire boat: up to 5 people
6 Hour Fishing Escape
6 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 12:00 PM)
US $1,095
Entire boat: up to 5 people
US $1,095
Entire boat: up to 5 people
8 Hour Fishing Escape
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $1,295
Entire boat: up to 5 people
US $1,295
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There are 60 people looking at this charter.
Customer reviews
Rating
4.9
319 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (329)
What anglers say
98%
Great experience
90%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
67%
Caught fish
All reviews (319)
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 319 reviews
Dennis Schmidt
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
Never give up
6 Hour Fishing Escape on May 20, 2026 • 2 adults
Captain Dean and First mate Logan put us on Ahi within the first half hour. Unfortunately, we didn’t get hooks in either one. It was a slow bite for the rest of our trip, fishing deep, then shallower, we covered a lot of water.
It was less than two minutes before Logan was going to pull lines for the day when “pop” and the fish was on. My wife, Darlene, nervously took the chair. Logan got her buckled in and the fight was on. Less than five minutes later she had a very rare, Short billed spearfish boat side. A few pictures and the fish lives to fight another day.
Both Captain Dean and First mate Logan are professionals in their field. They did everything exactly as they should have to make sure we got the fish boat sided without losing it. They were always communicating with each other along with giving words of encouragement to my wife and letting her know what the next moves were. Fantastic job by the crew, an amazing and memorable experience, and we most certainly recommend Reel Escapes Hawaii for your fishing experience. Top notch!!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
May 21, 2026
Mahalo for such an incredible review and for sharing your experience with us!
That’s exactly why we never quit early, you just never know when that last-minute bite is going to happen. Getting a shot at ahi right away definitely had everyone excited, and while they didn’t stick, it sounds like the ocean had one more surprise waiting for Darlene at the very end!
A short billed spearfish is an incredibly special catch and not something many anglers get to experience. We’re so glad Logan and Dean were able to guide her through the fight and help make it such a memorable moment. Communication and teamwork are a huge part of successfully landing these fish, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to both of them.
Thank you again for trusting us with your Kona fishing adventure and for recognizing the effort the crew puts in every day. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you both back out on the water again someday!
With aloha,
Brent & The Reel Escapes Crew
David Molina
California, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Absolutely Fantastic
5 Hour Fishing Escape on April 2, 2026 • 2 adults
When planning our family trip to Kona, an excursion to try big game fishing with my son was a must. I reviewed every option I could find and eventually ended up booking with Reel Escapes Hawaii because of their reviews and customer feedback.
If you are in the same situation trying to decide which charter to book, you can end your search right here and book with Reel Escapes Hawaii. Captain Brent and his deckhand (Dave) were absolutely AWESOME and made our experience even that much more memorable.
In a society where customer service and providing a customer experience has become an afterthought, it’s refreshing to know there are still small business owners like Captain Brent who make the experience for the customer their main focus and priority.
If I could give more than 5-stars, I would because that’s what is truly deserved based on the experience my son and I had aboard the Reel Escapes Hawaii. 10/10!!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 3, 2026
Aloha David,
Wow… thank you so much for this. Truly.
Reading this means more than I can properly put into words. The fact that you trusted us with something as important as a trip like this with your so, and that it lived up to (and exceeded) those expectations, truly means everything to us.
We know there are a lot of options out there, and it’s not something we take lightly when someone chooses to spend their time with us. Hearing that the experience stood out, not just the fishing but the way you were treated, is exactly what we strive for every single day.
Dave and I had an absolute blast with you both. Those shared moments out on the water, especially between a parent and their kid, are what make this job so special. It reminds me of my time spent with my father when we would fish for hours. Sometiumes catching, sometimes not. It’s never just about the fish, it’s about the memories that come with it, and we’re really grateful we got to be a part of yours.
Your words about customer service honestly mean the world. That’s the foundation of everything we do, and knowing it came through like that makes all the effort worth it.
Thank you again for taking the time to write this and for choosing us. We truly hope to have you both back out with us again someday.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Greg Bailey
Texas, US
Member since 2025
2
5.0
Verified
Unforgettable Experience – Hooked a Blue Marlin!
5 Hour Fishing Escape on February 15, 2026 • 4 adults
I booked a 5-hour trip with Captain Brent two months in advance, and I was impressed when he called me personally within minutes of booking to welcome us.
This is a top-tier operation. My wife, two sons, and I had an amazing time, but it’s important to know that this isn't like a standard charter out of Padre Island or Galveston where you're just looking to hit a limit on Red Snapper. This is about the "big game" experience. About an hour into the trip, my son hooked a beautiful Blue Marlin—easily one of the most exciting fish you can catch.
Captain Brent and Rooster really know their stuff. They are total pros who made the entire trip fun and memorable for my whole family. If you're looking for a high-quality, professional fishing experience, I highly recommend booking with them.
Response from Captain
March 9, 2026
Aloha Greg,
It was an absolute pleasure having you, your wife, and the boys out on the water with us. I’m especially glad your son was able to hook into that beautiful blue marlin, that’s a moment that’s hard to beat and one you’ll hopefully all remember for a long time.
I also really appreciate you explaining the difference in the Kona fishery. It truly is a big-game experience, and when it all comes together like that it makes the day pretty special.
Rooster and I had a great time fishing with your family, and we’re grateful you chose to spend your day on the water with us. Hopefully we’ll get another chance to chase the next one together someday!
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Louie Alviar
Repeat angler
Washington State, US
Member since 2025
4 trips
1
5.0
Verified
An Unforgettable Marlin Charter with Reel Escapes Hawaii
5 Hour Fishing Escape on December 31, 2025 • 2 adults
We booked a 4-hour fishing trip with Reel Escapes Hawaii in Kailua-Kona and specifically asked ahead of time to target marlin, as it was a lifelong dream for both my son and me. The captain acknowledged this request in advance, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear how seriously he took it.
The captain was extremely well prepared and thoughtful in his approach. He has a fleet of boats and intentionally selected the one that produced the least noise on the water to improve our chances. He checked in with other charters to find where Marlin had been most active, referenced his own detailed fishing log to choose the most successful lure, and rigged our lines accordingly. He even considered the moon phase to anticipate when fish were most likely to strike and actively searched for birds, explaining how they often work with game fish to trap baitfish.
After about an hour of trolling, we hooked a marlin, but unfortunately, the hook didn’t set and came loose. Instead of moving on, the captain circled back and continued working the area. About an hour later, we hooked another marlin—and this time my son successfully brought it in. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us.
Even as our four hours were nearly up, the captain and deckhand kept trying to hook another fish. Their commitment, determination, and genuine desire to give us an unforgettable experience really stood out. This charter exceeded our expectations in every way, and I highly recommend Reel Escapes Hawaii to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated fishing experience in Kona.
Response from Captain
January 28, 2026
Aloha Louie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a lot.
Targeting marlin is never something we take lightly—especially when it’s a lifelong dream shared between a father and son. We’re thrilled to hear how much confidence you had in us from the start and that our preparation, attention to detail, and decision-making translated into such an unforgettable experience on the water.
Hooking not one, but two marlin—and seeing your son successfully land one—is exactly why we do what we do. Those once-in-a-lifetime moments are what Reel Escapes Hawaiʻi is all about. We always stay committed right through the end of the trip, doing everything possible to maximize your time and opportunities.
Thank you again for trusting us with such an important experience and for your incredibly kind recommendation. We’d love the opportunity to welcome you back on the water anytime you return to Kona.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
Mark Shurek
Manitoba, Canada
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
What an amazing trip!!!
8 Hour Fishing Escape on March 24, 2026 • 2 adults
We went on an 8 hour excursion with Capt. Brent and Deckhand Ian. It was truly amazing, they made the day so memorable for us! We caught a stripped marlin and it was truly a RUSH! Ian was the biggest help when reeling it in, he talked me through it and coached me like a champ! Both Brent and Ian kept the vibes high the whole time and the excursion flew by! They also kept us feeling safe and were thorough with the rules. I would highly recommend Reel Escapes with Capt Brent and Deckhand Ian! Cant wait to book again, next time we are back on the island! Mahalo!!!
Response from Captain
April 3, 2026
Aloha Mark,
Mahalo for the amazing review. Truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
That striped marlin was an incredible fish, and you did an awesome job in the chair. Ian is great at what he does, and it’s always fun watching him coach guests through those moments—it’s what makes it all come together. We’re glad you felt the good vibes and had a safe, memorable day out there with us.
Trips like that are exactly why we love what we do. It was a pleasure having you onboard, and we’d be stoked to get you back out again next time you’re on the island.
With aloha,
Captain Brent
FAQs about Reel Escapes Hawaii
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
33 ft
Year built
1987
Boat manufacturer
Innovator
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
2 x 210HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots