PLAYTIME Sportfishing
Kailua-Kona has a fish with your name on it, so let Playtime you catch it! Your guide for the day is Captain Shawn, allowing you to benefit from years of professional experience.
Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Shortbill Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and anything else that bites. You’ll target your catch by light tackle fishing, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Shawn also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.
Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don’t have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there’s one on board. Snacks are never a bad idea!
Your day begins aboard a 26’ Shamrock sportfishing vessel that holds up to 4 passengers. It comes with outriggers, downriggers, a fighting chair, and all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. There’s a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are included, as well as lures. Live bait is included, but you should ask the captain whether you’ll be catching it yourself.
You’ll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish. Mates often work for tips and it’s customary to offer them a 10–20% tip.
It’s recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (non-spray). Bottled water will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
And that’s it! Your fishing trip with Playtime is just a click away.
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (86)
+83Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
69%
Jul 24, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Unforgettable Day on the Water with PLAYTIME Sportfishing!
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking a trip, do it. Playtime Sportfishing made it a day we’ll never forget.
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We...
Captain replied
Apr 17, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Great fishing experience in Hawaii
I took my 3 sons on a fishing excursion with Shawn and Joe, and we had a great time. These dudes not only know where the fish are, but they helped explain the process step by step, so we were learning as we fished. They also shared some history of the Hawaiian Islands throughout the day, so my youngest son had an opportunity to learn something, while he was playing hooky from school. Awesome trip, and I definitely recommend this charter. Thanks again Shawn and Joe!
I took my 3 sons on a fishing excursion with Shawn and Joe, and we had a great time. These dudes not only know where the fish...
Captain replied
Oct 2, 2024
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Super Fun Experience
Our experience with Captain Shawn and Jason was amazing! We did the half day, AM. 4hours started at 6am. They were super excited to be there and explained safety and expectations thoroughly. Remember we’re fishing, not catching. We did catch a nice 175lb blue marlin though! Shawn was great at explaining where we were going and how certain currents of water, schools of fish and even how birds could help us catch some fish! Jason switched out lures a few times as well to see if they liked some different colours (turns out purple in October did us the trick!) They were so great at working out our braided line when reeling in the marlin and great with the encouragement. At the end of our charter they took us back to the harbour and told us to wait for the PERFECT photo op and took care of everything (cleaning and filleting) when it came to taking home about 3-4 dinners worth of the marlin. For our first time deep sea fishing, they were the best. We highly recommend anyone who wants to try out deep sea fishing to go to Makana Lani.
Our experience with Captain Shawn and Jason was amazing! We did the half day, AM. 4hours started at 6am. They were super excited...
Captain replied
Jul 5, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species
Half Day Trip
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full...
Captain replied
Jun 25, 2025
Full Day Trip
Not your average charter
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (86)
+83Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
69%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable Day on the Water with PLAYTIME Sportfishing!
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on July 24, 2025
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking a trip, do it. Playtime Sportfishing made it a day we’ll never forget.
This trip was hands down the best. The ocean was so calm and such a deep, unreal blue, it already felt like a perfect day. We caught skipjack early on, then hooked into a 250+ lb marlin that gave us an absolute show before it got away. Total adrenaline rush! Captains Shawn and Joe were incredible. Super knowledgeable, easygoing, and just all-around great to spend the day with. You can tell they love what they do, and it made the whole experience even better. If you’re even thinking about booking...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great fishing experience in Hawaii
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on April 17, 2025
I took my 3 sons on a fishing excursion with Shawn and Joe, and we had a great time. These dudes not only know where the fish are, but they helped explain the process step by step, so we were learning as we fished. They also shared some history of the Hawaiian Islands throughout the day, so my youngest son had an opportunity to learn something, while he was playing hooky from school. Awesome trip, and I definitely recommend this charter. Thanks again Shawn and Joe!
I took my 3 sons on a fishing excursion with Shawn and Joe, and we had a great time. These dudes not only know where the fish are, but they helped explain the process step by step, so we were learning as we fished. They also shared some history of the Hawaiian Islands throughout the day, so my youngest son had an opportunity to learn something, while he was playing hooky from school. Awesome trip, and I definitely recommend this charter. Thanks again Shawn and Joe!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Super Fun Experience
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on October 2, 2024
Our experience with Captain Shawn and Jason was amazing! We did the half day, AM. 4hours started at 6am. They were super excited to be there and explained safety and expectations thoroughly. Remember we’re fishing, not catching. We did catch a nice 175lb blue marlin though! Shawn was great at explaining where we were going and how certain currents of water, schools of fish and even how birds could help us catch some fish! Jason switched out lures a few times as well to see if they liked some different colours (turns out purple in October did us the trick!) They were so great at working out our braided line when reeling in the marlin and great with the encouragement. At the end of our charter they took us back to the harbour and told us to wait for the PERFECT photo op and took care of everything (cleaning and filleting) when it came to taking home about 3-4 dinners worth of the marlin. For our first time deep sea fishing, they were the best. We highly recommend anyone who wants to try out deep sea fishing to go to Makana Lani.
Our experience with Captain Shawn and Jason was amazing! We did the half day, AM. 4hours started at 6am. They were super excited to be there and explained safety and expectations thoroughly. Remember we’re fishing, not catching. We did catch a nice 175lb blue marlin though! Shawn was great at explaining where we were going and how certain currents of water, schools of fish and even how birds could help us catch some fish! Jason switched out lures a few times as well to see if they liked some...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip
Half Day Trip (AM) multi- species on July 5, 2025
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
We chose the half day option which was the perfect amount of time for our vacation schedule. When we come back will do a full day. Boat and equipment were in excellent condition. Shawn and Joe were great to work with and know what they are doing. My son said this was the best part of the trip to the Big Island. Thanks for a memorable experience and look forward to booking again in the future.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Not your average charter
Full Day Trip on June 25, 2025
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
1st trip to Hawaii, 1st time taking 3 family members on the ocean fearing they may get seasick. Joe and Shawn made sure our trip was not only comfortable and fun, but rewarding with some rockfish and a nice Skipjack. They were friendly and knowledgeable which made us feel at home and as people, not just clients. They worked 110% to put us on fish, in a time where no other boats were landing fish. Highly recommend and will definitely look them up the next time we are on the big island.
FAQs about PLAYTIME Sportfishing
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
