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Playtime sportfishing
Charter operator

Playtime sportfishing

Kailua-Kona, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
Kailua-Kona offers world-class fishing with a bite for everyone, and Playtime Sportfishing is here to put you on the fish. Led by Captain Shawn, a lifelong Hawaiian and Alaskan angler who has been fishing since before he could walk, the charter brings decades of hands-on experience and deep local knowledge of these waters. Depending on the season, you may target Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Shortbill Spearfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and other pelagic species found offshore Kona. Trips are tailored to current conditions and fish movement, using a variety of techniques including trolling, light tackle fishing, jigging and more specialized methods when needed. Fly fishing may also be available upon request (bring your own gear). Families and anglers of all experience levels are welcome, with a focus on creating a fun, safe and memorable day on the water. Whether you're chasing your first catch or adding another trophy to your list, Captain Shawn's goal is to deliver a true Kona fishing experience.
Shawn B.
Shawn B.
First mate
Joe T.
Joe T.
Captain

Charter

Rating

4.8
128 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
73%
Caught fish

All reviews (128)

Showing 1 – 5 of 128 reviews
  • Jessica Joto
    Jessica Joto
    us
    Hawaii, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    Full Day Trip • 3 adults • 2 children

    We had an awesome time on our 8-hour charter today! The captain worked hard all day to put us on fish, and we ended up catching 4 bonito and a bunch of akule. Even when the bite slowed down, he kept moving and trying different spots to give us the best chance of success. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole trip enjoyable. The boat was comfortable, and we learned a lot along the way. We had a great day on the water and came home with fresh fish for dinner. We’d definitely book again and highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fun day fishing on the Big Island! 🎣🌊

    Reported catch:
    Skipjack Tuna
    Response from Charter operator

    We had a great time fishing with you guys! Thanks for coming out so early and giving us a chance to catch some akule ! Be sure to give us a call next time you’d like to go out. We’d like to get some redemption on those two ono that got away! 

  • Alec Cornejo
    Alec Cornejo
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    The dynamic duo of dreams!

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    Wow! Shawn and Joe are such a dynamic duo. My buddy and I decided to try out a fishing charter and were not disappointed! My buddy and I both caught an Ono a piece and it was exciting and FUN coming from a first time fisherman! Shawn the cool, calm and collected OG captain. Along with Joe, the talkative, informative and full of whimsy first mate! These two explained step by step what to do when a fish was “on” and made us comfortable providing us with space to learn! Shawn and Joe, we will be back go tackle some more fish!! If you are in doubt, book it! These two are awesome!!!

    Reported catch:
    Wahoo
    Response from Charter operator

    we had a blast fishing with you guys! I’m glad that we were able to work the plan and land two of the three ono! 

  • Brian Trujillo
    Brian Trujillo
    us
    Colorado, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    what a trip

    Full Day Trip • 2 adults

    If you’re thinking about booking a charter—just do it, and ask for Shawn. We had a little unexpected hiccup (no one’s fault, just the ocean doing ocean things), but honestly it turned into part of the adventure. And somehow… we still landed a Skipper Jack tuna like absolute legends. On top of that, we saw pilot whales AND black tip sharks just casually living their best lives out there. Basically felt like we were in a nature documentary, but with better snacks and a cooler captain. Shawn is the real deal—super laid back, knows his stuff, and genuinely wants you to have the experience you came for. He even butchered our fish for us like a pro, which was above and beyond. 10/10 would trust this man with my fishing destiny again. We’ll definitely be back—Mahalo, Shawn

    Reported catch:
    Skipjack Tuna
    Response from Charter operator

    we had a great time taking you guys out fishing! I’m glad we were able to get both of you matching Skip jacks!

  • Jim Ladd
    Jim Ladd
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Memorable 1/2 Day of fishing

    Half Day Trip - 9:30 AM • 4 adults

    We enjoyed our 1/2 day with Captain Sean and 1st Mate Tara. 4 of us went along and the weather was great. Cpt Sean and Tara were very helpful at showing us about the boat and setting up all the gear. They answered all our many questions about what to expect as we had little previous experience deep sea fishing. They however have many years experience which we enjoyed hearing about. Despite continued trolling we only got 2 bites but were able to real in a ? 30 lb tuna which was a memorable experience. Cpt Sean was adept at fileting our catch and we took home as much as we could use while on the island. Overall rating of 4 above due to not catching more fish which was not due to lack of trying!

    Reported catch:
    Skipjack Tuna
    Response from Charter operator

    thank you for fishing with us.! I’m glad we got to have two chances at some nice tuna with bagging one in the Boat on your four hour trip. feel free to give us a call next time you’re in town. 

  • Cristian Laguillo
    Cristian Laguillo
    us
    Arizona, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great boat, Fun Staff, had a blast!

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    My fiancé and I decided to go for a half day trip on short notice. The Captain Shawn and the first mate Joe, were very accommodating. On our way out, they were giving us information about the island, and the need of marine species, felt like a private tour. we tried different places to fish, saw dolphins, pilot whales, really awesome experience will come back again. Very professional, this charter is a great family owned charter.

    Response from Charter operator

    thank you for fishing with us! Next time you’re here to give us a call so we can go back out again!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Great Day on the Water
    Pamela E.
    Pamela E.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Largest tuna Ive ever caught.
    Jose V.
    Jose V.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Kona Fishing Trip - 3 Hour Banger
    Taylor H.
    Taylor H.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Amazing trip
    Jessica J.
    Jessica J.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Great experience!
    Amit F.
    Amit F.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Slow day !
    Thomas G.
    Thomas G.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Memorable 1/2 Day of fishing
    Jim L.
    Jim L.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Fish On!
    Darius B.
    Darius B.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    Super fun trip!
    Daniel W.
    Daniel W.
  • Playtime Sportfishing
    Playtime SportfishingKailua-Kona, HI
    The dynamic duo of dreams!
    Alec C.
    Alec C.

What's biting with Playtime Sportfishing in Kailua-Kona

The summer madness starts to wind down in September, and tournaments season draws to a close. This can still be a great time for Blue Marlin, though, and you won't be fighting for space to target them.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

Four anglers proudly displaying their catch of large Mahi Mahi after a successful fishing trip, with the Shamrock boat in the background.

Getting some nice fish on the kona coast

Oct 29, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
Mahi fishing is picking up the last few day . Good size and good numbers from several baots !
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A father and son proudly pose beside a display of several large fish, likely caught during a fishing trip, showcasing their successful catch at the harbor.

Post tsunami action !!

Jul 30, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
What a great half day today! The skipjack have been staying out front all the way to middle grounds here in Kona. The Fishing been awesome!
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Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi at the dock after a successful fishing trip.

Great action in front of kona !

Jul 28, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
We had such a great day out on the water! Good seas, and great fishing right out front. It doesn’t get much better than this! We even missed a nice blue that stayed on for a few minutes, but shook the hook off is Bill .
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Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of two large Wahoo on a table next to their boat after a fishing trip.

Great Ono action off the Kona coast!

Jul 10, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
The Ono have been steadily holding off the Kona coast. The fish are starting to get bigger now. Averaging 25 to 35 pounds with some 40 pounders being caught.
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Two young anglers proudly displaying their catch of Wahoo in front of a fishing boat at the dock.

Great half day charter with double Ono.

Jul 5, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
The Fishing is starting to pick up here in Kona for the Ono. School’s a fish have been staying consistent the last week to 10 days. With some tuna starting to show up on the outside.
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Two anglers proudly displaying a large Sailfish aboard a sportfishing boat, showcasing a successful deep-sea fishing trip.

Early morning bite with a great sailfish

Jul 4, 2025 • Kailua-Kona
It was a great start to a morning with a sailfish! Great people on the boat and had an awesome time. It’s very rare to catch a sailfish trolling lures here in Kona!
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