Kona, Hawaii

[Ben]

I'm heading to Kona for the week of January 8th and am looking for some tips on where to go. As of now, I'll be buying a fishing pole and spending my time on the beach catching dinner. I will most likely have access to a shotgun so will be looking for small game and bird opportunities. Any recommendations on fishing spots or public land in the area? Does anyone have experience with a pay to enter land to hunt or a specific charter company that you can point me too?

 

[Ben]

I'll be staying with family and they just reported that they have a pig problem on their property. Lucky me!

 

[elkduds]

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is incredible, but no hunting there. Have a Mac Pie and some malasadas. Ono grinds, brah.

 

[Ohio Darin]

The grilled fish sandwich and sliders are a must at Bamboo restaurant in Hawi. Kihilo State Park Reserve has a cool beach off the beaten path. Road may be a challenge for a rental car... just take it slow. Sorry can't help on the hunting.

 

[gwl79902]

Make sure to take your hunter education information with you. They are particular are on what they take. I grew up hunting there but it has been 30 years ago. Bird hunting on public lands was great. There are a ton of goats just about every where there. Most of the "big game" is bow hunting only and only open on weekends.

Get a set of bird regulations and with just a little time you will see where to bird hunt.

Fishing the beach is hard. But broken back rapalas do ok. I never liked the near shore fish as I always found them to be mushy and had a strong fish flavor. I was spoiled because my Dad had a boat and we could go after ono and mahi anytime we wanted and back then it was more likly than not you would get fish.

If you like the near shore fish try shrimp near the bottom or better yet spear fishing anywhere you can get in the water. No licenses are required and I never knew of any regulations on anything but lobster. I know some great lobster spots but I keep those for myself when I go back to see my parents sorry.

 

[Beendare]

Make sure to take your hunter education information with you. They are particular are on what they take. ....

^good advice. Its usually best to apply by mail over a month in advance....The F&G office is a small operation.

 

[blacktailhunter]

If you are interested in catching an Ahi I would highly recommend Bobby Cherry on the Cherry Pit II out of Kona. My son and another friend went with him last June and had a great time. We got only got one fish that day but it weighed in at 119lbs.

 

[bojangles808]

makalawena beach is gorgeous and a great spot to spend the day

 

[Ben]

pig trap is set. Thanks all for the recommendations!