Dawn Runs and Big-Game Bites: Private Deep‑Sea Fishing Out of Nawiliwili

LIHUE FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Dawn Runs and Big-Game Bites: Private Deep‑Sea Fishing Out of Nawiliwili

A private, six‑passenger deep‑sea fishing charter aboard the 38' Bertram Emma Nalani from Nawiliwili Harbor — this guide explains what to expect, what’s provided, and how to prepare.

Dawn Runs and Big-Game Bites: Private Deep‑Sea Fishing Out of Nawiliwili.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Lihue
Operator
Go Fish Kauai
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From the slip at Nawiliwili small‑boat harbor, Go Fish Kauai runs private morning charters aboard the 38' Bertram Emma Nalani that push offshore to Kauai’s productive deep‑sea grounds. The outing is built for anglers of all levels: a 5:30 a.m. check‑in precedes a 6:00 a.m. departure, fishing tackle, gear and license are provided, and the crew runs a morning briefing to ready you for big‑game species common to these waters.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FISHERY

Target species — true Pacific big game

Kauai’s offshore grounds give anglers access to Pacific Blue Marlin, Ahi (yellowfin tuna), Mahi Mahi (dorado), Ono (wahoo) and Aku (skipjack tuna), the primary species sought on these daily deep‑sea charters.

THE VESSEL

Emma Nalani — a sportfishing rig built for Hawaiian water

The Emma Nalani is a 38' Bertram sport fishing yacht with a large indoor cabin, an indoor flushing bathroom, a spacious back deck and a shaded flybridge with seating for six — plus a professional big‑game fighting chair for the hard pulls.

THE EXPERIENCE

Private, small‑group charters with everything ready

Charters are private (6 guests max); all fishing tackle, gear and license are provided. Guests are asked to bring their own food and drink, with large coolers and ice available on board, and the crew leads a morning briefing to get everyone set for the day.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You’ll meet at the harbor before first light for a short briefing, then head out at 6:00 a.m. aboard the Emma Nalani toward Kauai’s offshore fishing grounds. The morning briefing, provided tackle and professional gear put anglers—novice and seasoned alike—on equal footing as the crew works to locate and present bites on the island’s big‑game species.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private charter suits — and who may want to consider alternatives.

1
Serious AnglersIdeal for anglers pursuing Pacific big‑game on a sportfishing platform: the Emma Nalani and its professional fighting chair are set up for serious hooks and long fights.
2
First‑Time AnglersA good choice for beginners: the operator welcomes those with no previous experience and supplies tackle, gear and license plus a morning briefing to get you started.
3
Small Groups & Private PartiesDesigned as a private charter with a maximum of six guests, it’s well suited to tight friend groups or small family parties that want the vessel to themselves.
4
Early‑Risers & Active FamiliesTrips require an early check‑in (5:30 a.m.) for a 6:00 a.m. departure, so families or travelers comfortable with early starts will get the most out of the day.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring your food and drink for the day; large coolers and ice are provided on board.

What’s Provided

Fishing tackle, gear and license are included; the vessel provides a large indoor cabin, an indoor flushing bathroom, deck space and a shaded flybridge.

Pre‑departure briefing

A daily morning briefing is conducted to cover the day’s plan and prepare anglers before casting off.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What time do we check in and depart?

Check‑in is at 5:30 a.m. and departure is at 6:00 a.m.

Where do the charters depart from?

Daily deep‑sea fishing charters depart from Nawiliwili small‑boat harbor.

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes — fishing tackle, gear and license are included with the charter.

What should I bring onboard?

Bring your own food and drink for the day; large coolers and ice are on board to store provisions and catch.

How many people can be on a charter?

Charters are limited to a maximum of six guests.

Do I need prior fishing experience?

No prior experience is required — the operator welcomes seasoned anglers and those with no previous fishing experience.

Are gratuities, taxes or harbor fees included in the price?

Gratuity is not included in the price; pricing does not include Hawaii state tax and harbor fees.