Frequently Asked Questions

We are based out of Ma‘alaea Harbor, centrally located between Lahaina and Kihei on the island of Maui.

Hinatea III is in Slip #8, top of the harbor, right hand side. There is limited, paid parking available behind the boat. You will need to pay for parking by scanning the QR codes posted on the harbor parking signs. Simply scan the QR code and enter your license plate number. Parking is $2.00 per hour. There is more paid parking in the large lot behind the aquarium and shops.

You can book a trip by calling us at (808) 667-7548, or using our Contact Form on this website. Advance reservations are required. Note that we often sell out weeks in advance during busier times like Christmas, Spring Break, and summer vacation.

Our regular departure time is 5:30am, with check-in 15 minutes prior. We do not operate afternoon charters.

Maui’s most productive fishing is usually found an hour or two offshore. For that reason, we no longer operate 4-hour trips. Our charters are either 6 or 8 hours long, and always in the morning.

Hinatea is licensed for up to 6 guests per charter, in addition to the captain and crew. Shared charters require at least 4 guests before a trip is fully confirmed.

Hawa’i State Recreational Fishing Licenses are now required. All visitors who plan on saltwater fishing while in Hawaii are asked to register online through the Hawaii state DLNR website. The charter companies do not collect license fees, nor do they confirm compliance. Children 14 and under, active military and their families, and state residents are exempt. Fees range from $20 per person for a day license, up to $70 for an annual license.  While you can register at any time, we recommend that you DO NOT pay for your fishing license until you are within 24 hours of fishing. The State will not issue refunds should trips be cancelled for any reason.

Complete registration instructions and FAQ can be found here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/licenses-and-permits/nonresident-recreational-marine-fishing-license/

We recommend bringing:

• Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat

• Light jacket (mornings can be cool)

• Snacks and beverages (alcohol is allowed in moderation)

• Camera or phone for pictures

We recommend NOT bringing:

• Anything in glass containers

• Oil-based or spray-on sunscreens

• bananas! These are considered bad luck on fishing boats.

Guests are expected to bring their own food and drinks. The boat provides a large cooler filled with ice for storing your items.

Your crew will clean and cut a portion of the day’s catch for you to enjoy while you’re here – enough for 2 or 3 nights, depending on how much is caught, and how many people you’re hoping to feed! Guests are not given the entire catch.

We practice catch and release for certain species like blue marlin, depending on size and condition, to support conservation efforts.

While our captain & crew have decades of experience fishing Maui waters, unfortunately fish are not caught every day. There are no refunds or discounts if you come back empty-handed.

Rest assured, the crew REALLY want to put you on the fish! They’ll be scanning the water for clues such as current lines, seabirds feeding at the surface, or flotsam which may be harboring small baitfish. 

If conditions are unsafe, we will attempt to reschedule your charter. If that’s not possible, you’ll be issued a full refund. Light rain does not cancel a trip, as fishing can still be excellent!

Generally speaking, a sport fishing charter really isn’t appropriate for younger children. The gear is too heavy and the fish surprisingly strong. Hinatea Sportfishing has a minimum age of 12 on shared charters, and a minimum age of 8 on private charters. 

Yes, Hinatea is equipped with a clean, private restroom (head).

Yes! We offer both private and shared sportfishing charters. Guest booking a private charter may have up to 6 guests. On a shared charter, guests are charged a per person rate, and will be sharing the boat with others who are unknown to you. Hinatea will need to have at least 4 guests booked before we will fully confirm a shared charter. Until that time a charter is considered tentative.

No experience is needed! Our crew will be setting the lines. Once a fish strikes a line, the crew will get the first guest prepared – either with a special belt to support the rod, or in the fighting chair. He will then talk you through bringing in the fish!