Aloha Charters — Local services in Honolulu

EDIT & UPDATE to 5*'s

I want to update my review after hearing back from the company. Shortly after I shared my experience, the owner reached out to us personally. They were kind, understanding, and genuinely cared about how our anniversary trip turned out. What stood out most was that they didn’t just brush off our concerns—they listened, acknowledged the situation, and worked with us to find a fair resolution.

They offered us a partial refund, which we greatly appreciate, but even more importantly, they showed a true commitment to their guests’ satisfaction. That kind of integrity and follow-through is rare, and it completely changed how we feel about the experience.

While our day on the water didn’t go as we hoped, the professionalism of the crew and the company’s dedication afterward leaves us confident that Aloha Charters is a business that truly values its customers. We look forward to giving it another try under better conditions, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them knowing they stand behind their word.

Mahalo!

Aloha!

My wife and I want to start by thanking you and your team. The captain and mate were wonderful; professional, kind, and genuinely attentive to us throughout the trip. We know how much effort they put in trying to find fish, and we appreciated their understanding as we battled seasickness.

This was our first time experiencing this kind of adventure, and we were excited to make it the highlight of our anniversary. Unfortunately, despite taking precautions (we took Dramamine an hour before), the rough seas made us both sick within the first hour, and we struggled the rest of the day. We spoke with the captain and mate about returning to port but were told refunds weren’t typically offered, so we decided to continue and make the best of it.

In the end, we spent six hours on a beautiful boat but didn’t get a single bite, leaving us with more exhaustion than excitement. We understand that sometimes fishing just doesn’t pan out—it’s part of the sport—but combined with how ill we were, it was a tough way to spend such a special occasion.

If I could share one thought, it’s this: had we been offered the chance to return early and apply a portion of the trip toward a future outing, it would have turned a very difficult day into something hopeful and memorable. We made the most of it, but I think you can understand how spending $1,600 on a dream trip that ends in seasickness and no fish leaves us with very mixed feelings.

We deeply appreciate the effort of your crew, and I share this feedback with the hope it helps create the best possible experience for future...

Went on a 5 hour charter 1 March. We were originally booked on a different boat but last minute change put us on the Mazel Tov. The boat was captained by Mike and deck crew was Jerry.

Trip started promptly on time at 0600 and we received a boat safely briefing from Captain Mike before departure. Soon after departure, Jerry started to rig all the rods and gave us a fishing safety briefing and the dos and don'ts.

We are not tourists, but locals that live in Kaneohe. We have done a ton of charters, almost exclusively from the boat on Hickam AFB, but that boat no longer charters from there. We have caught and landed a 500 lb blue marlin , as well as several striped marlin feom 75 lbs to 100 pounders. The one fish that has always eluded us was the shortbill marlin or shortbill spearfish, or known locally as Hebi. Several hooked, never landed. But not today. We finally got our trifecta of marlin.

Not much later after receiving our brief from Jerry, as the sun was rising over the horizon, we hooked our Hebi and it was game on. Our first up did exactly as Jerry instructed, he jumped into the chair and Jerry got him the rod and buckled him in. From there it was about 8 minutes of easy pumping and reeling while Jerry got the other lines out of the way. Jerry expertly gaffed the fish and brought it on board without any issues.

That was our one and only fish that day. I had hoped we could have hooked up with a bunch of ahi, shibby, or mahimahi, but we have already caught a bunch of those. Our Ebi was the one that always got away.

Fish came in at just 26 pounds, but the crew processed the catch and we shared it as custom with the crew. By contrast, the boat on Hickam let you keep all that you catch or as much as you want. Maybe those days are over.

However, we made more enjoyable memories today on the Mozel Tov with Mike and Jerry.

Later that night, after a few beers and conversation, I pan fried a couple of the hebi filets and had an incredible dinner of...

My wife and I went out with Aloha Charters for a 6-hour private trip on October 6, 2024

The charter began at 0630 hours so, as requested, we arrived 30 minutes prior. Captain Clint and First Mate Max were ready for us. After a safety briefing and going over the rules of the boat, we were underway.

With the assistance of the crew were lucky enough to land a 92-pound marlin. Max was very helpful reminding my wife and I of the basics and not forgetting to breath, which was difficult during all the excitement. This was not my first open ocean trip or my first marlin, but it was a first for my wife, who enjoyed her first trip out in the ocean. The catch and the possibilities of others added to the great day.

The trip was truly enjoyable. While we were out, we were able to see dolphins and on the way in we saw a very impressive yacht and a submarine headed out from Pearl Harbor. The crew was great, very professional, very receptive to all our questions, made us feel comfortable and “at home” the entire trip. We talked, laughed and made the best of the beautiful day. It was easy to see that both the captain and first mate love their job.

Captain Clint and Max nice enough to butcher the marlin for us at the dock and we were able to take several pounds back to the rental for dinner/transporting back home. There’s no better fish than one you catch yourself (even if my wife and Max had to help, because I ran out of gas…) and this was no exception. Max sliced off a small piece and I swear it was the best piece of fish I’ve had in my life. Max, thanks for the poke recipe. You weren’t kidding. It was perfect! I can not thank you both enough for our excellent experience that day.

I highly recommend Aloha Charters and can’t wait to go out and fish with them again in the...