Questions guests actually ask

Charters are priced per boat for up to 6 guests: 4 hours is $795 in shoulder season and $895 in peak; 5 hours is $895 / $995; 6 hours is $995 / $1,095. Peak season is spring break, Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week through New Year’s Day. The rest of the year is shoulder season. Whale watching and the sunset cruise are each 2.5 hours at an introductory $695 per boat.

No. Every price is for the whole boat, for up to 6 guests. It’s a private charter — your group only.

Island Currents runs private charters. If you’re a couple or a solo traveler, call Scott — he can sometimes put a shared trip together once there are at least 4 guests.

Call Scott on 808-208-9292, email info@islandcurrents.com, or send a request through the contact page. Online booking is coming soon.

Every trip is customizable — that’s the whole idea behind “your ocean, your way.” Fish longer, cruise the coast, snorkel a second reef: tell Scott what your group wants.

If Scott cancels for wind or sea conditions, you get a full refund — or a new date instead, if you’d rather and the calendar allows.

Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a 100% refund. Between 7 days and 73 hours before, you get 50% back. Within 72 hours of departure, there’s no refund.

Wind and sea conditions. If the trip isn’t going to be enjoyable, Scott won’t run it.

At the Kawaihae South Harbor boat ramp on the Kohala Coast. There’s parking at the harbor. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

No. Scott’s permit covers the entire west side of the Big Island, from the northern tip down to South Point, and we can fish, snorkel or cruise anywhere in between. Kohala is less crowded, but we can fish south and snorkel Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook) too. Reach out before you book and we’ll make a game plan to give your group the best experience possible. We never leave the dock without a plan.

4-hour trips leave at 7:00am; 5 and 6-hour trips leave at 6:30am. Whale watching runs twice a day, at 7am and 10am, and the sunset cruise leaves in time for sunset, which shifts through the year. Early mornings bring the calmest water, the best clarity for snorkeling, and more active wildlife.

Wind comes down off Kohala Mountain and through the channel, and it picks up once the trade winds fill in. Mornings are flat calm, so we go before the wind does.

Yes, there’s a head (bathroom) on board.

Only a T-top, so shade is limited. Bring a hat — it’s a must.

Towels, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen (lotion, not spray), polarized sunglasses, and a fishing license if you’re visiting from out of state. We supply everything else.

It turns the deck into a skating rink and ruins the fishing gear. Please use reef-safe lotion.

Snacks, water and soft drinks are included, plus fresh pineapple or mango after snorkeling when it’s available. If you have special dietary needs, please bring your own food.

You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol — we don’t provide it. No pets, please.

Yes. Scott fillets your catch and you take as much as you want. He keeps a fillet and saves some for slow days. Unlike many boats, Island Currents doesn’t keep your ahi to sell.

It happens to every boat — Hawaiʻi is a big-fish fishery, not a numbers fishery. Scott works every tactic he has, and on slow days he shares from the cooler so you don’t leave empty-handed.

On a good run in peak ono season, about 7 trips in 10 land fish. In slower months it’s closer to 1 in 4. Spring and summer are prime time.

Visitors from out of state need Hawaiʻi’s Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License, bought online from DLNR as a day, multi-day or annual license. Scott sends the link after you book.

Yes. Anyone can do it, and Scott shows you everything. If something big hooks up, you’ll get help bringing it in.

Not practically — shipping costs too much and no one on-island processes fish for travel any more. Plan to enjoy it while you’re here.

Every blue marlin is released.

To snorkel, yes. To fish or ride along, no.

Yes. Scott will lend you gear before your trip so you can practice at a beach first. On the boat there are flotation vests made for snorkeling, and you can sit on the swim platform until you’re ready. Scott captains solo and stays aboard, so a family member usually buddies with nervous swimmers.

Honu are usually at our snorkel reef, you may see dolphins, and humpbacks visit from December 14 to April 1. But it’s the open ocean — nothing is guaranteed.

No. Federal rules prohibit swimming with or approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards. We watch them from the boat.

Guests need to be at least 5 years old.

Start your preferred motion-sickness remedy the night before, skip alcohol that night, and take your medicine 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Dramamine works; Bonine is a once-a-day alternative. Our twin-hull catamaran is also a steadier ride than most boats its size.

Guests with limited mobility are welcome and can sit out of the way when a big fish comes aboard. We can’t accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or oxygen tanks — in an emergency, and when a fish is on, everyone has to be able to move.

For safety, we can’t take guests weighing 300 lb or more, anyone with a known heart condition, recent back or knee surgery, or late-stage pregnancy. Conditions can turn rough quickly and we won’t risk an injury.

Yes. Capt. Scott is a USCG-licensed Master captain (near coastal), fully insured, and CPR and first aid certified.

Yes, for every guest. Scott gives a safety briefing before departure and shows you where all the safety gear is.