ABOUT US:  Mauna Loa Outfitters, though in its first year of outfitting, has years of experience guiding hunters whatever their choice of weapon may be. It has taken years of dreaming and negotiating to lease an area that holds a good population of game.  Through the years of searching for an area has made me understand the importance of proper game management. 

     We have passed up a number of available areas because of poor game management in the past along with bad genetics in the quality of trophy animals.  Our philosophy in starting this type of business is to first and foremost locate an area that has a good track record of good genes as well as a healthy population.  Finally, last but not least, an area that can sustain a good balanced game count.

     Unlike other places, our game is 100% free ranging animals; absolutely no fences to keep these animals in or out of their environment.  I would be the first to admit that NO animals should be in any fenced area that are hunted.  We do put out supplement feeds for the sole purpose of avoiding as much as possible the animals feeding on native Hawaiian plants in the area.

     We do not and will not set up blinds for any reason near these feeding boxes for the sake of making a harvest.  The game in our area can travel a vast and brutal terrain for miles if they wish.  That is the reason for our strict game harvest program to ensure trophy animals for years to come.  Being that Hawaii has no closed hunting season on private lands, it is too easy to over harvest any given area.

     We have done our fair share of scouting and have come up with a balanced number of trophy hunts we will do each year.  Depending on weather conditions, as well as neighboring harvests, each year will vary.

     LOCATION:  Mauna Loa Outfitters is located on the Big Island of Hawaii.  On the west side of the Big Island is the district of Kona.  Kona is known for its diversities such as being a great year-round place to visit.  Our weather and climate is second to none when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities 365 days a year.  People come back year after year for what they call a slice of paradise along with a sliver of everything else.

    There is definitely something for everyone here in Kona.  From a day of laying out in the sun to shopping for unique items.  We have the best of both worlds here from rural farmlands to world class hotels and golf courses. 

     Kona is world known for its Kona coffee.  This unique blend of coffee is known for its bountiful flavor and is sought out by millions.  We are also known to host the annual "Iron Man" triathlon held here every October as well as the International Billfish tournament that draws anglers from around the globe each year in search of the elusive grander (1,000 lbs plus pacific blue marlin).

     Kona is serviced by the Kona international airport with daily flights from the continental US as well as the far east.  It is a 10 minute drive from the airport to down town Kona and a 10 minute drive heading in the opposite direction to five star hotels and resorts. 

     We are more than willing to help plan your trip from start to finish.  We suggest places to stay, sights to see, and everything in between.  We also work closely with the travel industry to help you along the way as part of how we make longtime friends.  Our goal is to make your highlight of your trip to Kona a hunt with us and give your families other fulfillments we have to offer.

     We pride ourselves in giving our clients 100% effort in all aspects of your time with us.  We love what we do and want to share it with you!!

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YOUR OUTFITTERS:

     Colin Onaka leads this troop of outfitters who will guide you on your hunt.  Colin is the owner of Mauna Loa Outfitters.  Born and raised in Kona, his family background has and still is cattle ranching.  Colin's uncle now runs the ranch and took it over from his grandfather that was also a rancher and farmer all his life.  Colin was raised in the outdoors and thought to respect and manage what so little they have here living on an island.

     Colin tells his story as well as introduces his troop.  "I was very lucky to be able to hunt at a very young age.  I started hunting on the very slopes of Mauna Loa that I now guide hunts on.  I am a firm believer of proper game management for generations to enjoy.  It has been a dream of mine to someday lease lands that I could share with people from around the world the scenery and vast terrain we conduct our hunts on.

     I am married with two children.  My wife, Lori, is a 6^th grade school teacher, my daughter, Sherise, is on her way to college next fall, and my future hunting partner, Steven, is still a bit too young to hunt but loves being in the mountains.

     Along with hunting here in Hawaii, I look forward to my trips every fall to Alaska and Montana.  I have been very lucky to harvest some nice game in both states and enjoy what I harvest on my dinner table as well.

     Besides myself, I enlisted the services of William Duarte, Jr.  William has been on the mountain for years and years.  He has knowledge of the animals we hunt like no other.  His drive and determination to assist hunters is second to none.  He understands the limits of each client and helps them exceed their expectations.  William's passion for hunting has taken him from Alaska for Dall Sheep, to British Columbia for Rocky Mountain Sheep, and hunting with us is just a part of the picture of our true passion when it comes to hunting.

     Along with William, my fall hunting partner is my cousin, Keith Reed.  Keith lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and has also hunted in many parts of the country.  I look forward every year to spending time with him somewhere in the Alaskan bush as well as on our annual trips to eastern Montana for deer and antelope.  Keith spends quite a bit of time here in Kona with his family and enjoys spending time in the mountains.  Keith is our helping hand in Alaska with information on our hunts as well as hands on experience with many Alaskans that come to Kona every year."

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