Hunt
Molokai.

My wife and I flew out from Homer, Alaska for a guided axis deer hunting trip on Molokai with Pono Style Adventures, and it turned into so much more than a hunt. Between hunts we ate the best mangoes I've ever had, fresh coconuts, citrus straight off the tree, and even got out for whale watching on Molokai's coast. These axis bucks are smart — the big mature ones don't come out of the bushes often, and when they do you get a small window and have to be ready to pull the trigger. On this private-land hunt I harvested a 31-inch axis buck with my 7mm Wildcat, then took two more mature bucks after that — all the meat came home with us. Already planning our next trip back with Pono — this time we're doing an overnight up in the mountains to be in position for first light. An incredible Hawaii hunting experience on an incredible island — highly recommend Pono Style Adventures for anyone serious about a Molokai axis deer hunt.

Pono is an excellent guide, a stellar host and an extremely knowledgeable and patient teacher. We stayed at his rustic farm in the heart of Molokai for 3 days. On the very first day we hiked up to a blind he made on the side of a mountain. Within hours of arriving I harvested my first Axis buck. We went on to harvest two more does the next day and brought back almost 100 lbs of meat and hides from the trip. Axis venison is known as some of the best quality red meat on earth and this was confirmed. Pono made it happen for us and it was worth every penny. Truly the experience of a lifetime.

If you're looking for a legit Hawaii hunting experience, I can't recommend Pono Style Adventures and Pono enough. My fiancée and I went out with Pono to hunt axis deer on the island, and from start to finish it was an absolute hell of a hunt. Pono knows that island like the back of his hand and knows exactly how to hunt it. The terrain, the deer, the weather, the wind, the stalks — he knows how it all comes together. We had some awesome opportunities at distance and got to do some serious long-range shooting. But what really stood out to us was that this wasn't just about pulling the trigger and going home with an animal. Pono takes pride in doing things the right way. He taught us proper shot placement, how to approach the animals, and how to properly take care of the animal once it's down. He took the time to teach us how to field dress and properly care for the meat instead of just doing it himself. You can tell he genuinely respects the animals, the land, and the hunting tradition. That kind of knowledge and experience is exactly what you want in a guide. Being a native Hawaiian and having grown up on the island, Pono brings a level of knowledge and perspective you just can't get from someone who simply came in and started guiding. He knows the country, he knows the animals, and he knows how to put you in the right place at the right time. The hunting was awesome, the scenery was unreal, and getting to experience it all with my fiancée made it that much more memorable. We didn't just get a guided hunt — we got to experience what hunting Hawaii is really about, learn from someone who knows the island inside and out, and make memories we'll have for a long time. I'd hunt with Pono again in a heartbeat, and my fiancée and I would both highly recommend Pono Style Adventures to anyone coming to Hawaii to chase axis deer. Pono is the real deal. If you want an authentic hunting experience with a guide who knows the island, knows the animals, and genuinely cares about doing things right, book a hunt with him. You won't be disappointed.

Weeks and months later, I am still processing the amazing adventures I experienced here. Pono is an excellent host and has plenty ideas for fun adventures. Not only did I enjoy every single experience but it completely blew my mind away. It did not feel like booking a tour, but more like spending time with a friend I have known for a while. You will find yourself having great conversations and never a dull moment. I was able to set crab traps the traditional way while paddling on a kayak. Witnessed spearfishing and the breathtaking elegance firsthand. Was taught how to clean a fish in the – arguably – most efficient way ;-) And even had an epic introduction to the pono style way of hunting. It has truly been a privilege to get to know Pono. He has a deep love and respect for this place and shows it in every of his actions. Thank you!! I will be back.