Kayak & Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay

Experience one of the best snorkeling spots in the entire state with the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable guides of Kona Boys, and fully absorb the beautiful nature along the coast from the unique vantage point of a kayak that you navigate yourself through the calm clear water of Kealakekua Bay. Encountering spinner dolphins (that actually jump and spin in the air) and whales (during season) is also a common occurrence!

In addition to providing safety and paddling instruction, the guides will entertain and educate you about the culture and history of the area. You’ll also come to shore for some refreshments at Captain Cook’s Monument where you’ll learn about and see where the famous British explorer met his fateful end.

Unlike renting kayaks or using your own, this tour has one of only three permits that allows launching in the protected Bay (so you’re never out in the open ocean) and to land at the Monument (so you’re not holding your kayak the entire time while snorkeling or restricted to only being out on the water with the bigger boat tours).  You'll enjoy a small group, typically 6 people or less with 1 guide, or a max of 12 with 2 guides.  All kayak and snorkeling gear is included, as well as a reusable water bottle for you to keep.

COVID-19 UPDATE: This tour is operating and is in compliance with all national, state, and local safety regulations. In the near term, you'll likely end up with a private tour at no extra cost!

If within 24 hours, availability is not shown in the calendar, but spots may still be available, as long as it's before 5 pm the day before. Please contact us if you cannot do another day.

• Has coveted permit to run kayak tours in the highly regulated Bay and to land at Captain Cook’s Monument (some tours, or if you rent kayaks, require you to hold kayak while snorkeling)
• Operates 5 hour tour daily for the full experience, with lunch included

Hawaii Big Island Revealed Guidebook:

Our favorite kayaking on the island is across Kealakekua Bay

The Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay is a favorite destination. Snorkeling near the monument is perhaps the best you will find anywhere in the state. If you've never snorkeled before, this is the place to start. Experienced snorkelers will be dazzled.

Lonely Planet Guidebook:

Among Hawaii’s premier snorkeling spots. The calm waters make for a great paddle, even for novices.

Fodor's Guidebook:

Kona Boys: Fodor’s Choice

Moon Guidebook:

An organized kayak trip to Kealakekua Bay not only gets you to the best snorkel location on the island but gives you a tour of this undeveloped and inaccessible coast. The preferred company, because of its quality of tours and equipment, is Kona Boys.

• Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay by kayak is more ecofriendly than by boat which uses fossil fuels and produces pollution and noise
• Has signed on to the West Hawai’i Voluntary Standards for Marine Tourism to improve environmental performance
• Actively involved in the community, including sponsoring local surfers, surf competitions, and other events

• After 48 hours prior to activity time, cancellations, changes, or no-shows will result in 50% payment

• 4.712% Hawaii sales tax (GET)

• 30 pounds

• 475 pounds for 2 (if exceed this amount, please note at checkout and you will be placed on different kayaks)