Ocean kayaking is excellent on the normally calm Kona coast
Kayaking / Canoeing
Overview & Activity Comparison
Overview
Explore the gentle waters off the Kona Coast in a more intimate way while burning off some of last night’s luau feast. From the vantage point of being right on the water, get up close to marine life such as dolphins and whales and experience the water as Hawaiians have for centuries. No crowds, no noise or exhaust from engines, just the stillness of the calm bay and the fresh tropical air.
Guidebook Reviews
Big Island Revealed Guidebook:
Our favorite kayaking on the island is across Kealakekua Bay
Fodor's Guidebook:
The west coast areas of the Big Island have ideal, near-shore kayaking conditions. Kailua Bay is a nice place to launch — the water here is especially calm and the surroundings are historic and scenic.
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 for the Kealakekua kayak tour, because of its quality of tours and equipment, is Kona Boys
Activity Comparison
We offer guided trips with easy paddling in 2 calm bays on the Kona Coast. Located in the heart of Kona, Kailua Bay has more to look at on land, including multiple historic landmarks, whereas Kealakekua Bay is a more remote nature preserve renowned for its snorkeling and marine life. For a unique paddle, try the outrigger canoe, which holds a special place in Hawaiian history and culture. The key differences between the 3 tours are outlined in the table below. Additional details and booking options can be found by visiting the individual pages.
 Kayak/Snorkel/SUP Kona |  Kayak & Snorkel Kealakekua |  Hawaiian Canoe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure Location | Kailua Bay in central Kona (35 min from Waikoloa) | Kealakekua Bay (20 min from Kona, 50 min from Waikoloa) | Kailua Bay in central Kona (35 min from Waikoloa) |
| Duration | 5 hours | 5 hours or 3 hours | 1 hour |
| Max # of People on Vessel / Tour | 2 / 12 | 2 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Other Activities | Snorkeling Stand up paddleboarding | Snorkeling | None |
| Physical Exertion Level / Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Easiest |
| Price | Age 19+: $159 Age 18 & under: $139 | Age 19+:$119 (3 hours) or $169 (5 hours) Age 18 & under: $99 (3 hours) or $149 (5 hours) | All Ages: $49 Private Charter (6 people max): $174 total |
| More Details | More Details | More Details |