Sail the Kona Coast and snorkel Kealakekua Bay's vibrant reef
3 hours
Snorkel gear, drinks, snacks
Explore Kealakekua Bay aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui catamaran. Snorkel for about an hour with guidance and equipment provided by the crew.
The Hoku Nui sets sail from Keauhou Bay at 2 pm. Keep a watchful eye out for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Humpback Whales (seasonal Dec-April), and other marine life while you sail down the beautiful Kona Coast.
As you enter Historic Kealakekua Bay, you will observe the World Famous Captain Cook Monument (sail time approx. 45 min.) Your snorkeling will then begin in the pristine waters and the vibrant reef of the Marine Sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. "Hawaii the Big Island Revealed" guide book says, "snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay near the monument is perhaps the best you will find anywhere in the state."
Make sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the colorful schools of fish, pods of spinner dolphins that are also commonly spotted in the bay, and the landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. As your snorkel adventure comes to an end, we will set sail back to Keauhou Bay arriving by 5 pm (approx.), with majestic memories of your Sea Paradise trip that will last a lifetime.
Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled check-in for most bookings. Pleasant Holidays bookings and private charters or groups of 10+ require 72 hours' notice. No refund for late cancellations. With COVID-19 symptoms, a physician's note for each cancelling traveler allows a full refund within 24 hours of tour start.
Meet directly at Keauhou Bay at the end of Kaleiopapa Street. Do not check in at any buildings. The crew will meet you at the end of the pier about 15 minutes before departure.
Sign the e-waiver for each guest before check-in.
Dress comfortably and plan for a shoe-less boat. Wear sandals or shoes that are easy to remove.
Keauhou Bay, at the end of Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
The crew here is genuinely the heart of this operation. Captains like Troy and Roe, along with crew members like Cher, Kapra, Deon, and others, consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and fun to be around. Multiple reviewers highlighted how crew members are trained lifeguards who stay in the water with guests, point out marine life, and make snorkeling accessible even for nervous first-timers. The cultural touches, like a traditional prayer and tea leaf offering at Kealakekua Bay, give the experience real depth beyond a typical tourist excursion. The morning snorkel tour is the standout offering, with guests regularly spotting turtles, dolphins, reef fish, and dramatic lava landscapes. Food, drinks, and equipment are all well covered, and the option to rent a GoPro is a popular add-on worth considering. The manta ray night snorkel is a different story. On a good night it can be unforgettable, but the experience is entirely dependent on how many rays show up, and some guests have found the physical demands of holding on in the water for 45 minutes disappointing when only a single ray appears briefly. Worth knowing before you book. Overall, the vibe is warm, professional, and genuinely passionate about the ocean and Hawaiian culture. For most visitors, the morning tour alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Amazing experience!!! Was really amazing
Nadia Dumbar
July 7, 2026
Amazing experience!!! Was really amazing
Nadia Dumbar
July 7, 2026
Open-Ocean Night Snorkel for a Chance to See Manta Rays
Sail the Kona Coast with guided reef snorkeling and breakfast
Watch for manta rays on an evening catamaran cruise off the Kona Coast
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Near the Captain James Cook Monument
Float above an illuminated manta viewing site on a Kona night snorkel
Small-group reef snorkeling aboard a Zodiac speed boat