Paddle a traditional wa’a from Kamakahonu Bay with a guide
1 hour
Up to 6 people
Learn the basics of paddling as you ride a traditional Hawaiian wa’a and explore Kailua Bay. Your guide/steersman shares local landmarks, area history, and the role of the wa’a in Hawaiian culture.
Plan to arrive at the beach shack about 15 minutes before tour time for check-in.
Full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before. With less than 48 hours notice, you may be charged the full amount. No-shows are charged the full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Arrive at the beach shack about 15 minutes before your tour time to check in.
Ride with up to 6 people.
Your guide/steersman gives you a beach-side orientation before you board the wa’a and launch from the protected beach at Kamakahonu Bay.
Beach shack
Guides like Evan, Bamm, Steve, and Uncle Timmy consistently earn praise for making kayaking and snorkeling adventures genuinely special. Their enthusiasm for Hawaiian history and culture shines through, with guests particularly appreciating the detailed explanations about Captain Cook's monument and the ongoing coral restoration efforts at Kealakekua Bay. The team strikes a nice balance between being informative without overwhelming you, and they're patient with first-timers who might need extra reassurance in the water. The equipment is solid and well-maintained, and the outrigger canoe experiences offer a different but equally rewarding way to explore the coastline. Multiple reviewers highlight how personal these trips feel compared to larger tour operators. Guests frequently mention spotting spinner dolphins and exploring healthy reef systems with impressively clear water. The lunch provided gets consistent thumbs up too. The overall vibe is friendly and accommodating, with guides adapting to individual needs and comfort levels throughout the journey.
Big love to Evan and the Kona Boys! They are the only way to experience Kealakekua Bay. A beautiful easy kayak trip across the bay in the morning is breathtaking. The kayaks are such a thoughtful way to visit this beautiful and protected space. Our tour guide Evan was absolutely amazing! He shared so much information about history, culture, and the environment it really made such a difference how we viewed our trip. Even our teenagers were engaged and talked about all they learned. Lunch from the coffee shack topped off the experience. Check in at their storefront was friendly and easy and parking at the bay was clear. Would definitely recommend and we would do again and again!
AR Kirk
June 20, 2026
Big love to Evan and the Kona Boys! They are the only way to experience Kealakekua Bay. A beautiful easy kayak trip across the bay in the morning is breathtaking. The kayaks are such a thoughtful way to visit this beautiful and protected space. Our tour guide Evan was absolutely amazing! He shared so much information about history, culture, and the environment it really made such a difference how we viewed our trip. Even our teenagers were engaged and talked about all they learned. Lunch from the coffee shack topped off the experience. Check in at their storefront was friendly and easy and parking at the bay was clear. Would definitely recommend and we would do again and again!
AR Kirk
June 20, 2026
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