Paddle Hilo Bay and Wailuku River with expert guides, exploring myths, waterfalls, and wildlife
Kayak and safety gear, Guide
Journey by kayak through Hilo Bay and up the Wailuku River as your guide shares Hawaiian history, myths, and legends. Enjoy waterfalls, lush scenery, and chances to spot honu along an advanced 4-mile route.
Ages 12 and up; minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This tour is for advanced kayakers only.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before start. Cancellations must be made by phone or email; voicemail is not accepted. Late cancellations and no-shows are non-refundable. If the operator cancels, including for weather, you receive a full refund.
1717 Kamehameha Ave. Hilo, HI 96720
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Hilo Ocean Adventures shines when it comes to their instructors and guides, who consistently earn glowing praise from visitors. Shayna, a PADI-certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer, gets mentioned repeatedly for making both beginners and experienced divers feel confident and comfortable. Other guides like Morgan, Alex, and Aulki also stand out for their knowledge, patience, and genuine enthusiasm. The staff accommodates solo travelers and small groups without hesitation, often personalizing tours when group sizes are minimal. The marine life around Hilo delivers too—multiple turtles spotted within minutes, beautiful reefs, and memorable underwater encounters. The operation offers variety beyond diving, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling trips around Hilo Bay and beyond. Equipment rentals receive positive marks overall, though there's mention of some aging gear like fin straps. One review noted a particularly rough day where safety concerns and operational issues converged, though this appears to be an isolated incident during challenging surf conditions. The front desk staff, including Natalia, earns appreciation for being welcoming and helpful with scheduling. Most visitors leave calling their experience a highlight of their Big Island trip.
Did the beach snorkel small group tour. Ended up just being my group of 3. Our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. Once in the water we had a blast. Didn’t hurt the weather was just perfect. After the guide gave us a ride back to our ship and stopped by a local store he recommended since we’d brought up finding good spam musubi.
Julie Drivere
October 6, 2025
Did the beach snorkel small group tour. Ended up just being my group of 3. Our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. Once in the water we had a blast. Didn’t hurt the weather was just perfect. After the guide gave us a ride back to our ship and stopped by a local store he recommended since we’d brought up finding good spam musubi.
Julie Drivere
October 6, 2025