Things to do nearHonokōhau Marina
Honokōhau Marina in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii is a bustling small-boat harbor known for its world-class sport fishing, vibrant marine life, and easy access to open Pacific waters.
Honokōhau Marina has long served as the functional heart of sport fishing on the Kona Coast. The harbor was developed in the mid-twentieth century to give the growing fleet of blue-water anglers a dedicated home, and it sits adjacent to the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, whose ancient fishponds and coastal trails add a layer of cultural depth to any visit. The protected waters here have been used by Native Hawaiians for centuries, and the lava shoreline still carries the quiet weight of that history.
Today the marina is home to dozens of charter vessels specializing in big-game fishing for blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi. The waters off Kona drop sharply from the coast, putting deep-sea species within a short run of the harbor. Beyond fishing, operators offer snorkeling excursions, sunset cruises, and seasonal whale-watching trips during the winter humpback migration.
The dockside weigh station draws a crowd in the late afternoon when successful boats return and their catches are hoisted for the scale. It is one of the more honest and unscripted spectacles on the island. A small cluster of shops and outfitters near the harbor entrance supplies everything from ice and bait to rental gear and light provisions.
Honokōhau Marina rewards visitors who come curious rather than in a hurry. The combination of working waterfront energy, accessible marine wildlife, and proximity to one of Hawaii's most significant coastal preserves makes it a place that offers far more than a simple boat launch.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Honokōhau Marina
Visit during the early morning hours, typically before 7 a.m., to watch the sport fishing fleet head out and catch the most activity on the docks.
Try a half-day snorkeling or whale-watching boat tour departing from Honokōhau Marina for an affordable introduction to Kona's coastal waters.
Bring polarized sunglasses to spot the sea turtles and manta rays that regularly cruise the calm waters just inside the harbor entrance.
Walk the outer breakwater path in the late afternoon when the light is low and returning charter boats are weighed in at the dockside scales.
Pack sunscreen and a light layer since the harbor sits in an exposed lava field with little shade and brisk ocean breezes even on warm days.
Top tours & experiences near Honokōhau Marina
2-Tank Manta Ray Night Dive in Kailua-Kona
Explore Kona's reef at dusk on a two-tank night dive
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Boat Tour to Captain Cook Monument
Snorkel near the Captain Cook Monument and discover endemic fish
2-Tank Scuba Charter in Kailua Kona
Explore remote Kona reefs, lava tubes and volcanic dive terrain
Double-Reef Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona
Snorkel two reefs in a small group while watching for Hawaii's marine life
Afternoon Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour in Kona
Cruise Kona’s west coast by speedboat, then snorkel with gear included
Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel & Dive Tour in Kona
Explore Kona after dark with a lifeguard-certified crew
Private Fishing & Snorkel Boat Charter in Kailua-Kona
Pair ocean fishing with snorkeling on your own private boat
Private Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay and search for dolphins along the Kona Coast
Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona
Snorkel with manta rays at night with gear and hot cocoa included
Kona Aquatic Safari Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Kona’s reefs on a 4-hour marine life safari
Night Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona
Snorkel with manta rays at night off Kona with provided gear and snacks
Private Sportfishing Charter in Kailua-Kona
Fish the Kona Coast on a 53-foot Merritt with an air-conditioned salon
Fishing Charter in Kona on a 42' Custom Miller
Fish with Shimano tackle and cool off in an air-conditioned salon
Kona Blackwater Scuba Dive
Explore the open ocean after dark and look for deep-sea creatures near the surface
Kailua-Kona 41' Fishing Charter
Offshore fishing aboard a 41' Hatteras with premium tackle
Private 46' Snorkel & Fishing Boat Charter in Kona
Enjoy a private day on the water with upper-deck views and room to relax
Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona Aboard a 40' Boat
Fish from a tuna-tower-equipped 40' Egg Harbor
Beginner-Friendly Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona
Snorkel Kona’s reefs with first-time-friendly guidance and included gear
Sea Life Snorkel Boat Tour from Kailua-Kona
Snorkel the Kona Coast with captain-led wildlife spotting
38' Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona
Fish with a professional captain and crew aboard a 38-foot Hatteras
Manta Ray Night Snorkel In Kailua-Kona
Snorkel with manta rays at night from Honokohau Harbor
2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Kailua-Kona
Family-friendly Kona Coast whale watching (December–March)
2.5-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Kailua-Kona
Scan the waters off Kailua-Kona for whales with light snacks and drinks on board
Whale Watching Tour in Kailua-Kona
Search the Kona coast for whales from the waters of Hawai'i Island