Luxury Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise: Experience Clear Waters, Dramatic Cliffs & Hawaiian Ecology

Embark on a luxury snorkel cruise along the stunning Kona Coast. Dive into clear waters, marvel at dramatic cliffs, and explore the unique Hawaiian ecology. Perfect for experienced snorkel enthusiasts!

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Keauhou Harbor - Embark on a memorable journey with Hula Kai, departing from Keauhou Bay, the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. As you cruise along the Kona Coast, immerse yourself in a Hawaiian cultural expedition enriched with captivating historical narratives. Our lifeguard-certified crew will assist you with snorkel gear to explore the blue ocean and discover coral, tropical fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, and whales.

Explore two snorkel locations (weather permitting), enjoy a plant-based breakfast and lunch, and take advantage of standup paddleboards and snorkel gear. Our commitment to environmental protection through sustainable practices and mindful dining sets us apart. Our curated menu features plant-based meals, locally sourced when possible, reflecting our dedication to minimizing environmental impact and promoting guest health. Enjoy a cash bar with beer, wine, mai tais, and champagne as we cruise back to port.

  • Pali Kaholo - Located approximately 10-miles South of Kealakekua Bay, our Luxury Kona Coast Snorkel Tour often visits the remote and serene Pali Kaholo region, consisting of Rob’s Reef and Turtle Rock (weather depending).

Rob’s Reef – A definite favorite with its amazing underwater sea arches and sea caves in the Pali (cliff). Amidst the colorful array of fish and marine life located here, snorkelers may find a unique school of Pyramid Butterflyfish – which are usually only seen in deeper waters.

Turtle Rock – As the name suggests, this area is frequented by Green Sea Turtles. The vibrant coral and black sand together in this area create a beautiful contrast. There are also several rock islands and ridges extending below and above the water. Nearby is Lepeamoa, a large rock formation resembling a rooster’s comb.

  • Puu Ohau - WEATHER DEPENDING - This large red volcanic cone is named for the type of cinder which it produced. Pu’u - meaning hill and hau, a special stone that was soft, porous, and once used for polishing canoes. Located north of Kealakekua Bay, it is situated between Nenue Point to the North and Keawakaheka Bay to the South, marking the boundary between North and South Kona. The top of Pu’u Ohau (Red Hill) is Kapu, or forbidden, as it is the ancient burial site of High Chiefess Kamaeokalani, grandmother of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Today, the Red Hill area has become known for its excellent snorkeling amongst the many reefs and abundant marine life it sustains.
  • Kealakekua Bay - WEATHER DEPENDING - Kealakekua Bay is one of the best Kona snorkel sites on Hawaii Island. With its natural wind protection, remote location and designations as an underwater state park, marine sanctuary, and site of the Captain Cook Monument, Kealakekua Bay is earning a reputation as the best snorkeling destination in Hawaii.
  • The Captain Cook Monument - Kealakekua Bay is home of the Captain Cook Monument. The British established the Captain Cook monument in memory of the site where Cook met his demise. View the monument from the vessel and from snorkeling in the bay.
What's Included
  • Plant-based tropical breakfast and lunch
  • Fresh water showers & use of two restrooms
  • Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
  • Limited flotation devices
  • Use of snorkeling equipment & stand up paddleboards
  • Two unique snorkel destinations - weather conditions determine location(s)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to departure point
Additional Information

Embark on a unique adventure aboard the comfortable Hula Kai on the Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise. What sets us apart is our commitment to environmental preservation through sustainable business practices (e.g. boats fueled with biodiesel, composting of waste, no single-use plastics) & mindful dining. Our carefully curated plant-based menu, much of which is locally sourced from the island, reflecting our commitment to minimizing negative impact on climate change while focusing on the health of our guests and planet.

As you explore the historically rich Kona Coast, you’ll delve into captivating stories at significant sites, including the Captain Cook Monument & the Royal Holua Slide. The tour offers two unique snorkel destinations, showcasing the breathtaking marine life of Pali Kaholo, Red Hill, or the iconic Kealakekua Bay.

Hula Kai invites you to a unique blend of history, culture, and sustainable exploration along the mesmerizing Kona Coast-a journey unlike any other.

  • All guests must be able to swim on their own and have previous snorkeling experience
  • Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted
  • Guests must be 7 years and older to participate in this activity
  • Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
Location
78-7130 Kaleiopapa St
Kaleiopapa Street
Check in at the Fair Wind office located on Keauhou Bay. **Boarding begins 15 minutes after the listed tour check-in time.** -Cruise ship Passengers, CALL FAIR WIND for travel instructions UPON BOOKING - No refunds or reschedule option if you miss the tour due to late arrival.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(266 Ratings)
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Q7682cgtonic
Sep 15, 2024
Exceptional! - This was a highlight of our 11 day trip to Big Island. My main purpose booking this trip was to easily get to Captain Cook. Bonus was that the Hula Kai boat is a little smaller than their bigger “family friendly” boat the Fair Wind II. Less people and adults only. For me… that’s perfect. It was great that we got to go to TWO snorkel spots too. We also visited Rob’s Reef, which is only accessible by boat. Sea cave, drop off, deep blue. Gorgeous. My husband even saw the rare Pyramid fish. The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable of all the surrounding areas. I really liked the history story telling throughout the day. We learned a lot about ancient Hawaii. It was so enlightening. And I especially appreciated the Hawaiian chant prior to snorkeling to show respect to the Hawaiian ancestors. Amazing. The boat itself was clean, organized, comfortable. And the food was soooooo good. I am not vegan or vegetarian, but if I knew how to prepare food like this, I might just convert. I even emailed Fair Wind too get recipes!!! The breakfast frittata was so yummy, the overnight oats with fruit, banana bread, the lunch sliders, potato salad, everything was just delicious!!!! If I could give 20 stars, I would. Exceptional trip and a day we will never forget!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Superdave0826
Aug 31, 2024
Great snorkel trip! - Had a great time on our snorkel cruise, really good food, hosts were very helpful and knowledgeable, and snorkel spots were wonderful. Highly recomended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellen
Aug 30, 2024
Fabulous - Love the crew and the plant-based food is great. I love that they’re doing so much for the environment while helping us learn about the coral and the fish and the sea. We have used this service many times and always have a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V6183zjdavidh
Aug 22, 2024
Stellar Snorkel Experience in Style - I went for the 2nd time this year when I came back to Kona since I liked it so much the 1st time. Very High Quality Snorkel Tour and Personnel. Healthy Vegetarian Lunch excellent
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth95616
Aug 22, 2024
Excellent way to spend a day! - We did a snorkel trip in the Hula Kai. Super fun day. Crew friendly helpful and knowledgeable. We’ve been in this trip before and never disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristinh304
Aug 17, 2024
Great experience, do this one! - Great full service snorkeling trip! Traveled in comfort. Two wonderful snorkeling spots, saw lots of fish and enjoyed lots of time in the water. The plant based breakfast and lunch were amazing, and the cookies were fantastic. Can't say enough good things about this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_s
Jul 29, 2024
Wonderful outing! - Great crew and experience! Loved the first snorkel site and food and coffee were great. Beautiful day as well!
Review provided by Viator
Tonybe_london
Jul 11, 2024
Great snorkelling tour - This snorkeling tour is a bit more expensive than others but worth it, with great healthy breakfast and lunch. The crew are super-nice and helpful, and patient with snorkelling newbies like us! The snorkelling location was amazing with lots of different sea life close up. Overall great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathrynba9670il
Jul 9, 2024
5 STAR trip!! - My boyfriend and I were impressed with the Hula Kai staff and services from the moment we stepped into the dock office, the waiting area and when we went onboard. The check in process was seamless. After checking in we were offered coffee and sunscreen - after a short wait we were given a safety briefing before boarding the super clean and organized boat. Staff / Captain was amazing. The breakfast and lunch were both superb! We had a great time snorkeling - we got to see short fin pilot whales as well as bottle nose dolphins. The captain and crew were super accommodating and on time with every bit of the trip! We would definitely recommend this tour and look forward to our next trip to Hawaii so we can go again! THANK YOU!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zaida_u
Jul 5, 2024
It was great! - It was a great experience, crew was excellent -attentive and very helpful. The sites we went to were beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 12 guests
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September 2024
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