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
(263 Ratings)
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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
Terry_b
Jun 27, 2024
Loved the entire experience! - We loved the entire experience. The crew went above and beyond to accommodate us. Great snorkeling spots. The smaller boat was wonderful.
Review provided by Viator
Jbrig111
Jun 17, 2024
Best Kona Coast/Captain Cook Snorkel Tour! - We opted for the Kona Coast morning snorkel tour on the slightly smaller boat without the sliding boards because we wanted a more quiet, intimate experience without tons of kids. This tour was awesome, and exactly what we'd hope it would be. Not crowded, and still hit the great snorkeling spots. The crew was very knowledgeable and we felt safe at all times. I was slightly nervous about the vegetarian menu, but I must say, it was all delicious and we were plenty full when we were done. I'll be looking up their recipes and recreating some of these dishes at home!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kona_girl4
Jun 4, 2024
The BEST SNORKELING! - The trip was amazing! The Captain and Crew were attentive and so friendly, Shay and Caedon especially! The snorkeling was beautiful and the ride was so peaceful and lovely!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J1257rvcarlc
May 28, 2024
Hula Kai snorkel cruise. - The Hula Kai is a great trip. We have done the Fairwinds tours many times and this was our first snorkel cruise on the Hula Kai. The crew was awesome, the ride comfortable, and the snorkeling was great. This is the perfect size boat for a snorkel trip. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Konalj
May 19, 2024
Great Company - My favorite snorkeling trip. I have been doing this trip for years. Very safe, comfortable ride. The crew is exceptional. Very informative, friendly, knowledgeable, kind. Breakfast was great. I am not vegan, all food served was vegan. Lunch was not so good. Abundance of food. Like mine I saw alot of it being thrown in the trash by other passengers. It would have been nice to have had a choice. I would do the snorkeling again, but not the lunch trip. Aloha
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9396ropeters
May 16, 2024
Brilliant trip - The whole trip was brilliant with a friendly and happy crew. Great breakfast and lunch. Clean facilities and the snorkel experience was brilliant. We were fortunate too with the weather. Lovely warm sunshine on flat sea conditions. Peter & Kay
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3893wcmelissah
May 10, 2024
Best time on the Big Island! - We have been snorkeling with Fairwind every time we come to Hawaii and it never disappoints! By far the best tour on the Big Island! Don’t miss it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
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September 2024
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