Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast
Description
Spend your morning exploring the Big Island, then board the eco-friendly Fair Wind II for an afternoon of snorkeling highlights in Kealakekua Bay - relaxed, scenic, and perfectly timed. Snorkel the vibrant reefs of Kealakekua Bay, enjoy onboard waterslides and scenic views, and soak up the golden afternoon light - all after your morning hike, coffee tour, or market stroll. **Why guests love this tour:** - A highlights-focused experience—perfect for guests short on time but big on adventure - Great for families, first-time snorkelers, and travelers seeking value - Departs in the afternoon—freedom to explore in the morning - Enjoy eco-conscious cruising while exploring the historical beauty of Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
Tour Options
Itinerary
Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides: Your Welcome Center by the Bay Your adventure begins at the Fair Wind Office -check-in area, located right at Keauhou Bay. This is where you'll meet our crew, check in for your tour, and get ready to board—just steps from the water. Our friendly team is here to help you feel prepared and excited for your trip. While you’re here, take a moment to browse our retail shop, which offers a curated selection of reef-safe sunscreen, stylish apparel, and locally made gifts. Whether you're grabbing last-minute essentials or a keepsake to remember your day, it’s all part of the experience we’re proud to share with our guests.
Keauhou Bay: Your Afternoon Launch Point Keauhou Bay welcomes you with calm, clear waters and a rich sense of place. This scenic harbor is not only the start of your ocean adventure, but also a site of historical significance—it’s the birthplace of King Kamehameha III and home to a quiet coastal marker honoring his legacy. With swaying palms, gentle waves, and lava rock formations, it’s the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s Kona Coast before setting off.
Kuamoʻo Point: Where Land and Legacy Meet Kuamoʻo Point is a dramatic lava promontory that juts into the ocean just south of Keauhou. It marks the edge of a historically significant area tied to major cultural shifts in Hawaiʻi’s past. The rugged beauty of this coastline—waves meeting lava rock under open sky—sets the tone for the powerful history that surrounds it.
Lekeleke Burial Grounds: A Sacred Coastal Landmark Along the shoreline, you’ll see the expansive lava fields of Lekeleke Burial Grounds—hallowed ground that marks the site of the Battle of Kuamoʻo in 1819. Hundreds of warriors are buried here, and the landscape remains undisturbed as a powerful tribute to this pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. Viewed from the water, this sacred place offers a quiet glimpse into the stories held in the land.
Kealakekua Bay: A Marine Sanctuary Full of Life As the boat enters Kealakekua Bay, you’ll notice the stillness of the water and the vibrant life just below the surface. Protected as a marine conservation district, this bay is home to colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and sometimes even dolphins or honu (sea turtles). Towering cliffs and lush greenery create a striking backdrop as you explore one of Hawaiʻi’s most stunning snorkeling destinations.
Captain Cook Monument: A Historic Landmark in Kealakekua Bay On the northern edge of Kealakekua Bay stands the tall white obelisk known as the Captain Cook Monument. Erected by the British in 1874, it marks the location where Captain James Cook first came ashore in Hawaiʻi in 1779—and where he met his end just weeks later. From the water, the monument is a striking sight set against the lush cliffs of the bay. It serves as a reminder of the cultural crossroads that shaped this region’s history.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Must be comfortable in the ocean
- Full face snorkel masks are not permitted on our vessels
Reviews(693)
So much fun. The staff was great, very family friendly. We had 4 year old, 6 and 7 year old and they had a great time too. Would highly recommend.
One of the larger boats but with sufficiently staffed. The boat does rock so if prone to motion sickness consider medication before leaving. Crew was attentive and supportive of novice swimmers. This was the fourth time we’ve been snorkeling in Hawai’i. my family, including 11 and 9 year olds have voted this their all time favorite.
Captain Dante was friendly and funny. The entire crew was welcoming and helpful. Very safe snorkeling in a calm bay. Great for first time snorkeling. We saw coral, tangs, parrot fish, trigger fish, wrasse, and an octopus. Our family really enjoyed the experience.
A great way to spend the day with family members of all ages… the snorkeling was awesome as well as the fun slide and diving platforms! The staff was very kind and helpful!
The captain and staff were very friendly. They shared about historical landmarks along the tour, provided a fun, relaxing environment. The snorkeling was good but I wish there were more fish in the area when we went. The slides and diving platforms provided extra entertainment. They had great snacks and drinks available.
We’ve done the snorkeling tour with this company two years in a row now and will be back again for sure! Crew is friendly and professional, boat is awesome and scenery is amazing of course. The tour is the perfect amount of time.
Our family had a great time on this snorkel cruise. The food is delicious and the crew is very attentive and makes you feel safe. My wife never snorkeled before, but had no problems with the help of a floatation belt. The crew even gives a snorkel basics class if needed. The ship has two slides which my daughter (11) and I went down a few times. The marine life at Captain Cook Monument was ok as there are better snorkel spots on the Big Island. For beginner snorkelers or those with younger kids, this is a great cruise because of the staff/lifeguards (who are constantly watching), the ability to use inner tubes, kickboards, life jackets and snorkel belts and a decent snorkel spot that is very difficult to get there without a boat/cruise. Highly recommended!
My 16 year old son thought the snorkeling was amazing He also loved the slides from the top of the boat into the water! Loved that the crew took the time to explain and honor Hawaiian cultural and history. We saw dolphins as we entered rhe bay and saw all kinds of fish!
Soooo much fun! Saw dolphins, kids (6,8,18) had a blast sliding and jumping off the boat and there was PLENTY of gear to keep everyone safe and comfortable during the snorkeling. Crew provided yummy carrots, cucumbers and hummus with chips and had an open bar for tne last hour on the way back with in house mixtures we didn't taste anything close to while on the island, yummy! Amazing landscape and experience for the whole fam!
It was great for first time snorkelers, kids and adults alike. The guides were awesome and very friendly, informative, and helpful. Absolutely recommend!
