4.9 (584) · Big Island of Hawaii · By Sea Paradise Free cancellation
Kealakekua Bay Marine Life Conservation District — 60-80 ft visibility, protected since 1969
World Famous Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay
Red Hill Area lava arches — underwater volcanic terrain, weather permitting
Spinner dolphins, eagle rays and dense tropical reef fish
Continental breakfast and deli-style buffet lunch included
Marine naturalist crew briefing on every departure — spaciously designed for 49 guests
✓ Continental Breakfast✓ All snorkel gear (mask, fins, flotation noodle)✓ Marine Naturalist briefing✓ Reef-safe sunscreen✓ Deli-style buffet lunch✕ Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated✕ Alcoholic beverages are available onboard for additional charge with a credit card purchase only✕ Due to safety concerns we do not allow full face masks on our toursActivity Schedule
4 h 30
Embark on a 4.5-hour journey aboard the Hoku Nui, Sea Paradise’s luxurious 50-foot sailing catamaran. We will sail south from Keauhou Bay towards the renowned Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay.
Kealakekua Bay is a 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District, safeguarded since 1969. It boasts exceptional visibility, ranging from 60 to 80 feet, and is home to some of the most vibrant marine life found along the Kona Coast.
Sea Paradise has been navigating these waters to the monument since 1985, making us one of the pioneering operators at this site. Our crew, comprised of marine naturalists, will conduct a comprehensive reef briefing before each snorkeling session.
During your excursion, you might encounter playful spinner dolphins near the bay entrance, graceful spotted eagle rays, colorful Moorish idols, vibrant yellow tang, Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), and various moray eels throughout the reef.
When sea conditions are favorable, our tour extends to the Red Hill Area. This unique volcanic headland on the Kona Coast features fascinating underwater lava arches and lava tubes, accessible only by boat and situated at snorkeling depth.
Experience two spectacular snorkeling sites, offering an exceptional and memorable Kona tour. A continental breakfast will be served during the outbound sail, followed by a deli-style buffet lunch on the return journey. The tour departs from Keauhou Bay finger pier, located at the end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona.
The Captain Cook Monument Kealakekua Bay Marine Preserve
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Check in 8:15 AM. Departs 8:30 AM. Returns ~1:00 PM.
Keauhou Bay finger pier, end of 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Check in 8:15 AM. Departs 8:30 AM. Returns ~1:00 PM.
Please check in directly at 8:15 AM at Keauhou Bay, located at the end of Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua Kona, HI 96740. Kindly avoid checking in at any buildings.
Public restrooms are available on the east side of Kaleiopapa Street, near the end parking lot. Restrooms are also accessible onboard our vessel.
Please allow for extra travel time to account for potential traffic delays.
Our crew will meet you at the end of the pier approximately 15 minutes before departure. You will be boarding the Hoku Nui, a 50ft Sailing Catamaran identified by its blue sail bag.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels All snorkelers must know how to swim Non-swimmers may not enter the water Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on day tours (Morning and Afternoon Snorkel). The Hoku Nui motor-sails when there is no wind Swimming and water safety: For the safety of all guests, the captain and crew reserve the right to remove a guest from the water if they determine the guest’s swimming ability or current conditions pose a safety risk. All guests must follow Captain and crew instructions while participating in water activities. Please advise staff of any dietary restrictions 24 hours prior to the tour. Kona Morning Snorkel to Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay
Check in directly at the pier, not at any buildings. Allow extra time for potential traffic delays. Inform the staff of any dietary restrictions at least 24 hours in advance. Non-swimmers cannot enter the water. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Follow all captain and crew instructions for safety. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 72709P4
Activity offered by Sea Paradise via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Snorkelers Nature enthusiasts Families Couples Explore Kealakekua Bay, a protected Marine Life Conservation District Visit the famous Captain Cook Monument Snorkel in waters with 60-80 ft visibility Potential to see spinner dolphins, eagle rays, and sea turtles Discover underwater lava arches at Red Hill (weather permitting) Enjoy a continental breakfast and buffet lunch onboard
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 20° Mar 21° Apr 21° May 22° Jun 22° Jul 23° Aug 23° Sept 22° Oct 22° Nov 21° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts for 4 hours and 30 minutes.
What marine life can I expect to see? + You may see spinner dolphins, spotted eagle rays, Moorish idols, yellow tang, humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), and moray eels.
Is lunch included? + Yes, a deli-style buffet lunch is included, along with a continental breakfast.
What should I bring? + Snorkel gear is provided. Reef-safe sunscreen is also included. Please bring your desire for adventure!
Can I purchase alcoholic beverages on board? + Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase with a credit card.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great time with Sea Paradise
Escape732260, October 2026
We had a great time, guides were friendly & enthusiastic. Very safety conscious which was reassuring.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Worth it
Tourist515950, October 2026
Great time. Nice clean boat and superb crew.
★★★★★ Viator review
Very fun! Beautiful...
Ashli_H, October 2026
Very fun! Beautiful experience sailing and snorkeling. Got to see many spinner dolphins and enjoyed the ship accommodations
Response from the operator · SeaParadiseInc Aloha,
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so happy to hear you had a great time with us! That's amazing you got to see the Hawaiian spinner dolphins! It's always a treat when they show up. We hope to see you again on your next Hawaiian adventure!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
get experience for the money really had a fun time
C2823XRronaldd, October 2026
trip was pleasant staff was very professional and friendly
Response from the operator · SeaParadiseInc Aloha,
Thank you so much for joining us on the Hoku Nui! Mahalo for noticing our hardworking and professional crew! Please join us again for another tour!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent experience
marypV993YC, September 2026
Best crew ever! Very knowledgeable, personable, and helpful. One of the best snorkeling trips I’ve ever had. If there hadn’t been threat of a hurricane, I would have booked a manta ray trip as well 😁
Response from the operator · SeaParadiseInc We agree ,the crew at Sea Paradise is one of the best on island and they love what they do.We are thrilled you had such an amazing tour. Hope to see you when you return to Kona for another tour.
Aloha
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