Kayak Kealakekua Bay & Kona

Our certified guides will accompany you on a paddle across the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay while we share the interesting and rich Hawaiian and natural history of the area. We’ll keep an eye out for Nai’a (Hawaiian spinner dolphins) which frequent the area and sometimes put on a show, and whales (in season).

Once across the Bay we land our kayaks along the protected shoreline of Ka’awaloa we snorkel what is considered one of the most pristine reefs in the world and take in the abundant marine life which includes over 200 species of reef fish and sometimes turtles, eels, reef sharks, and rays.

After working up an appetite we’ll treat you to a healthy lunch and refreshments and take some time to visit Captain Cooks monument and recount his experience in Hawaii.

The tour wraps up with a leisurely paddle back across the bay around 11:30 but the memory will last a lifetime. It is a magical morning and a great experience for ocean lovers of any age.

Price

$224 / adults
$199 / keiki

Tours go Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat. Available by reservation.

Reserve

Time

7:00am- 11:30am

Includes

Certified Guide, All kayaking and snorkel gear, lunch, water (you keep the reusable aluminum water bottle).

Details

Check in 7:00am : in order to make this a great experience for everyone, we ask that you please arrive on time as we want to make sure that we can maximize your time on and in the water and we don’t want other guests to have to wait.

Kona Boys
79-7539 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Kealakekua, HI 96750

At the shop we will set you up for a great day on the water. After a quick check in process which includes reviewing Conservations District Rules and providing an orientation for the adventure, we outfit you with snorkel gear and you’ll drive yourself down to Kealakekua Bay where your guide will be waiting on with all of the equipment, lunch and drinks.

Sleep in, have a relaxing morning and then join Kona Boys for an accompanied paddle and snorkel in Kealakekua Bay. We take care of the logistics and you enjoy three hours of paddling and snorkeling that are sure to be one of your best experiences on the Big Island.

We set you up with snorkel gear and give you a quick history lesson before you meet our certified guide for a spectacular paddle across the most protected deep water bay in the Hawaiian Islands. Bring along a reusable water bottle and we’ll take care of the rest of the equipment while you snorkel and explore the plunging underwater landscape of coral and colorful fish. Famous for it’s marine diversity and coral that grows at up to 100’ deep, the Marine Life Conservation District in Kealakekua Bay is one of the most spectacular underwater parks in Hawaii. We’ll restore some calories and hydrate before taking the peaceful paddle back across the Bay.

Overview

As the first shop to offer kayak rentals on the Big Island, we have the experience and expertise to ensure that you have a safe and positive Kona kayaking adventure.

We offer rentals from both of our locations, our shop in Kealakekua, conveniently located on the way to Kealakekua Bay and our Beach Shack located in Kailua-Kona. Rentals for kayaks from our Kealakekua Bay are available only with a reservation.

If you are looking for quality kayak equipment to rent while you’re visiting Kona and the Big Island, look no further than Kona Boys. We have been selected as the best kayak shop on the island by the readers of West Hawaii Today every year in a row since 2000.

Common Questions

Q: Can we take a rental kayak in Kealakekua Bay?
A: Yes, as long as you’re working with an authorized company (there are only 3) with Kealakekua Bay kayak permits. Read the regulations here.

Q: I’ve never been kayaking in the ocean before. Will I be able to handle it?
A: Kealakekua Bay is the most protected deep water bay in the Hawaiian islands. Swells (waves) rarely affect it, there’s very little current, and the wind is light and variable. Ultimately, you make the call. But, if you’re going to kayak anywhere outside of a lake, Kealakekua Bay is a great starting point.

Q: Can you put a kayak on a convertible?
A: Yes we can. We can put up to three kayaks on almost any car, including small foreign convertibles.

Q: I’m driving a rental car. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely. The soft rack system has been successfully used for many years. You’ll be amazed how easy and effective it is.

Q: Will we see dolphins?
A: There is a good chance that you will get to see one or more pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins who use Kealakekua Bay as their rest area. The dolphins are often in the bay, but they come and go as they please. If you do see dolphins, it is likely that they are getting much needed rest to hunt and live. So, please treat them respectfully by not encroaching on them closer than 150 feet.

Q: Can I swim with the dolphins?
A: No. The law states that you cannot encroach upon the dolphins within 150 feet or less. Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District (see the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources for more); therefore, fines of up to $10,000 may be imposed for the harassment of whales, dolphins and/or sea turtles. Please help us protect our bay and the life in it by respecting the marine mammals, admiring them from an appropriate distance.

Rental

All Kayak rentals include:

– kayak
– paddles
– backrests
– cooler
– life jackets
– dry bag
– and everything you need to transport the kayak on top of your car.

Rental Pricing:

Single Kayak – Daily $64, Weekly $199

Double Kayak – Daily $99, Weekly $299

Kealakekua Bay Kayak Reservation

 

*Rentals for kayaks from our Kealakekua Bay are available only with a reservation.