5 Kayak Tours on the Big Island, Compared

1.3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 384 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Start around 7 a.m. at Keauhou Bay with guides such as Ryan or Miles. Paddle stable kayaks along Kona’s coast, search for spinner dolphins, visit sea caves and lava features, then snorkel over coral and colorful fish. Small groups of four to eight keep the pace personal, though choppy water makes this a real workout.

“My grandson and I had a fun time going kayaking and snorkeling together. The water was clear all the way to the bottom and there was lots of fish to see.”

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2.Guided Outrigger Canoe Tour in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $155

Join Ehu and Kai Adventures at 8 a.m. for a small-group outrigger canoe trip across Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Uncle Pete, Jamal, and Johnny share family ties and local history while you snorkel near the Captain Cook monument, watch for dolphins and turtles, and enjoy drinks and malasadas.

“So incredible and filled with Aloha, knowledge as well as true feel of ohana. The guide was amazing and a must is to visit his poke and acai shop as well.”

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3.Morning Magic Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $257

Start at 7:00 a.m. with Kona Boys for a five-hour kayak and snorkel trip across protected Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Grant, Tyler, and Nate share local history and wildlife knowledge while you paddle toward the Captain Cook Monument. Snorkel gear, lunch from The Coffee Shack, and bottled water are included.

“Worth it, 100% get up early and do this tour. We had a fantastic guide, Grant. 10/10 would just hang out with him again but besides getting along with our guide this tour felt really special and we were beyond so informed about the area and the history and the wildlife. Very respectful and respectable guide. We lucked into being a very small group so we made good time getting across and got so much time to snorkel, could've stayed in there all day looking at coral and fishes and out on the kayak chatting about anything and everything. It was a dream, thank you Grant and Kona Boys.”

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4.Midday Meander – Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $187

Meet Kona Boys in Kealakekua at 11:30 a.m. for a marine-life briefing and gear fitting, then drive yourself to Napoopoo Pier. Guide Evan, Michael, Grant, or Bamm leads a gentle kayak crossing to Captain Cook Monument, with snorkeling along the Kaʻawaloa coast, reef fish, local history, snacks, and a return paddle.

“Our guides Evan and Michael were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. We had a wonderful time kayaking to an amazing snorkeling spot.”

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5.Hilo: Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Guided Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 1 hour · from $125

Paddle the calm Wailoa River toward Hilo Bay in a group of no more than eight. Your English-speaking guide points out fish, birds, Japanese-style bridges, tsunami history, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Kayak, paddle, life jacket, water, local juices, and snacks are included. The route and water conditions can vary, so call ahead before you go.

“Very nice guide that explained the history and other interesting things on the kayaking. The level is very easy. We had the luck of being only us and the guide. The water was very shallow and we couldn’t go very far.”

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