A Snorkeling + Cruise experience by Sea Paradise. Back to all Big Island tours.
Tour Summary: Sail a 50-foot catamaran to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island accessible only by boat or a two-mile kayak from Nāpōʻopoʻo. Spinner dolphins are a regular presence on the sail south, and humpback whales are sighted December through April.
Large photoGetting into the water from the Hoku Nui is easy. Either by jumping of the front (shown here), or by using the staircase that drops into the water on the other side of the vessel. Image credit: Sea Paradise
Tour Highlights:
- 45-minute sail along the Kona coastline on the Hoku Nui, a 50-foot sailing catamaran departing from Keauhou Bay
- Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, a State Marine Life Conservation District accessible only by boat or a two-mile kayak from Nāpōʻopoʻo
- Spinner dolphins are a regular presence in the bay; humpback whales are commonly sighted on the sail south from December through April
- Crew stays in the water with guests throughout the snorkel, provides site briefings, and identifies marine life
- GoPro camera rentals available on board, including a 16GB SD card to take home
Tour Information:
| Price: | Adult | Youth | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| (excluding taxes & fees) | $125 | $75 | $45 |
Tour Provider: Sea Paradise
Activity: Snorkeling + Cruise
Tour start time: 1:45 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Departure from: Keauhou Harbor
Pick-up available? No
Included: Snorkel gear: mask, fins, and snorkel. Flotation noodles and life jackets. Fresh water rinse station after snorkeling. Water, soft drinks, and local juices. Light snacks (pupus). Adult premium beverages (credit card only) are available after the water portion. BYOB not permitted.
Cancellations: Cancellations require 24 hour advance notice on regular bookings and 72 hour advance notice on private charters. You must call (800) 322-5662 or 808-322-2500 to cancel your tour. No refunds will be issued if you do not call to cancel in the required time prior to your scheduled check-in time.
Read more: about snorkeling in our Big Island snorkeling guide.
Sea Paradise runs the Hoku Nui, a 50-foot sailing catamaran, from Keauhou Bay each afternoon on a 3 hours round trip to the Captain Cook Monument. The sail south covers about four miles of Kona coastline and takes roughly 45 minutes. Between December and April, humpback whales are commonly spotted on this stretch. Spinner dolphins use the bay year-round. On calm afternoons, which are frequent on the leeward side, the crew motors rather than sails. Either way, the destination is the same.
Aerial view of the Hoku Nui at one of the snorkeling spots. Image credit: Sea Paradise.
Kealakekua Bay has been a State Marine Life Conservation District since 1969. The reef reflects that: dense coral, consistent fish populations, and clear water. The captain selects the snorkel sites within the bay. Before anyone enters the water, the crew gives a site briefing and adjusts masks and fins individually. On a recent trip, a crew member called out and identified a white-spotted eagle ray as it crossed under the group. The crew stays in the water with guests throughout.
The boat holds a maximum of 44 guests. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted on board. The Hoku Nui is a shoe-less boat: wear sandals or shoes that are easy to slip off. The tour is not accessible for guests with mobility limitations.
Tour departure information
Crew meets guests at the end of the pier at Keauhou Bay approximately 15 minutes before departure. The Hoku Nui departs at 2:00 pm and returns by approximately 5:00 pm. Allow extra drive time: Kailua-Kona traffic can be slow on the way to Keauhou. Public restrooms are at the east end of the Kaleiopapa Street parking lot and onboard. Bring swimwear, a cover-up, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel.
What is included with the tour?
Inclusions cover everything you need: mask, fins, snorkel, flotation noodle, life jacket, and fish identification cards. Water, soft drinks, and local juices are served throughout. Light snacks, or pupus, are available on the return leg. A fresh water rinse station is on deck after snorkeling. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase with a credit card after the water portion. BYOB is not permitted.
Sea Paradise has been running manta ray and snorkel tours out of Keauhou Bay since 1985. They are a member of the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi and contribute time and funding to the Surfrider Foundation and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund, two organizations active in reef and ocean conservation on the island.
Booking through this page costs you nothing extra and is made directly with Sea Paradise. We earn a commission from the operator, not from you, and it is what pays for the research that keeps lovebigisland.com free and free of paid placement. We only list operators we would send a friend to. Details on our affiliate links are here.