Can You Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Without a Tour? Yes, Here’s How!
There are two ways you can snorkel Kealakekua Bay without a tour:
- Paddling
- Hiking
Both require exertion prior to arriving at the snorkel spot in the bay, which makes it feel like you’ve earned that snorkel.
There are pros and cons to both options, I’ll tell you why!
How to Snorkel Kealakekua Bay by Paddling
First Step: Rent Something to Paddle
Kealakekua Bay is about 1.5 miles wide, too wide for swimming across. In order to access snorkeling via water, you will need to rent a paddling vessel: either a kayak or paddleboard.
Rental companies will have you depart on the southern end of the bay, opposite from where you will be snorkeling, of course!
If you bring your own paddle vessel or rent from a company not permitted for Kealakekua Bay, you’ll have to get a permit for yourself.
Rent your kayak or paddleboard from these reputable companies:
- Ehu & Kai (this is who I used and was happy with) – located on the bay, 5hr rental
- Kona Boys – transport the rental yourself with a rack on your car (included), all day rental
- Kona Kayaks – located on the bay but semi-awkward meetup arrangement, all-day rental
Most, if not all, paddle rental companies offer snorkeling equipment to rent alongside your kayak or paddleboard. So no need to rent them elsewhere.
Paddling Experience
Depending on the water conditions and your own stamina, it can take around 30 minutes to paddle across.
The water in Kealakekua Bay is the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen! It is frickin’ gorgeous!
Plus, seeing dolphins playing in the distance just made it even more magical.
However, there’s another reason paddling the bay is on my list of memorable moments: I got seasick like I’ve never gotten seasick before. I reached a point where I was honestly contemplating death haha!
But the weather had turned on us suddenly, making the waters extremely choppy, and I am already super-duper sensitive to seasickness.
If you also easily get motion sick, make sure you take all the precautions you can.
Snorkeling After Paddling
⚠️ It’s illegal to bring your boat ashore by the Captain Cook Monument.
Once you’ve paddled across Kealakekua Bay, you have two options for snorkeling:
- Tie yourself to your vessel while you snorkel
- Take turns with your paddle buddy to stay with the vessels while the other snorkels
Tie Yourself to Your Vessel
To keep your vessel from floating away from you while you snorkel, you’ll need to tether it to yourself somehow.
If you are paddle boarding you’ll already have an ankle strap to keep you tethered to your board. But if you’re renting a kayak, double-check before heading out that it comes with a rope or some kind of line to attach it to you.
Take Turns Snorkeling
If tying yourself to your vessel isn’t feasible or desirable, you can take turns snorkeling while your paddle buddy stays with the vessels.
This also might be a better option if the bay is crowded with other snorkelers from boat tours and you’re worried about others accidently knocking into your vessel.
Another reason to have someone stay with the kayak/paddle board is if you want to get on land to see the Captain Cook Monument up close or take a break from the ocean. Because, remember, you cannot land your vessels over here.
Pros & Cons to Paddling Kealakekua Bay
✅ Pros:
- Only about a 30 minute paddle to snorkeling spot
- In the water the whole time to stay cool
- Snorkel equipment available with your paddle rental
❌ Cons:
- Not good if you’re prone to seasickness (like me!)
- Have to have paddle vessel attached to you while you snorkel
- Can’t land on shore
- If you don’t rent a paddle vessel from a permitted company you’ll have to get a permit for yourself
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How to Snorkel Kealakekua Bay by Hiking
Captain Cook Monument Trail
To access Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling by hiking, you’ll have to take the Captain Cook Monument trail. Unfortunately it’s a hike down, so you’re ending your day hiking back up.
The steep hike is about 1.8 miles each way over 1,400ft elevation, and is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty, not for the faint of heart.
The hike typically takes about 45-60 minutes to descend and about 1-1.5 hours to climb back up, depending on your pace and how often you take breaks.
It’s ideal for those who are in good physical condition and comfortable with hiking on uneven terrain. For those who are less experienced or have mobility issues, it might be better to opt for a paddle rental or boat tour instead.
The Hike Down
The trail terrain is a mix of rocky, uneven surfaces with some loose gravel and dirt, so you’ll want to wear sturdy, close-toed shoes to prevent injury.
There is also little shade on the trail, so be sure to pack lots of water and sun protection. I cannot stress enough not to underestimate how hot and humid the trail gets!
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: To avoid the peak heat, start your hike early in the morning or time your return for late afternoon, just before sunset.
The first half of the trail is relatively shaded and winds through tropical foliage and fields of tall grass. Don’t be surprised if you see some goats along the way.
The second half of the trail gets steeper and more exposed as you’re walking over rocky lava terrain. The view opens up, offering a stunning panoramic view of the water as you’re descending, which is nice.
However, between the lack of shade and the heat radiating off of the sun-warmed lava rocks make this section the hardest part of trail, especially at the end of the day on the climb back up.
When you are nearing the water, you’ll get some shaded respite before arriving at the Captain Cook Monument and snorkel spot.
Snorkeling from the Captain Cook Monument
From the Captain Cook Monument you can enter Kealakekua Bay via the cement platform.
It’s easy enough to hop in from here and enjoy snorkeling in the water, being careful not to cut yourself or break a toe on the rocks.
It might be a little trickier getting out. A good way is to utilize the waves to assist you halfway up the ledge before climbing out. Or you can be careful climbing over the rocky shoreline.
Pros & Cons to Hiking Kealakekua Bay
✅ Pros:
- It’s free
- You can be on land and not risk seasickness
- Full freedom to explore the shore
❌ Cons:
- Extremely challenging hike
- Takes 2+hrs of hiking (longer day)
- Have to rent/buy your own snorkel gear
Don’t Forget Your Snorkel Gear!
There is no snorkel gear at the monument or on the bay. You’ll need to bring snorkel gear with you on the hike.
Here are some options for you.
You can rent snorkel gear from different places around the island like:
- Snorkel Bob’s
- Boss Frog’s
- Kona Boys
- Kahalu’u Surf & Sea
Another option is to purchase your own snorkel set from stores like Walmart, Target, or Costco. This might be more economical, especially if you plan to snorkel often on your trip.
Lastly, you can try the Big Island Pass It On Facebook Group where you might find someone leaving the island and giving away their beach gear for the next visitor. It’s also a great option for offloading any gear you’ve bought but don’t want to bring back home.
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I’ve Changed My Mind, Which Snorkeling Tour Should I Take to Kealakekua Bay?
After all that, does hiking or paddling sound like more work than it’s worth? That’s okay! No judgment here!
Here are my top 3 picks for snorkeling tours to Kealakekua Bay instead, so you can have a seat and let someone else get you there!
PLEASE NOTE that Kealakekua Bay tours depart out of Kona.
Fair Winds
⭐Rating: 5/5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 4.5 hrs
As you sail from Keauhou Bay towards Kealakekua Bay on Fair Wind’s power catamaran, you’ll be served a delicious breakfast that includes locally grown fruit, vegan banana bread, muesli with coconut milk, and, of course, 100% Kona coffee.
Once you arrive at the bay, jump into the clear, warm waters and snorkel among the colorful fish or have some fun on the boat’s water slide and high dive. You’ll have 2.5 hours of time in the water, so no need to rush.
After snorkeling you can clean up in their onboard freshwater showers and enjoy a plant-based lunch of sliders, homemade salads, island-made chips, and sweet treats like ginger snap cookies.
Throughout the trip you’ll hear stories of old Hawai’i, about King Kamehameha III, and learn about historical spots like Kuamo’o Battlefield and the Captain Cook Monument.
The Fair Wind Kealakekua Snorkel Tour includes:
- Two 15ft water slides
- Diving platform
- Plant-based breakfast with Fair Wind’s Estate Kona coffee
- Plant-based lunch
- Alcohol available for purchase during last hour
- Snorkel equipment, including prescription masks
- Floatation toys
- Underwater view boxes
- SNUBA available for an additional fee
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Freshwater showers on board
- Large group, max 90 guests
- Restrooms on board
Dolphin Discoveries
⭐Rating: 5/5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 3 hrs
If you’re not an early riser, Dolphin Discoveries has got you covered with a later start time options that lets you sleep in.
They use a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), which gets you to the bay FAST and keeps the tour group small for a more personalized experience.
On this 3-hour snorkeling excursion you’ll zip to the Captain Cook Monument for about an hour of snorkeling. Along the way, you’ll explore sea caves and lava tubes along the Kona coast and your guide will share fascinating stories about the cultural significance of this spot in Hawaiian history.
The Dolphin Discoveries Captain Cook Snorkel Tour includes:
- Snacks and fruit
- Juices and bottled water
- Snorkel equipment, including prescription masks
- Floatation toys
- Small group, max 14 guests
- No restrooms onboard
✅ Book Dolphin Discoveries Here! >>
Sea Paradise
⭐Rating: 5/5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 4.5 hrs
Sea Paradise offers the most bang for your buck on their 50ft sailing catamaran as you get not one but two snorkel locations:
- Kealakekua Bay
- Red Hill (weather permitting)
You’ll be served a tropical-style continental breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, and muffins as you make your way to Kealakekua Bay, keeping an eye out for spinner dolphins and whales (during the winter).
Your first snorkel stop is Kealakekua Bay where you’ll have about 1hr to explore the coral and marine life.
As you sail to your next snorkel spot, fuel up with a satisfying lunch of sandwiches, potato chips, and assorted cookies with Hawaiian juices, green tea, and soft drinks. The onboard bar also offers beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase.
Once you arrive at Red Hill, a less busy area, you’ll have another hour of snorkeling to discover unique underwater lava formations.
The Sea Paradise Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to Captain Cook includes:
- Overwater hammock net
- Continental breakfast of fruits, pastries, and muffins
- Lunch of sandwiches, chips, and cookies
- Alcoholic drinks available for purchase
- Snorkel equipment, including prescription masks
- Floatation toys
- Reef safe Sunscreen
- Fresh water rinse
- Fish identification cards
- Medium group, max 42 guests
- Restrooms on board
FAQs
What Even is Kealakekua Bay?
Kealakekua Bay, located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a historic and scenic area within the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and a designated Marine Life Conservation District.
It’s famous for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and the Captain Cook Monument, making it a top spot for snorkeling and paddling on the island.
What is the Captain Cook Monument?
Kealakekua Bay is the site where British explorer Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1779 and also met his untimely death.
The Captain Cook Monument is a white obelisk marks the spot where he died and can be found on the northern shore of the bay. Fun fact, it technically sits on British soil.
What Will I See Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay?
You’ll see a variety of marine life snorkeling in the bay with the potential to see things like:
• Fish, fish, and more fish (lots of yellow tang and parrotfish)
• Spinner dolphins
• Green sea turtles
• Sea urchins
• Monk seal
• Octopus
• Moray eels
What Should I Bring on a Snorkel Tour?
You won’t need to bring a ton of items with you on a snorkel boat tour.
The main things to bring are:
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun protection
• Seasickness prevention
• Waterproof case for phone/camera
Should I snorkel in the morning or afternoon?
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