Boat Trips and Tours on the Big Island

Boat tours on the Big Island come in all shapes and sizes, with something to suit all types of traveler. There are snorkeling trips and whale watching excursions for nature lovers, while sunset sailing tours add a splash of romance.

Most boat rides are a group affair, helping to keep costs down and offering a sociable vibe. Those looking for a more exclusive experience will love the private tours, with tailored itineraries for that VIP feeling.

Here's everything you need to know about booking boat trips, one of the most fun and action-packed outdoor activities on the Big Island.

What are the best popular boat tours on the Big Island?

There are several different boat trips on the Big Island. Popular adventures include snorkeling excursions, dinner cruises and whale watching tours.

Snorkeling boat tours Big Island

The most hotly anticipated boat excursions are the snorkeling tours on the Big Island. You’ll get to soak up the scenery as you sail along the Kona coast, before diving into the turquoise waters for a snorkel. The reefs here are vibrant with plenty of submerged lava formations to discover.

Big Island whale watching boat excursions

Whale watching tours on the Big Island are a fun diversion if you’re visiting Hawaii between December and April. You’ll see the magnificent humpbacks in action after their long journey down from Alaska. Calves are often spotted, and you can hear the whales sing by using the onboard hydrophones.

Glass-bottom boat reef trips Big Island

Want to see the fish without getting your feet wet? These glass-bottom boats float over the colorful reefs, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the marine kingdom. You might see turtles and dolphins too.

Big Island sunset sailing tours

Big Island sailing trips are even more romantic at sunset. On these tours you’ll head out to sea as dusk falls, getting the timing just right to see the sun sink into the ocean. Enjoy drinks on board the luxury catamaran as you snuggle up with your loved one.

Historical dinner cruises Big Island

Enjoy a romantic dinner on board a cruise boat as you journey around the spectacular Kealakekua Bay. A local historian will share stories of Hawaii as you tuck into your meal. Complimentary cocktails and live music sweeten the deal.

Private boat tours on the Big Island

For a more exclusive experience, private Big Island boat tours are the answer. You’ll have the vessel and crew all to yourself, with customizable itineraries so you can make the day your own. Snorkeling cruises and fishing charters are fun options.

What are the prices Big Island boat cruises?

Snorkeling boat tours on the Big Island cost US$140 for 3 hours or US$170 for a 4.5-hour trip per person. Snorkel equipment and a guide are included.

For a historical dinner cruise, expect to pay US$170 per person, with dinner, a guide and live entertainment provided.

Big Island sailing cruises at sunset are priced at US$120 for a 1.5-hour experience. Two free drinks from the bar are included, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

Whale watching boat trips are US$100 per passenger. The cruises are 2.5 hours long and have a tour guide on board. Water and soft drinks are provided.

Glass-bottom boat reef tours cost US$70 for an hour-long experience. You’ll need to take your own drinks and snacks but there will be a naturalist guide onboard.

Private boat tours start at US$1500 for 3 hours, and US$1650 for 4 hours. This is for your whole group of up to 14 people and includes snorkel gear, lunch and drinks.

What places will I visit on a Big Island boat tour?

Kona coast

The beautiful Kona coast stretches around much of the western side of Hawaii. It’s one of the best places for Big Island boat tours thanks to its dramatic scenery and dreamy beaches.

The waters here are calm and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling tours and glass-bottom boat excursions. This is a haven for sea turtles and dolphins so keep a look out during your trip.

Highlights along this part of the Hawaiian coast are Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s Monument.

Captain Cook’s Monument

Kealakekua Bay is where Captain James Cook first came ashore in 1778. The British explorer was the first westerner to set foot on the island and establish contact with the residents of Hawaii. Things didn’t go quite to plan, and he was killed in a skirmish just a year later, here in Kealakekua Bay.

There’s a white obelisk overlooking the bay that stands as a memorial to Captain Cook’s endeavors. It’s located down by the water, so you’ll see it from the deck of your boat as you sail along the shore.

Kealakekua Bay

This sweeping bay on the west coast is one of the most iconic destinations on the entire island. It lies about 20 kilometers south of Kailua Village and is a designated Marine Life Conservation District.

The snorkeling here is sublime, with schools of tropical fish darting about the vivid coral reefs.

A lot of sailing tours on the Big Island feature Kealakekua Bay on their itinerary, thanks to the calm waters and impossibly blue sea. This is where you’ll get your money shot when it comes to vacation photos!

How long do Big Island cruises last?

The duration of boat excursions on the Big Island varies depending on what activities you’re doing along the way.

Snorkeling tours are usually between 3 and 4.5 hours long, giving you enough time to swim and enjoy lunch on board. Shorter 1-hour reef viewing excursions can be enjoyed on the glass-bottom boat.

Dinner cruises are 3 hours long, while sunset sailing trips last 1.5 hours with drinks on board before returning to shore. Whale watching cruises are 2.5 hours, which is plenty of time to see the humpbacks in action.

The private tours are usually half a day, with fishing charters lasting up to 6 hours.

Where do I get the boat?

Most Big Island boat trips set off from either Kailua Kona Pier or Keauhou Bay Pier, over on the west coast. Both are easily reached via the coastal road. Alternatively, you can book a taxi from your hotel.

The sunset sailing tours depart from the Waikoloa Beach Resort in Anaehoomalu Bay up in the northwest of the island. To get here, just take Highway 19 from Kona.

Whale watching cruises set off from Honokohau Harbor, just south of Kona airport. You can reach the marina via Highway 19.

Parking is available at all the locations if you’ve come by car.

When is the best time for a boat trip on the Big Island?

The ocean is at its calmest in spring and summer, so this is the ultimate time for boat cruises on the Big Island. For the warmer weather, visit between March and September – this is the dry season which is perfect for boating.

There are both morning and afternoon tours on offer, so just take your pick of the time slots. For something extra special, head out in the evening on a dinner cruise or a sunset sailing trip.

Which other water activities are popular on the Big Island?

• Snorkeling
• Manta ray snorkeling
• Whale watching
• Surf lessons
• Fishing charters
• Kayaking
• Dolphin watching
• Scuba diving

Travel tips

• Big Island boat tours should be booked well ahead during summer as places fill up fast. By checking prices online you’ll be able to scout out the best deals.
• Take your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel if your trip includes swimming or snorkeling.
• It can get a bit breezy out on the ocean, so pack a light jacket to keep warm.
• Check-in is usually 15 minutes before departure so make sure you arrive in good time.