Kealakekua Bay: Tours and Guided Visits

Dramatic Kealakekua Bay is one of the prettiest natural sights on Big Island. It’s a designated Marine Life Conservation District and is renowned for its vibrant marine life – snorkeling here is a must!

Big Island tours to Kealakekua Bay by boat are the ultimate way to explore, and the calm waters offer dreamy swimming opportunities. Wildlife along these volcanic shores is abundant, with dolphins and turtles often making an appearance during Kealakekua excursions.

Here's everything you need to know about Kealakekua Bay, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips in Big Island.

Where is Kealakekua Bay located?

You’ll find Kealakekua Bay on the west coast of Big Island, just 19 kilometers south of Kailua-Kona. It’s easy to get to Kealakekua Bay from anywhere in Hawaii. You can visit on a guided tour or travel independently if you have a rental vehicle.

If you’re driving, take Highway 11 to the town of Captain Cook, which sits just inland from Kealakekua. Then you'll need to turn onto the Napoopoo Road for the final stretch down to the bay.

If you want to visit the Captain Cook Monument on foot, note that the obelisk lies in the Kealakekua Bay State Park. There is no road access to this side of the cove. Therefore, you’ll need to walk along the Monument Trail from Napoopoo Road.

What are the best things to do in Kealakekua Bay?

Visits to Kealakekua Bay are usually enjoyed with a boat tour, so you can explore areas that are not always accessible by land. Here’s what you’ll get to do during your trip:

Snorkel over the reefs

Snorkeling is the most coveted of activities in Kealakekua Bay. This water here is so clear you can spot fish from the boat, but nothing beats swimming alongside the local marine inhabitants.

The reefs here are renowned for their diversity, and the colors are incredible to behold. Many boat operators have floatation devices so that even non-swimmers can enjoy the underwater show.

Wildlife spotting

Hawaii is famous for its wildlife, but nowhere is it as prevalent as here on the Kona coast. As you cruise along to Kealakekua Bay, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles who like to feed and play in the area.

During the winter months, humpback whales are regularly sighted. They’ve come all the way from Alaska to breed in warmer waters. If you’re lucky you might even see a calf.

See the Captain Cook Monument

On boat trips to Kealakekua Bay, you’ll cruise by the Captain Cook Monument, which is down on the shoreline. This is where the British explorer landed when he visited Hawaii in 1778. It’s also where he was killed later during his expedition during a skirmish with the locals.

Today the white obelisk serves as a memorial to the captain and is an integral part of any visit to Kealakekua Bay.

What are the most popular tours to Kealakekua Bay?

When it comes to Kealakekua Bay trips, you are spoiled for choice. By day, it’s all about snorkeling with the abundant marine life, while evening cruises shed more light on the history of the area.

Snorkeling tours in Kealakekua Bay

The most popular Kealakekua Bay tours are the snorkeling boat trips. If you want to get up close and personal with the marine wildlife of Hawaii, this is the way to do it.

You’ll start your adventure with a scenic cruise, checking out sea caves and volcanic landforms along the tropical Hawaiian shores. The Kailua-Kona coast is a magnet for marine mammals, so don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins and even whales frolicking in the waves.

Once you arrive in the bay it’s time for reef snorkeling, and maybe a bit of lunch on board the boat. The waters are pristine, so you’ll be sure to see lots of colorful fish, and maybe a turtle or two.

Dinner cruises around Kealakekua Bay

These narrated Kealakekua Bay excursions have a bit of a historical theme, focusing on Hawaiian folklore as well as Captain Cook. You’ll pass the monument to the famous sea captain during your boat tour.

After enjoying welcome cocktails on board, you’ll journey along the Kona coast, admiring the geological wonders that can’t be seen from land.

On arrival in Kealakekua Bay, your guide will wrap up the commentary so you can enjoy a relaxing dinner. Live entertainment sets the scene as you watch the sunset over the bay.

Full-day island tours

If you want to combine a visit to Kealakekua Bay with a bit of land-based exploration, there are plenty of tours to choose from. These excursions last a full day, so you’ll be packing in lots of key sights.

Popular trips include visits to a Kona coffee plantation and a bee farm, where tours and tastings are on the cards. You’ll also stop at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and see temples and petroglyphs.

The icing on the cake is, of course, a visit to Kealakekua Bay to walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook. Your guide will regale you with tales of the famous explorer in the very place where he first set foot ashore.

How much do Kealakekua Bay tours cost?

Kealakekua Bay tours with snorkeling and wildlife watching start at US$110 per person for a 4-hour trip. For 5 hours, expect to pay US$150. A guide, snorkel equipment, water and snacks are all included on boat excursions to Kealakekua Bay. If you want to enjoy lunch on board the boat, the price rises to US$180.

Tickets for the evening dinner cruises around Kealakekua Bay cost US$170 per participant, with the meal and non-alcoholic drinks included. You can purchase alcoholic beverages at the bar. Live commentary and musical entertainment are provided throughout the trip.

For a combination day tour that covers land-based activities as well as a visit to Kealakekua Bay, the price is US$190 per person. Lunch, coffee and honey tastings, hotel pickups and a guide are provided.

Where do Kealakekua Bay tours start?

Most tours in Kealakekua Bay do not include hotel pickups so you will have to travel to the starting point independently. A few operators offer a transfer option for an additional cost. Check with your provider when booking to clarify if this is possible.

Popular meeting locations include Honokohau Marina, Keauhou Harbor and the Kailua Kona Pier. It’s easy to drive if you have a rental vehicle, or you can take a taxi from your hotel.

When is the best time to visit Kealakekua Bay?

Kealakekua Bay visits can be enjoyed throughout the day. Boat tours last between 4 and 5 hours, with departures in both the morning and the afternoon.

If weather conditions aren’t favorable, your trip could be postponed, so try and book it at the beginning of your vacation. That way you’ll have a few days to play with if necessary.

Travel tips

• Tours in Kealakekua Bay are popular, so reserve your spot in good time. By searching online you’ll be able to scout out the cheapest deals.
• Take swimming gear and a towel if you plan on snorkeling during your trip. Sunscreen is also highly recommended.
• It can be breezy out on the water so pack a light jacket just in case the wind picks up.
• Tips aren’t mandatory but if you’ve enjoyed your experience then feel free to be generous.