Services
Kealakekua Bay is located on the Kona coast of the island of Hawaii about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona Settled over a thousand years ago, the surrounding area contains many archaeological and historical sites such as religious temples, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the island of Hawaii. The bay is a marine life conservation district, a very popular and the best destination for kayaking and snorkeling in Hawaii. Kayak rentals are among the most marine intensive of all the ocean activities available to you on the Big Island. You generally can choose a single, double, or even triple kayak and your snorkeling adventures off! The kayaks will be some of the most rewarding to be found on any of the Hawaiian islands and this adventure is a must do thing to do on the Big Island so make your reservations today. Are you somebody who wants to do something very close to nature? One of the best ways to get a firsthand perspective on Hawaii’s marine life is by taking a kayak trip. Kayaks are small sit on top paddle boats that are very maneuverable and can be navigated through very shallow waters. This allows the paddler to be able to access spots that often times are very difficult to access if not impassable for larger, motor driven boats.
Kayak Rentals
We offer an unguided kayak rental that’s a great activity for the whole family. The coastline of the Big Island drops off to very deep depths almost immediately off shore. This allows the kayaking trips here to do something that is not available on the other Hawaiian Islands. The deep water can be accessed on the same trips that also see the shallow coral reefs along the shore. The deeper water has a whole different cast of larger fish then the shallow shoreline waters and being able to see it all from the perspective of a kayak is something you will never forget!… Ask about our assisted kayak rental option for those who need extra assistance on their adventure.
Description: The trip combines snorkeling in the largest coral reef on the Big Island and paddling along beautiful Hawaiian beaches. The destination is Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. Great snorkeling, with views of coral gardens and lots of tropical fish. Spinner dolphins are regularly seen as are humpback whales during whale season. Getting to the snorkel site should be as much fun as snorkeling; you will paddle to the area by sea kayak. The paddle is about a mile long and takes 25-30 minutes for the inexperienced kayak adventurer. Very popular with newlyweds, beginners, or for discriminating paddlers wishing for personal attention and a quieter atmosphere. Trips are tailored to guest interests and abilities and is suitable for ages 7-70. Beginners are welcome, rated as an easy to moderate kayak. Bring a picnic lunch and some drinks and spend the day relaxing and snorkeling on the wonderful reef next to the monument. You won’t be alone – this is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the Big Island.
Departure Point: Kealakekua Bay
Operates: Daily, 7am to 11pm.
Duration:
$60 for 2 people unguided kayak rental all day no time limit
$40 for a single unguided kayak rental all day no time limit
Call (808) 896-0610 and start your Big Island Adventure today!
It is a fantastic experience exploring the cliffs from your Big Island of Hawaii kayak.
Kayaking on the Big Island is not just for adults. Children enjoy this immensely and it’s great a great recreational experience for the whole family.
Mornings are generally the best times to kayak off the Big Island as the seas are generally the calmest and the sea life is more active.
Snorkel Route – Follow the shallow reef to the right of the famous Captain Cook monument to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, vast coral reefs, with an abundance of sea life.
Extras – free parking, friendly customer service, scenic outlooks on drive down to Kealakekua Bay, stop the car to take pictures. You may see spinner dolphins, but they are wild so there is no guaranteed. Another wonderful experience is meeting the locals, they welcome everyone with open arms and lots of Aloha. To ensure everyone’s safety, there is staff that will assist you with any questions you may have and getting in and out of the ocean safely.
Directions –
Bay Side Adventures
Packing list:
REEF SAFE Sunblock
Water, drinks, or snacks
Snorkel Gear
Water proof camera
PLAN AHEAD PLEASE USE RESTROOM BEFORE ARRIVING!
CHECK IN at boat ramp for parking and dry bags. Be sure to ask for Bay Side Adventures! Other companies are located here also.
Call (808) 896-0610 for directions and or questions.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Click Google Map link below:
Bay Side Adventures
82-6009 Kahauloa Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 896-0610
Water Entry / Exit – Kayaks are available down there, there is no need to pick up or unload any kayaks, and staff is there to assist you before entering the water.
Packing List: Be sure to bring your snorkel gear, sunscreen, a hat or sun glasses, a water proof camera, water, snacks or lunch, and lots of sunblock! A small cooler can be strapped in if needed. If you don’t have any snorkel gear we can provide you with the proper equipment to enjoy your adventure, please let us know so we can better fit your needs.
Snorkel Route – Turn east towards the monument as you enter the water. The best snorkeling is the area in front of and east or to the right of the monument. These Hawaiian waters are crystal clear with 100 ft. visibility. You will see lots of colorful fish. The vibrant reef stretches out to beyond 80 feet in depth. Investigate the drop off at 30 ft. depth not far from the shore.
Extras – Crystal clear water; shaded area for picnic; historic monument; abundance of sea life; possible sea turtle, dolphin, and whale sightings; shallow reef offers excellent snorkeling conditions for any one.
We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There’s much more to come!
Photo gallery
Testimonials
All about the Easy. Flat rate no time limits and so very Kind. Beginner to Advanced They are ready for you.
Mike B Talmadge
Very casual to book, first name and a launch time only. Very different from Boston. 🤣
Seani was so personable and knew all 7 of our names before we left. 👍
Our day was cut short because of the pending storm and they were spot on telling us when to return by. Thank you for not cancelling us and also getting us back to shore at a safe time. Mahalo! 💕
Great spot to Kayak and snorkel. Highly recommend!
Heather Lauria
Baby Side Adventures is a class act adventure company. The crew is incredibly kind and informative. The gear is great and the entire experience was hassle free. My family and I rented kayaks this for my 40th birthday, and it was such an incredible experience. We were surrounded by hundreds of dolphins that gave us a show! The prices are competitive and the fact that you launch from the shore and don’t have to deal with the hassle of strapping kayaks to your rental car is a huge bonus. Thanks for an amazing experience guys!!!
Leilani Peck
a real country like adventure....really nice to be able to kayak and see captain cook's monument...snorkeling was fun too...
Perry B Cuesta
We will definitely come back to use Bay Side Adventures! Everyone was so nice and helpful when we arrived. They made sure we didn't park in the wrong place and they also looked after our belongings when we decided to not bring it on the kayak. Top notch service! 🙂 Rocky was awesome. He prepped us on our kayak and gave us some great knowledge on where to check out the spinner dolphins!! We took out the kayak for about 4 hours and it was an AMAZING experience!! The water was calm and perfect conditions to snorkel. We found a good deal via Groupon but we would go back regardless b/c they gave us great Hawaiian hospitality!! Mahalo!!