Aloha Adventure Farms
Explore Polynesian culture through music, food, and activities on a Big Island ATV Tour, Polynesian Wood Carving Tour or Exotic Fruit Tasting Tour with Aloha Adventure Farms.
DIY Kealakekua Kayaking
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
DIY Kealakekua Kayaking
While there are plenty of kayak tour companies who can offer you a great tour, there’s no reason why an adventurous visitor couldn’t rent and enjoy their own self-guided kayak adventures along the Big Island’s Kona Coast. At the same time a relaxing and exciting activity the whole family can enjoy, kayaking through the tropical waters in the various protected bays of the Kona Coast provides plenty of opportunity for sightseeing, marine life watching, and access to hard-to-reach areas perfectly suited for snorkeling and enjoying the ocean. Before you depart, here’s what you should know about kayaking on your own along the waters of the Big Island.
Respect the Land, Respect the Wildlife
Hawaii is famously protective of its natural resources, and that includes the waters, coastlines, and marine life that call Hawaii home. No matter where your kayaking or snorkeling adventures take you, be sure to treat the property, natural environment, the wildlife, and people with respect and courtesy.
Creatures like the Hawaiian green sea turtle and Hawaiian spinner dolphin are protected by law and approaching or touching them could bring you a hefty fine. The rule of thumb here: look, don’t touch, don’t follow or harass the animals, and keep your distance.
Check the Permitting
Not all kayak rental shops include the mandatory state kayaking permit necessary to fully explore the waters off several coastal regions, including the waters surrounding Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. Be sure to check with your rental company to make sure the craft you are using is permitted before you depart or you could face an unfortunate fine. Also do the research to see if you are in a protected marine area and what the specific rules are for that area.
Checking the Hawaii Park Service Website for current rules and permit information is one of your best bets here. Authorized Kayak Tour Companies (2026): Adventures in Paradise and Kona Boys Inc.
Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Paddle Board rentals by Kona Boys (2026 Licensed Vendor)
Come to the Kona Boys shop in Kealakekua and they will get you setup for a day on the water. They offer daily or weekly rentals. Their Kayak rentals include: Paddles, backrests, coolers, lifejackets, and a drybag as well as everything you will need to transport the equipment. They also provide a thorough orientation and review marine life conservation rules.
Alternatively, Take a Kayak Tour
There are several reasons why a tour may make more sense for Kealakekua Bay Kayaking. First, the tour company handles transporting the gear which is a big benefit. They also have special launch points and take outs that are more convenient and you can actually exit the water and take a break at Captain Cook Monument which is not allowed with the DIY rental gear. If you decide a guided kayaking experience is better suited for you or your family here are a couple of options.
Morning Magic Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour by Kona Boys
Head out on an amazing 5 hour kayak and snorkel tour in Kealakekua Bay. You’ll check in at 7:00am at their Kealakekua Shop to get setup with snorkel gear and a quick orientation. A certified guide will accompany you on a paddle across the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay and share the interesting and rich Hawaiian and natural history of the area. Once near the protected shoreline of Ka’awaloa you will snorkel one of the most pristine reefs in the world and take in the abundant marine life, including over 200 species of reef fish and sometimes turtles, eels, reef sharks, and rays. After working up an appetite you’ll be treated to a healthy lunch and refreshments and take some time to visit Captain Cooks monument and recount his experience in Hawaii. The tour wraps up with a leisurely paddle back across the bay. It is a magical morning and a great experience for ocean lovers of any age.
Midday Meander: Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tour by Kona Boys
If you’re not an early bird, you can have a relaxing morning and then join Kona Boys for a 4 hour guided kayak and snorkel tour in Kealakekua Bay. You’ll check in at 11:30am at their Kealakekua Shop to get setup with snorkel gear and a quick orientation. Then you’ll meet your certified guide for a spectacular paddle across the most protected deep water bay in the Hawaiian Islands. Next you can snorkel and explore the Marine Life Conservation District in Kealaekua Bay. It’s one of the most spectacular underwater parks in Hawaii with an incredible marine landscape of coral and colorful fish. last you’ll have a snack and hydrate before taking the peaceful paddle back across the Bay.
