Premium Kona Coast Morning Snorkel: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau to Kealakekua Bay
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness who can swim and climb a short ladder from the water
Overview
Spend a relaxed 4.5 hours cruising the southern Kona coast, snorkeling two of Hawaiʻi’s finest bays—Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau and Kealakekua Bay—while the captain shares geology and history. This covered-boat tour pairs easy snorkeling with cultural context and a beachside lunch.
Premium Kona Coast Morning Snorkel: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau to Kealakekua Bay
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The boat slips away from a low lava rim and the Pacific opens like a sheet of glass, blue and patient. Under a wide shade canopy, passengers trade the heat of Kona sun for the hush of open ocean while the captain threads the southern Kona coastline—past abrupt black cliffs, fingered sea caves and the odd spume of a wave striking cooled lava. The first stop is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, where reef reefscapes roll outward and reef fish patrol the shallows. Later, the hull noses toward Kealakekua Bay, where the stone obelisk marking Captain Cook’s landing keeps a quiet watch over the coral gardens below.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply reef‑safe sunscreen before boarding and bring a small tube for reapplication; the boat offers shade but UV reflects strongly off the water.
Practice ladder climbs
Be comfortable climbing a short ladder out of the water—crew will help, but guests must be able to hoist themselves back on board.
Secure valuables
Use a dry bag or waterproof phone case for cameras and phones—the ride and in‑water time expose electronics to spray.
Choose your lunch in advance
Select sandwich options before the trip—organizers need choices ahead of time to accommodate all guests.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtle (honu)
- Reef fish like parrotfish and surgeonfish
History
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau served as a royal place of refuge where kapu could be lifted; Kealakekua Bay later became known internationally after Captain Cook’s 1779 visit.
Conservation
The bays are marine conservation priorities—stay off coral, use reef‑safe sunscreen and follow crew guidance to minimize reef impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kailua-Kona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the reef; apply before boarding.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Keeps electronics and valuables dry during splashy transfers and snorkeling.
Water shoes
Useful for walking on rough lava if you explore shoreline areas between stops.
spring specific
Light wind shell
The boat can be breezy returning to port, a thin shell keeps you comfortable.
winter specific