
Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter worth booking?
Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter is a 5-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $1740 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (7)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $1740 per person
Perfect for all size of couples, families or extended families. Experience Kealakekua Bay, the best place to snorkel on the Big Island or find a totally new and secluded snorkel area. Choose whether you'd like to focus
What you get
About this experience
Perfect for all size of couples, families or extended families. Experience Kealakekua Bay, the best place to snorkel on the Big Island or find a totally new and secluded snorkel area. Choose whether you'd like to focus more heavily on world-class snorkeling, wildlife searching, or private spots. After snorkeling, your captain has lunch and beverages for you. Hear all about the history of the area, the Captain Cook story. On the return trip, we hug the rugged coastline, and explore places Zodiacs with shallow drafts can get into! We show you natural blowholes, exposed lava tubes, and sea caves!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- RX masks -2, -3, -4, -5 for nearside
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Carbonated beverages
- Snacks
- flotation vest and noodles
Not included
- Pick up/Drop off -must meet at office in Honokohau harbor
What you'll see and do
Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor
Explore the offshore ocean world of Kailua-Kona on your way to snorkel Kealakekua bay.
15 minutes here
Kailua-Kona
Cruise down the coastline looking at the island from your boat, looking for marine life.
45 minutes here
Kealakekua Bay
It is a marine preserve and the best snorkel spot in the state of Hawaii. When you come around the point, the Captain Cook monument will come into view. Because the Big Island of Hawaii is so young geologically, there is no dirt, sand or run-off in the bay. Here you will spend as long as you want snorkeling and exploring the reef. Captain Zodiac provides all snorkel gear, including Rx masks and flotation devices.
120 minutes here
Captain Cook
Explore the Southern coastline of our island, with older lava flows, secluded areas and more geological features.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Our office is located in Blue roof building where the restaurant Harbor House is. Turn on to Kealakehe parkway make your first RIGHT, then second LEFT into a parking lot surrounded by chainlink fencing.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our office is located in Blue roof building where the restaurant Harbor House is. Turn on to Kealakehe parkway make your first RIGHT, then second LEFT into a parking lot surrounded by chainlink fencing.
Options you can book
5-Hour private for 1-6 guests
5-Hour Private 7-16 guests
additional deckhand <6 guests
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Captain Zodiac
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- No guests under the age of 4 years old
- This is a fun, bouncy Zodiac experience – not for folks with serious back or neck issues, and we sadly must restrict bookings from pregnant guests. Safety first.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best snorkeling experience!
I had a great experience New Year’s day with Colin. It was my family of 5 and it felt very personal and fun. We saw dolphins, whales, and lots of fish. The snorkeling spot was awesome, and the food and drink provided was wonderful. They also have prescription goggles with was nice and the whole trip was very accommodating. Colin told us all about history on the island and went above and beyond with the history and sight seeing.
Response from the operator: Aloha! 🌺 Mahalo for spending your New Year’s Day with us and for sharing such a wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear your family’s adventure with Colin felt personal, fun, and memorable. Seeing dolphins, whales, and tons of fish — plus enjoying an awesome snorkeling spot — makes for a perfect Kona day! 🐬🐋🐠✨ You were especially lucky to have Colin as your captain — he is one of our most experienced and knowledgeable guides, and his passion for Hawaiian history and the Kona coastline truly shines. We’re so glad you enjoyed all the stories, insights, and extra sightseeing he shared throughout the trip. We’re also happy the food, drinks, and prescription goggles added to your comfort, and that you felt well accommodated from start to finish. Mahalo nui loa for choosing Captain Zodiac — we’d love to welcome you and your ʻohana back for another adventure soon! With aloha, Captain Zodiac 🏴☠️🌊
via Tripadvisor
Such an enjoyable way to boat and snorkel
I recommend this company and our crew (we had Captain Rick and Gabe). The adventure was a blast riding in the Zodiac to get where we needed. They were informative and helpful (and with a great sense of humor) - they obviously love what they do. The snorkeling (again with guiding and advice from crew) was amazing - so much to see and just the right amount of time. They provide the equipment and provide lunch/snacks/rehydration on board. It is a 5 hour trip and you can expect to spend quite a bit of energy (and can get lightly pounded by the waves while traveling at speed to get to/from destinations), so this isn't your trip if you have any limitations...but if you are in shape and want to have a great time, go for it! (Wear lots of sunscreen...they do have some to share.)
Response from the operator: Many mahalos for taking time to give so much detail in an honest recommendation. We do love our jobs, nothing to complain about to be able to do something we love and are passionate about. It is an adventurous ride but the snorkeling is amazing. We are so happy you came out with us and had a great time on your vacation.
via Tripadvisor
Great Snorkeling Experience
Our family of 15 had a wonderful snorkeling experience with Brenna & Fatu. She is a great captain and he provided exceptional support on our trip. This was my wife's and my third experience with this company over the past 21 years and we would definitely do it again!
Response from the operator: Aloha, Thank you for coming back to snorkel with us and brining your family. Mahalo
via Tripadvisor
Marco is the best guide!!!
WOW we highly recommend booking a private 5 hour zodiac tour. And request Marco!!! He was amazing! We did this with our 2 teenage daughters. This was their favorite thing we did on our trip to Kona. We had the best snorkeling, seeing caves, and a bonus of seeing short fin pilot whales and oceanic white tip sharks. BEST DAY!!
Response from the operator: Aloha, So glad you enjoyed the tour. The wildlife is pretty amazing around our coast. We always feel special when we hear that our tour was a favorite part of the vacation since the island has some pretty amazing things. Mahalo for your review. CZ
via Tripadvisor
Friends and the sea with skipperB
Not a bad day out on the water with friends plus skipperB and Fatou. Visited some more remote areas of the coast, good snorkeling and company. Luckily the person we saw cliff jumping into rough seas managed to get out again. The day was so nice, would have been good to have a canopy as a few of us got sunburnt.
Response from the operator: Aloha, Thank you for your feedback. We always love to hear from our guest. Cliff jumping is always great to see! Our boats do not have canopies which allows greater maneuverability along the coast (access to see caves and lava tubes). We do provide sunscreen and always recommend reapplying after snorkeling. Mahalo, CZ
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter cost?
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Prices start at $1740 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Island of Hawaii usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Island of Hawaii is not rushed.
Is Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Island of Hawaii, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Island of Hawaii can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Island of Hawaii and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Island: 5-Hour Kona Private Boat Charter start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Island of Hawaii within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Island of Hawaii?
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The Big Island is volcano country: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours, Mauna Kea summit stargazing, night manta ray snorkels off Kona, Waipio Valley lookouts and coffee farm visits. Summit tours have real altitude rules, so we weight safety detail. On Outty we rank every Big Island of Hawaii experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include KONA Manta Ray Night Snorkel - FREE re-ride if no Sightings, Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Island of Hawaii?
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April to October, though the island runs year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Island of Hawaii?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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