Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure worth booking?
Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure is a 4-hour experience in Big Island of Hawaii, United States, from $286 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (23)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $286 per person
Captain Cook’s Monument, and the legendary “Place of Refuge” are in one of the most sought-after snorkeling destinations in all the world, Kealakekua Bay. This spot is also cherished and revered by the Hawaiian people an
What you get
About this experience
Captain Cook’s Monument, and the legendary “Place of Refuge” are in one of the most sought-after snorkeling destinations in all the world, Kealakekua Bay. This spot is also cherished and revered by the Hawaiian people and they have recently increased the restrictions to this beautiful, island cove. Kona Ocean Adventures is proud to retain one of the dwindling number of permits, and we’ll be happy to take you there! This adventure includes all gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wet suit if requested), snacks, beverages and a delicious lunch. Also provided sunscreen and towels.
What's included
Included
- 2 Crew ( 1 Captain/ 1 Snorkel guide/ Dive guide)
- Bottled water
- All snorkel gears, wet suits (upon request)
- Lunch: we cater to the discerning traveler; our meals can be vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, Kosher.
- Snacks, fresh local fruits, juices, water, local beer (upon request)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (4 seasons and pier pick up only)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Four seasons ONLY)
What you'll see and do
Kona Ocean Adventures
Passengers will enjoy the breath taking Kailua-Kona coastline while motoring to Kealakekua Bay ( Captain Cook) where we will snorkel and have lunch! The entire adventure is about 4 hours.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Island of Hawaii
Honokohau Marina Kealakehe Pkwy Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Directions: How to Find Our Boat Our boats and trucks are easy to spot, they’re both painted with vibrant octopus tentacles! (GPS is not dependable in Hawaii)From the North…(From The Mauna Kea, Hapuna Prince, Mauna Lani Bay, Fairmont Orchid,Hilton Waikoloa, Outrigger Marriott Waikoloa, Kona Village or Four Seasons) Take HWY 19 South back toward Kona Airport. Approx. 5 miles past the airport or 4 traffic lights. Look for the sign Honokohau marina on your right hand side and make that right on kealakehe parkway. Follow the road until you can make another right. Go along that road, you will see gentry’s marina, sea store deli, gas station… and the road ends on a big open parking lot. Once at the parking lot, go left towards the boat ramp and look for our boat vibrantly painted with octopus tentacles “KONA OCEAN ADVENTURES” on a trailer attached to a pickup truck covered with stickers of dolphins, manta rays, whales, snorkelers, and scuba divers. You can’t miss us. From the South…(From King Kamehameha Hotel, Royal Kona Resort,Kona Coast resort, Sheraton keauhou) Head North on HWY 19 towards Kona Airport. Approx. 2.5 miles from Kailua-Kona turn left at the Harbor entrance, Look for the sign Honokohau marina and make that right on kealakehe parkway. Follow the road until you can make your next immediate right. Go along that road, you will see gentry’s marina, sea store deli, gas station… and the road ends on a big open parking lot. Once at the parking lot, go left towards the boat ramp and look for our boat “KONA OCEAN ADVENTURES” on a trailer attached to a white pickup truck coverer with stickers of dolphins, manta rays, whales, snorkelers, and scuba divers. You can’t miss us.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Honokohau Marina Kealakehe Pkwy Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Directions: How to Find Our Boat Our boats and trucks are easy to spot, they’re both painted with vibrant octopus tentacles! (GPS is not dependable in Hawaii)From the North…(From The Mauna Kea, Hapuna Prince, Mauna Lani Bay, Fairmont Orchid,Hilton Waikoloa, Outrigger Marriott Waikoloa, Kona Village or Four Seasons) Take HWY 19 South back toward Kona Airport. Approx. 5 miles past the airport or 4 traffic lights. Look for the sign Honokohau marina on your right hand side and make that right on kealakehe parkway. Follow the road until you can make another right. Go along that road, you will see gentry’s marina, sea store deli, gas station… and the road ends on a big open parking lot. Once at the parking lot, go left towards the boat ramp and look for our boat vibrantly painted with octopus tentacles “KONA OCEAN ADVENTURES” on a trailer attached to a pickup truck covered with stickers of dolphins, manta rays, whales, snorkelers, and scuba divers. You can’t miss us. From the South…(From King Kamehameha Hotel, Royal Kona Resort,Kona Coast resort, Sheraton keauhou) Head North on HWY 19 towards Kona Airport. Approx. 2.5 miles from Kailua-Kona turn left at the Harbor entrance, Look for the sign Honokohau marina and make that right on kealakehe parkway. Follow the road until you can make your next immediate right. Go along that road, you will see gentry’s marina, sea store deli, gas station… and the road ends on a big open parking lot. Once at the parking lot, go left towards the boat ramp and look for our boat “KONA OCEAN ADVENTURES” on a trailer attached to a white pickup truck coverer with stickers of dolphins, manta rays, whales, snorkelers, and scuba divers. You can’t miss us.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kona Ocean Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible Snorkeling Excursion
Extremely knowledgeable captain and guide. Our all female crew was so engaging and did a fantastic job explaining to us the Captain Cook story and pointing out anll of the incredible sea life. Our family of four took the 7am tour. It was absolutely exceptional! Will definitely be back for another excursion.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your family of four had such an exceptional experience with us. Our all-female crew will be so happy to hear your kind words! We’re especially glad they were able to share the history of Captain Cook while also helping you discover and appreciate the incredible marine life surrounding our island. Choosing the 7am tour was a great call, and we’re so happy it made your experience even more special. It means so much to know you’re already looking forward to coming back for another adventure. We can’t wait to welcome your family back on the water! And don't forget to use your discount code. A hui hou
via Tripadvisor
Best. Day. Of. My. Life.
BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!! My boyfriend and I went out for the 7 am tour (HIGHLY recommend the early slot, we were literally the only people out on the water!!) with Hana and Meredith who were absolutely AMAZING!! Since we got out before all the other tours, we saw an eagle ray, a Galapagos shark, two octopi, AND A SEA TURYLE!! It was quite literally the most glorious day of my life and Hana and Meredith could not have been better guides. If/when we come back, we will most definitely be booking w Kona again!!🌸☀️💕
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this amazing review! We absolutely love hearing that your morning with Hana and Meredith turned into the “best day” of your life! It sounds like you had an incredible morning on the water. An eagle ray, Galápagos shark, two octopuses, and a sea turtle is quite the lineup! There really is something special about getting out on the water early, and we’re so glad you got to enjoy such a memorable experience before the day got busy. Hana and Meredith will be thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed having them as your guides. Thank you for choosing Kona Ocean Adventures and for the wonderful recommendation. We’ll be ready to welcome you back whenever you make it to Kona again! Don't forget to use your coupon code!
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended
We really enjoyed this trip! As long as the weather is reasonable, it's a can't miss adventure and a great way to spend a day on the Big Island. The diving was outstanding (there was a LOT of fish), the bay was very scenic, and we liked the historical angle too. The captain and mate did an excellent job making everyone feel welcome and were very well informed on local geography, history and culture. Bedside the crew, there were only four of us so there was plenty of room to move around. Seating was comfortable. An added bonus was a nice prepared lunch after snorkeling. with fresh pineapple and sandwiches. I don't think you'd be disappointed with this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us and for sharing this wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the beautiful conditions, the incredible marine life, and the rich history of the bay. Our captain and crew will be so happy to know they helped make your day special — they truly love sharing their knowledge of our local waters and culture. We’re glad the smaller group size, comfortable seating, and fresh lunch added to your experience. It was a pleasure having you onboard, and we hope to welcome you back for another Big Island adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great snorkeling day!
We chartered a Private Snorkeling Tour with Kona Ocean Adventures. We had a great day with Captain Scott and Kate. On the way to the snorkeling we encountered a pod of Pilot Whales, we thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with them for a while! Snorkeling was great. They provided the best snorkeling gear we had ever used. Snacks and drinks were waiting for us when we got back onboard. Scott and Kate were great hosts- f careful, fun and informative!
Response from the operator: Mahalo for choosing Kona Ocean Adventures for your private snorkeling tour! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing day out on the water with Captain Scott and Kate. Encountering a pod of pilot whales is such a rare and special treat — what an unforgettable moment! We’re so glad you enjoyed the snorkeling, the gear, and the refreshments onboard. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure on the Kona coast!
via Tripadvisor
Snorkeling - 10/10 highlight of our trip
Scotty and Mac were AMAZING!!! We signed up for snorkeling and ended up swimming with pilot whales and sharks! 10/10 would recommend!!! This was the highlight of our trip - they were awesome.
Response from the operator: Wow—what an adventure! 🐋🦈 We’re thrilled to hear that your day with Scotty and Mac turned into such an unforgettable experience. Swimming alongside pilot whales and sharks is truly a once-in-a-lifetime memory, and we’re so happy it was the highlight of your trip. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Scotty and Mac—they’ll love hearing it! Mahalo for the recommendation, and we hope to see you back in Kona for another epic adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Island of Hawaii.
How much does Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $286 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 Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 23 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 Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure?
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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 Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure?
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Around 8 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Snorkel Adventure 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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