Jul 8, 2025
Unique and rewarding way to kayak and snorkel Kealakekua Bay - If you are looking to snorkel or kayak in the world famous Kealakekua Bay and Cpt Cook memorial area, this is the best choice. It’s a unique way to combine a short kayak trip with an extraordinary snorkel experience, plus have a tasty lunch while actually learning about the bay and some Hawaiian history.
Tour guide Bamm is knowledgeable, helpful, engaging and most of all very committed to having a safe but fun experience while respecting the natural environment.
Our group was only 5 people vs the larger commercial boat groups which can range from 12-50 people at a time.
The kayak out to the reef was about one mile, done leisurely with no rush and not very strenuous. The water was calm and clear. The trip starts very early, but that gives you about a 45 min lead on all the commercial boat tours so you have the reef to snorkel all to yourself for the most part.
You dock the kayaks at the captain cook memorial so you’re not swimming in and out of the kayak directly. It’s cool to relax at the memorial site which is not accessible by snorkelers who arrive by commercial boat.
You return the way you came, with a relaxing kayak back across the water and conclude near a park area with bathrooms and showers.
All in all this is a very unique and ‘local’ way to both kayak and snorkel in the same experience. Plus have a very experienced guide provide a deeper awareness of the natural beauty around you.
The Kona Boys have been around for decades and are part of an effort to restore and revitalize the bay. Mahalo Bamm and Kona Boys.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 3, 2025
Amazing excursion….Mahalo Bamm! - Husband and I went on the kayak/ snorkeling trip. Bamm was a fantastic guide! The excursion couldn’t have been better…great paddle, beautiful weather and water, huge pod of spinner dolphins, great lunch, great snorkeling and paddle back. Can’t say enough great things about this trip!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 5, 2025
A must do on Big Island!!!! - Our guides Evan and Bamm made this tour so very special!
They shared their considerable knowledge about the nature, history and conservation effort in an exciting and fun way! With their competent help everyone can manage this tour and enjoy the stunning underwater world combined with a little adventure crossing the bay in a Kayak.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 5, 2025
What a fun morning! - This was our second time with Kona Boys for the same tour, 4 years apart. Bamm was our wonderful guide. We were well informed about the marine life and the preservation effort Kona Boys make to replenish the coral population. Lunches were tasty and we appreciated the effort to accommodate to our vegetarian diet. The nice cold drinks were a nice touch. Thank you Bamm for another memorable kayak experience across the bay to a beautiful snorkeling spot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 30, 2025
Dolphins!!! - My sister and I had a great morning on the water! We were lucky enough to see some spinner dolphins putting on a show and an active reef while snorkeling.
Bamm was our guide- he is knowledgeable, patient and strong (a must as entry and exit points required a helping hand). Lunch was yummy- loved that it is was from a local bakery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 25, 2025
Fun way to see they bay! - Lots of fun, great guides, a fun morning combining kayaking and snorkeling. Highly recommend. Guides take great care to keep you safe and encourage you. Also, good history lessons.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 14, 2025
A must do! - This was a great trip. It was the best snorkeling we had on our entire trip. We even saw some dolphins. Frank in the shop was so friendly we felt like family instantly. Evan was an awesome guide. His knowledge of the history of the bay gave us the opportunity to look for things as we paddled and snorkeled. I would highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 4, 2025
Awesome! Do it! - Excellent experience. Frank at the store was great and our guide, Evan, was great. Very knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. The experience was well worth it and would recommend to anyone. The snorkeling was amazing! Go for it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 1, 2025
Great snorkeling tour - I highly recommend this company and the snorkeling tour to the Captain Cook monument. Bamm gives a great tour. Not only did we see tons of different types of fish, we learned about this history and science of the Bay. When I come back to the Big Island I will be a repeat customer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 27, 2025
Beautiful Morning on the Water! - Had an amazing time with Bam and Michael (Evan at checkout was also great)--they were kind, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate about conservation of the Hawaiian environment and wildlife. The water was incredibly clear and with their guidance, we were able to enjoy beautiful views while respecting the land and water. I would not have wanted to navigate it on my own! The lunch they supplied was fresh and delicious, and they even gave us recommendations for restaurants for the rest of our trip. Highly recommend Kona Boys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor