Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay with Fair Wind Cruises
Great value, plant-based meals, highly reviewed, eco-friendly, the best snorkeling spots, comfortable vessels, waterslides, high-dive platform, and the list goes on. It isn’t if you will book a snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay at the Captain Cook Monument, it is what vessel you will choose. I will break down the Fair Wind II vs Hula Kai snorkeling tours along the Kona Coast!
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Activity Overview
We have snorkeled at Kealakekua Bay, at the Captain Cook Monument, four times, and we continue to go back! Kealakekua Bay is famous for its ancient Hawaiian history, the spot where Captain Cook died, and the pristine reef in Hawaii’s only underwater state park.
Fair Wind Cruises is the oldest and most experienced snorkeling tour operator on the Big Island, family-run since 1971. We recommend heading out with their crew for a perfect Big Island day out on the water.
Here is your guide for choosing the right Captain Cook Monument snorkeling tour for you: Fair Wind II vs Hula Kai!
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour Highlights
- Departs From: Big Island, Keauhou Bay (Kona) near the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort. Click here for directions to the meeting spot: Fair Wind Cruises Map.
- Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the tour
- Price:
- Fair Wind II Morning Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: $175 per adult, $115 for children 4-12 years old, and $50 for toddlers 3 and under.
- Fair Wind II Afternoon Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour: $130 per adult, $90 for children 4-12 years old, and $30 for toddlers 3 and under
- Hula Kai’s Kona Coast Snorkel Tour: $185 per adult (7 years old and up)
- Ages: All ages on the Fair Wind II, 7 and up on the Hula Kai
- Included: Snorkel gear, plant-based meals, reef-safe sunscreen, flotation devices
- Passenger capacities:
- Fair Wind II Vessel: 90 Passengers (Max)
- Hula Kai Vessel: 40 Passengers (Max)
Fair Wind II vs. Hula Kai: Quick Comparison
|
Fair Wind II Morning |
Fair Wind II Afternoon |
Hula Kai Kona Coast |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duration |
4.5 hours |
3.5 hours |
5 hours |
|
Snorkel Time |
~2.5 hours |
~1.5 hours |
~3 hours |
|
Snorkel Stops |
1 (Kealakekua Bay) |
1 (Kealakekua Bay) |
2 (often includes Kealakekua Bay) |
|
Ages |
All ages |
All ages |
7 and up |
|
Meals |
Breakfast + lunch |
Snacks |
Breakfast + lunch |
|
Waterslides |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Paddleboards |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Best for… |
Families, first-timers, beginner snorkelers |
Budget, fewer crowds, beginner snorkelers |
Serious snorkelers, couples |
|
Price |
$175 |
$130 |
$185 |
The Hula Kai’s Kona Coast tour is our pick! We love the additional time in the water and the multiple stops. Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay is amazing, but the spots along the coast are, too. We also enjoy the idea of fewer people in the water.
If you’re going to head out on the water, this is the epic snorkel trip you’re looking to remember.
The Hula Kai Kona Coast Snorkel Tour (Our Top Pick)
- 5 hours, departs Keauhou Bay, roughly 3 hours in the water
- 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Two snorkel stops chosen by the captain, generally Pali Kaholo and Red Hill, and frequently Kealakekua Bay when conditions allow.
- Hydrofoil catamaran, faster and smoother, which is why they can reach spots the other boats can’t
- Because it moves faster and farther offshore, better odds of whales and dolphins on the transit
- Ages 7 and up, no child pricing, which produces a quieter adults-and-older-kids atmosphere
- Paddleboards are available to use, no fee
- Plant-based breakfast and lunch
- Historical narration along the way: Kuamo’o Battlefield, the Royal Holua Slide, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau
Depart Keauhou Bay on the fast Hula Kai. The smooth ride will take you quickly down the Kona Coast to the snorkeling spots.
Hula Kai’s speed lets Four Wind Cruises venture farther from shore to seek out dolphins, whales, and a host of other fascinating pelagic mammals, ensuring an adventure like no other on the Kona Coast.
Red Hill’s snorkel spots are north of Kealakekua Bay. We enjoyed snorkeling along this part of the coast for the unique lava tubes and underwater formations. Marine life was everywhere, and we had the place to ourselves.
Pali Kaholo is 10 miles south of Kealakekua Bay. Very few tour vessels venture down here, and that is the allure of this tour. If the captain doesn’t advise visiting Kealakekua Bay, you will head here for a great chance to swim with sea turtles.
The Hula Kai ventures further from shore for a faster route. This is great for you, as whales are offshore the Kona Coast year-round. You can go on a Year-Round Whale Watching Tour from Kona or get lucky on this Fair Wind snorkeling tour!
The Fair Wind II Morning Snorkel Tour
Set out on an unmatched Kealakekua Bay snorkeling tour on a big boat with a waterslide! This is their signature Kealakekua Bay snorkel tour.
This adventure is not only family-friendly, but it’s also very environmentally friendly. This tour welcomes guests of all ages and stages, including pregnant travelers, so no one has to sit this one out.
For the morning snorkel tour, your day starts with a plant-based breakfast, Kona coffee, and beautiful scenery as you cruise down the Kona Coast. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins, manta rays, and unique volcanic formations on your way to Kealakekua Bay.
This vessel and tour are ideal for families! But don’t think folks without kids won’t have fun. All ages can use the high-jump platform!
- Departure time: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Operates: Daily!
- Two 15-foot waterslides and the high-jump platform! This is why families choose this boat.
- The Fair Wind II is the only vessel permitted to moor at Kealakekua Bay rather than anchor. It’s really nice to have the boat in the same position when you’re snorkeling, and the mooring is in a wonderful location at the reef, near the cliff wall.
- 90 guests maximum; this is a large boat!
The Fair Wind II Afternoon Snorkel Tour
- Departure time: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
- Operates: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- This condensed version of Fair Wind’s signature morning cruise offers exceptional value. You get all the fun at Kealakekua Bay without the full meal service.
Besides the price, another benefit of the afternoon tour is that there are fewer boats in the bay. The morning can get busy with boats.
The trade winds may pick up in the afternoon, but the bay and their mooring spot are well protected from the wind.
Don’t miss swimming with manta rays on the Big Island! We share the best prices, tour types, and eco-friendly operators here: Big Island Manta Ray Snorkeling Tours.
Can You Snorkel Kealakekua Bay Without a Tour?
Yes, you can snorkel at Kealakekua Bay without a tour. Only hikers and permitted kayak tours can go ashore to visit the Captain Cook Monument and then jump in for snorkeling.
We are not fans of the trail to the Captain Cook Monument. It is a steep and strenuous hike in full sun with no water or facilities. Make sure you bring water, sun protection, and good hiking shoes. See our Travel Gear section for what to pack.
There is no easy shore entry at the monument.
We find Captain Cook Monument Snorkeling Tours to be a better way to snorkel and visit Kealakekua Bay. A tour offers more than snorkeling, including the bay’s amazing history and a better chance to see marine life like spinner dolphins.
Looking for more options?
Head to Kealakekua Bay with a small group, on a catamaran, or on a power raft!
What to Expect on Board Fair Wind Cruises
Know before you go is one of our travel mottos! Here is what you can expect when you book a tour with Fair Wind Cruises.
Where You Meet and Parking
Departs From Keauhou Bay (Kona) near the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort. Click here for directions to the meeting spot: Fair Wind Cruises Map.
Here is the best address for your GPS: 78-7130 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This is the same spot where manta ray night snorkeling tours depart from! Keauhou Bay is the home of Manta Village. See our Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tours for our favorites!
Parking is available on the pier and along Kaleiopapa Street. Please watch for “No Parking” signs in the area.
Once you’re parked, head into the Fair Wind Cruises office!
Cruise Passengers
The Fair Wind II Morning Tour departure time works well for Pride of America passengers arriving in Kailua-Kona at 7 AM.
Don’t stress about Fair Wind tours booking up on cruise ship days! They will have availability.
See our FREE Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide if you’re cruising in Hawaii.
The Plant-Based Meals
Get excited for the plant-based menu that is available on the longer morning and Kona Coast tour. These two tours include breakfast and lunch, while the Fair Wind II Afternoon Tour includes snacks.
Seasonal items are marked with an asterisk*.
BREAKFAST MENU
Plant-Based Breakfast:
- Traditional Muesli topped with fresh-grown Island fruit – Overnight soaked oats with coconut milk, dried cranberries, raisins, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and almonds
- Banana Bread – Locally grown bananas (vegan)
- Fresh Fruit Bowl – Island-grown pineapple, papaya, and banana
- 100% Kona coffee grown on Fair Wind’s estate farm
- Hot Big Island Grown Mamaki Tea
- Locally Grown Herbal Iced Tea – sweetened with Sugar Cane Juice*
LUNCH MENU
Plant-Based Lunch:
- BBQ Jackfruit & Coleslaw Slider “pulled pork style”
- Chickpea Slider “tuna salad style“
- Homemade ‘Ulu* (Breadfruit) & Purple Sweet Potato Salad
- Mixed Green Salad with Homemade Salad Dressing
- Island-made Sweet Potato Chips*
- Housemade Pickles
- Organic Soda from Tractor Beverage Co.
- Locally Grown Herbal Iced Tea – sweetened with Sugar Cane Juice*
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Mac Nut & Ginger Snap Cookies
Reef-Safe Sunscreen and What to Bring
- Towel
- Light cover-up
- We recommend wearing sun-protective clothing and a hat. See our Packing List for our favorite products.
- Protect the reef and yourself with reef-safe sunscreens for Hawaii. Fair Wind Cruises also provides reef-safe sunscreen onboard!
Who Should Book Which Boat
- Book the Fair Wind II morning if: you have kids under 7, it’s your first time snorkeling, you want the waterslides, you want a full meal included
- Book the Fair Wind II afternoon if: you want a great value tour, you want fewer boats in the bay, you have a morning commitment
- Book the Hula Kai if: everyone in your group is 7 or older, you’ve already snorkeled Kealakekua Bay, you want maximum water time, you’d rather see two spots than one
Know Before You Go: Snorkel Safety
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
Fair Wind Cruises offer a 24-hour cancellation policy for groups of fewer than 10, 72 hours for groups of 10-20, and 5 days for groups of 21 or more to receive a full refund. If the operator cancels, they will issue full refunds.
What if I can’t swim?
Ride-alongs are welcome, but you must be comfortable in the ocean to snorkel. They provide flotation devices for anyone who wants them.
Can we bring our own gear?
You are welcome to bring your own gear! Just be aware that no full-face masks are permitted. They do supply prescription snorkel masks if you need them.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes! In fact, there are 2 bathrooms on board for your convenience. And fresh water showers!
Do you get to see the Captain Cook Monument up close?
Kealakekua Bay is where you find the Captain Cook Monument, and, yes, you will be able to see the monument aboard our Fair Wind II cruises. There isn’t any place called Captain Cook Bay on the Big Island.
Will I get seasick?
It depends on the person. If you are worried about motion sickness, check with your doctor before traveling about over-the-counter or prescription remedies. Otherwise, Fair Wind has Sea Bands and Dramamine available for purchase in their gift shop, as well as ginger on board both boats.
Will we see dolphins?
There is a very good chance of seeing dolphins year-round. The most common species are spinner dolphins, which go out to deep water at night to hunt but spend their days swimming, playing, and resting in the shallow water and bays near shore. There are, of course, no guarantees when it comes to wildlife viewing; however, they generally encounter dolphins on about half of their cruises. We have seen dolphins on every tour we’ve done to the bay.
About Fair Wind Cruises
Fair Wind is a fantastic tour operator that always keeps its impact in mind, both on its guests and on the world we live in. They have been family-run since 1971 and, for the last 20 years, have consistently implemented strategies to reduce their impact on the planet. It started with recycling and has expanded to include converting to and using locally produced biodiesel, eliminating single-use items, creating a menu with the environment in mind, and getting Sustainable Tourism Certified. Read more about how their menu choices make a positive impact on the environment.
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