Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Tour & Sea Caves

Summary

Kealakekua Bay snorkeling with sea caves dolphins and local stories

You’ll glide over clear water at Kealakekua Bay, snorkel above bright fish near Captain Cook Monument, listen to local stories as you explore sea caves, and snack on fresh fruit after swimming. It’s a gentle day for beginners or families — just enough adventure to linger in your mind after you’re dry again.

What’s the experience like?

We clambered onto the zodiac in Kailua-Kona, legs a little wobbly — I always forget how those pontoons bounce under you. The captain grinned and handed me a noodle (the floaty kind, not the edible one), which I hugged like a lifeline. As we sped along the coast toward Kealakekua Bay, spray hit my face and I caught that salty tang mixed with something almost sweet — maybe plumeria from the shore? Our guide, Kaleo, started pointing out these jagged black lava tubes carved into the cliffs. He told us stories about old Hawaiian kings hiding out here, and honestly, I got so caught up listening that I almost missed the first pod of spinner dolphins flipping in the distance. Someone shouted and we all craned our necks, laughing when one kid tried to mimic their spins (not even close).

Slipping into the water near the Captain Cook Monument felt weirdly peaceful — not what I expected after all that bouncing around. At first my mask fogged up (classic), but Kaleo showed me this trick with spit (gross but it worked). Then suddenly everything was blue and flickering below me: schools of yellow tangs darting between rocks, flashes of parrotfish chomping on coral. The water was warm but every now and then a cool current would sneak by my ankles. I kept thinking I'd be nervous but floating with that noodle under my arms made it easy to just drift and watch. Didn’t spot a honu this time — maybe next trip.

After about half an hour in the bay (felt shorter somehow), we climbed back up that metal ladder — harder than it looks when you’re soggy and giggling. They passed around pineapple slices and juice while Kaleo pointed out where Captain Cook’s last moments happened. It’s strange hearing heavy history right after watching fish nibble at your toes, but it stuck with me more than any museum plaque ever has. On the way back we slowed by another sea cave; someone said they smelled rain on the wind, though all I noticed was sunscreen and salt drying on my skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel tour at Kealakekua Bay

• Check in and receive gear
• Learn Hawaiian history from captain
• Snorkel for 30-40 minutes
• View tropical fish and sea turtles
• Explore sea caves and lava tubes
• Watch for dolphins and whales

Top questions

How long is the snorkel tour to Captain Cook Monument?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours total, including check-in and gear fitting.

Is this snorkel tour suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes, it's ideal for families or new snorkelers who are comfortable swimming unassisted.

How much time do you spend snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay?

You get approximately 30-40 minutes of snorkel time in the bay.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, light snacks like fruit plus juice and bottled water are included.

Will we see dolphins or turtles on this trip?

Dolphins are sometimes spotted along the way; Hawaiian green sea turtles ("honu") may be seen while snorkeling but aren't guaranteed.

Is pickup included for this Kailua-Kona snorkel tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests check in at the departure point.

What type of boat is used for this tour?

The boat is a RHIB (zodiac-style) vessel with pontoon seating.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

No restrooms are available on the boat during this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel gear plus pool noodles for floating comfort, sightseeing along lava tubes and coastal sea caves with historical narration from your local captain, light snacks like fruit with juice and bottled water served after swimming—all before returning to Kailua-Kona by zodiac boat.