Kailua Kona dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay: Historical narration

A local historian narrates the landmarks and legends you pass, most visible only from the water.

A 3-hour dinner cruise from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii Island's west coast, with a local guide sharing Hawaiian history and stories as you sail. The boat departs Kailua Pier after boarding and appetizers, cruises 24 miles round trip with live narration and dinner at the bay, then returns with live Hawaiian music and sunset views. Dinner, one complimentary cocktail, live entertainment and parking are included. Dietary requests need 48 hours' notice by phone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kailua Pier30m
2. Kealakekua Bay3h

Dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay

• Board 30 minutes before departure
• Enjoy appetizers and complimentary cocktail
• Listen to historical narration and live Hawaiian music
• Cruise 24 miles along Kona's Gold Coast
• Arrive at Kealakekua Bay for dinner
• Return cruise with live music and sunset views

The experience

You board 30 minutes before departure at Kailua Pier and start with island-style appetizers and a complimentary cocktail while live Hawaiian music plays. The 24-mile round trip begins as a local historian points out landmarks and tells stories of Hawaiian sites along the Kona coast: many of them invisible from land. The narration carries you all the way to Kealakekua Bay, where dinner is served. The menu rotates but typically includes a salad with local spinach and strawberries, a choice of roasted chicken with mushroom demi-glace or Thai coconut curry, and chocolate torte for dessert. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours' notice.

The return to Kailua Pier is unhurried, with live Hawaiian music and views of the Kona coastline as the sun sets. The whole experience runs three hours. You'll want your camera ready: dolphins and seasonal whales show up often enough that the operator mentions them as something to watch for. Parking is free at a lot about a block's walk from the pier.

You arrange your own transportation to Kailua Pier. Public transit options exist nearby and the parking area is accessible. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and all areas on board are accessible as well. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A liability waiver is required before boarding.

What’s included

• Dinner with salad, entrée and dessert.
• one complimentary cocktail.
• live Hawaiian music on board.
• live historical narration from a local guide.
• island-style appetizers at boarding.
• free parking near Kailua Pier.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 85

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Body Glove Cruises

Is this one for you?This is a shared cruise with a fixed departure time and a guided experience, so it suits travelers who want the evening arranged and don't want to navigate the coast or plan the meal themselves. If you're new to the island and want to learn the history and stories behind the sites, the historian's narration is what sets this apart from a standard dinner boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of stories does the historian share on the cruise?

The local guide narrates Hawaiian history, stories and legends tied to the landmarks and sites along the Kona coast as you sail toward Kealakekua Bay, pointing out features that are not visible from land.

What's included in the dinner?

Dinner includes a starter salad with local baby spinach, strawberries and macadamia nuts; a choice of roasted airline chicken with mushroom demi-glace or Thai coconut curry; and chocolate torte with raspberry topping for dessert. One complimentary cocktail is included. Additional drinks are available to purchase.

How far is Kealakekua Bay from Kailua Pier?

The cruise covers 24 miles round trip along Kona's Gold Coast to Kealakekua Bay, where dinner is served before the return to the pier.

Can I request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available, but you must contact the operator through the booking platform at least 48 hours before your cruise date to request them.

Is transportation to the pier included?

No, you provide your own transportation to Kailua Pier. Free parking is available about a block's walk from the pier, and public transportation options are nearby.

What time does the cruise leave?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. You'll need to arrive early enough to board, enjoy appetizers and a cocktail, and be ready when the boat departs.