Kealakekua Bay Outrigger Canoe Tour: Paddle to Cook Monument

Paddle a traditional outrigger canoe past sea cliffs and caves to snorkel where history and marine life meet

An outrigger canoe tour in Kealakekua Bay combines paddling to the Captain Cook Monument with snorkeling in a Marine Life Conservation Area, guided by locals whose families are rooted in the bay's history. The double-hull canoes hold up to ten passengers and require minimal paddling effort from you. The guide provides the muscle and narration while you take in the sights. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Moderate fitness helps but the canoe's stability makes the experience accessible.

The experience

You board a traditional double-hull outrigger canoe built for stability and smooth rides, holding up to ten passengers. The guide does most of the paddling while you sit back and listen to the history of Kealakekua Bay: one of Hawaii's most sacred and historical sites. As you move across the water, you pass sea cliffs and caves along the Pali, learning how Hawaiians lived in the area and what made the bay central to their culture. The guides take pride in sharing this history because their own families are tied to it. They are not reading from a script.

The tour heads toward the Captain Cook Monument, where the bay opens into deeper water. You'll snorkel in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation Area, with all snorkeling equipment provided. The whole outing runs about two and a half hours, long enough to see the bay's landmarks and get in the water without a full-day commitment.

What’s included

• Use of the outrigger canoe.
• local guide with family ties to Kealakekua Bay.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• instruction on the bay's history and sacred sites.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (3 to 90 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ehu and Kai Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to experience Kealakekua Bay's history and marine life without paddling yourself: the outrigger canoe's stability and the guide's narration mean you can sit back and absorb the bay while the crew handles the work.

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Top questions

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's the history behind Kealakekua Bay that the guide will explain?

Kealakekua Bay is one of Hawaii's most sacred and historical sites, tied to how Hawaiians lived in the area and the mysterious caves along the Pali cliff. The guides share this history because their own families' histories are uniquely connected to the bay.

How much paddling will I actually have to do?

The guide provides the muscle and narration. You enjoy the sights and history. The outrigger canoe's double-hull design and stability mean minimal exertion is required from passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring anything beyond a swimsuit and towel.

Can I bring an infant on the outrigger canoe tour?

Yes, infants are welcome and required to sit on an adult's lap during the tour.

How long does the entire tour take?

The guided outrigger canoe tour runs approximately two and a half hours, including paddling to the Captain Cook Monument and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.