Kealakekua Bay Snorkel: Afternoon Tour & Kona Coast Highlights

Summary

Kealakekua Bay’s calm water, sweet pineapple, and a splash of history

You’ll float above vibrant reefs in Kealakekua Bay, slip down waterslides into warm Pacific water, snack on local pineapple with your family or friends, and hear stories about ancient battles along Kona’s coast—all with an easy afternoon start that lets you savor your morning elsewhere.

What’s the experience like?

We boarded the Fair Wind II at Keauhou Bay in the early afternoon, which honestly felt like cheating—no rush, just that slow Kona rhythm. The crew greeted us with this laid-back warmth I can’t quite describe; one of them, Kaleo, handed out reef-safe sunscreen and cracked a joke about his sunburned nose. I watched families wrangling kids into life vests while the boat gently rocked against the dock. The air smelled faintly salty but also sweet, like sunscreen and something tropical—maybe guava? We’d already spent our morning wandering a coffee farm up mauka, so my legs were grateful for a seat.

As we pulled away from shore, Kaleo pointed out Kuamoʻo Point—a stretch of black lava jutting into the sea—and told us about King Kamehameha III being born nearby. I caught myself zoning out watching sunlight flicker on the water. It’s weird how quiet it gets once you’re past the harbor; just wind and laughter and sometimes a slap of waves against lava rock. Passing by Lekeleke Burial Grounds was sobering. Kaleo lowered his voice to explain what happened there—hundreds buried after an old battle—and nobody really spoke for a minute after that.

The first glimpse of Kealakekua Bay made me sit up straight. The water was this impossible blue-green and so clear you could see fish darting around even before jumping in. My daughter squealed when she spotted the Captain Cook Monument across the bay (she thought it looked like a chess piece). We slid into the water—literally, off these huge slides at the back of the boat—and suddenly everything went muffled except for my own breathing through the snorkel. There were clouds of yellow tangs everywhere, some parrotfish nibbling at coral, and once I swear I saw a sea turtle’s shadow glide by but maybe I imagined it.

Afterwards we munched on sweet potato chips and fresh pineapple—sticky fingers and all—while drying off in patches of sun on deck. Someone tried to pronounce “Kealakekua” right (I gave up), which got a laugh from Kaleo. I kept glancing back at those cliffs rising over the bay as we headed home; it’s hard to explain but you leave feeling both lighter and sort of anchored by all that history under your feet—or fins, I guess.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon snorkel and coastal tour

• Check in at Fair Wind Office
• Browse retail shop for essentials
• Launch from Keauhou Bay
• View Kuamoʻo Point lava promontory
• Pass Lekeleke Burial Grounds shoreline
• Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary
• See Captain Cook Monument from water

Top questions

Is snorkel equipment included on this Kealakekua Bay tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear is provided onboard—including masks (but not full-face ones), fins, flotation devices, and underwater view boxes.

What time does this afternoon snorkel tour depart from Kona?

The tour departs in the afternoon from Keauhou Bay after guests check in at the Fair Wind office near Kona.

Are there snacks or drinks included during the cruise?

Yes—fresh pineapple and island-made sweet potato chips are served onboard for guests to enjoy between swims.

Is this tour suitable for young children or non-swimmers?

Yes—it’s family-friendly with flotation devices available; infants can ride in strollers/prams onboard.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Service animals are allowed on this snorkeling cruise according to tour details.

Will we see dolphins or turtles during snorkeling?

Dolphins or sea turtles are sometimes seen in Kealakekua Bay but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup from Kona hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Fair Wind’s office at Keauhou Bay for check-in before boarding.

Is there any historical commentary during the tour?

Yes—the crew shares stories about sites like Kuamoʻo Point, Lekeleke Burial Grounds, and Captain Cook Monument along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment (except full-face masks), underwater view boxes, inner tubes, two 15-foot waterslides plus a dive platform for fun entry into Kealakekua Bay’s marine sanctuary waters. Island-made sweet potato chips and fresh pineapple are served onboard after snorkeling. All taxes are covered too before returning to shore in Kona’s late afternoon light.