Kona: Captain Cook & Place of Refuge Snorkel Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Snorkel crystal-clear Kona waters near Captain Cook and Puuhonua O Honaunau with local stories and marine life

You’ll snorkel two legendary Kona bays—Kealakekua near Captain Cook Monument and Honaunau beside Puuhonua O Honaunau—guided by locals who share island stories as you spot colorful fish or maybe a sea turtle. Gear, snacks, fruit, juice, and bottled water are included so you can just focus on floating above coral shelves and soaking up those Big Island moments.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a parrotfish up close?" That’s what our captain asked as we zipped out past the shoreline — and honestly, I hadn’t. The wind was salty and warm on my face, and I could already smell sunscreen mixing with the ocean air. Our group was small, maybe eight of us perched along the sides of this bouncy zodiac boat (I kind of loved how low to the water we sat). I remember someone laughing about how their mask made them look like a bug. Our guide, Leilani, pointed out lava tubes carved into the cliffs — she called one “the dragon’s mouth.” I tried to imagine ancient Hawaiians paddling here; it’s wild how close history feels on the Big Island.

First stop: Kealakekua Bay. The water was so clear you could see your toes hanging off the side before you even jumped in. I hesitated for a second (cold shock is real), but then it was just me and a hundred darting fish — yellow ones mostly, some with stripes like little pajamas. Leilani floated nearby and told us about Captain Cook landing here. She also handed me a pool noodle when my calves cramped up (embarrassing but whatever). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel — kind of peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

We cruised down to Honaunau Bay next, right by Puuhonua O Honaunau — which Leilani called “the Place of Refuge.” The coral shelves here looked almost neon against patches of white sand. A green sea turtle glided past us so slowly that time felt weirdly stretched out. Someone tried to say “honu” (turtle) in Hawaiian and totally butchered it; Leilani laughed but helped us get it right. On the ride back, juice and fresh pineapple tasted extra sweet after all that saltwater.

I still think about floating there with sunlight flickering over my arms — not really knowing what would swim by next. If you’re up for a day trip snorkeling Kona’s best spots with people who actually care about this place, well… it’s hard to beat that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel Captain Cook and Place of Refuge

• Depart for Kealakekua Bay
• Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay
• Learn Hawaiian history from captain
• View sea caves and lava tubes
• Watch for dolphins and whales
• Snorkel at Honaunau Bay
• Explore coral shelves and sandy patches
• Spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle
• Return to departure point

Top questions

Is snorkeling experience required for this Kona tour?

You need to be comfortable swimming unassisted and treading water; prior snorkel experience helps but isn’t strictly required.

Are masks and fins provided on the Captain Cook snorkel trip?

Yes, mask, fins, snorkel gear, and pool noodles are included for all guests.

How many people are usually on this Kona snorkeling tour?

The group size is small since seating is on a zodiac-style boat (RHIB), usually around 8-12 guests.

Will we see dolphins or whales during this day trip?

You might spot dolphins year-round; humpback whales are seasonal visitors in winter months.

Is lunch provided during the snorkel tour?

No full lunch is served but snacks, fresh fruit, juice, and bottled water are included onboard.

Are there restroom facilities on the boat?

No restroom facilities are available on board during this tour.

What ages can join the Kona snorkeling day trip?

The minimum age is 6 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Where does the Kona snorkel tour depart from?

The tour departs from Kailua-Kona harbor area; exact location details are provided after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes friendly local guides sharing Hawaiian history as you cruise along rugged coastline in a zodiac boat—with all snorkel gear (mask, fins, pool noodles) provided plus snacks like fruit and juice to keep you going between swims at Kealakekua Bay near Captain Cook Monument and Honaunau Bay beside Puuhonua O Honaunau. Bottled water is always available onboard too.