Snorkeling Big Island: Kawaihae Harbor, two reef sites

Two reefs in one morning, lunch between them

Snorkel two sites off the Big Island's Kohala Coast, departing from Kawaihae Harbor aboard Olohana, a 41-foot powerboat. The operator picks the reefs daily for the best visibility and calm conditions. You'll see tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, with dolphins often nearby and humpback whales in season. Between snorkel stops, eat a sandwich lunch and relax on deck while the boat moves to the second site.

The experience

What reefs will you actually see? The operator chooses the two snorkel sites each day based on visibility and water conditions, so the exact locations change. Kawaihae Harbor sits on the Kohala Coast, the Big Island's driest and calmest stretch of water, which is why the reefs here stay accessible on days when other coasts don't. The boat is a 41-foot rigid hull inflatable: built for speed and stability rather than size, so it reaches the reefs quickly and holds steady while you're in the water.

Snorkel gear is provided and sanitized. If you've never snorkeled before, the crew gives instruction and stays in the water with you. Between the two sites, you'll have time to dry off, eat a sandwich lunch with snacks, and drink cold juice, soda or water while sitting in shaded or open-deck seating. Restrooms are on board. The whole outing runs three hours from start to finish.

Dolphins show up often, and humpback whales pass through in season. The reefs themselves hold tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. What you see depends on the day and the conditions, but the operator's daily choice of sites is built around giving you the clearest water and calmest seas available.

What’s included

• Sanitized snorkel gear and flotation equipment.
• instruction and in-water assistance for beginner snorkelers.
• sandwich-style lunch and light snacks.
• cold beverages (juice, soda and water).
• shaded seating and comfortable open-deck areas.
• restrooms on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 28

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 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 effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?The boat departs and returns within three hours, so this fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day. You'll be in and out of the water twice with time to rest and eat between, which suits first-time snorkelers and families as much as experienced ocean swimmers.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 fish and sea life will I see snorkeling off the Big Island?

The reefs hold tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Dolphins are often seen nearby, and humpback whales pass through during their season. The exact species depend on which two sites the operator picks that day based on visibility and water conditions.

Do I need snorkeling experience to go?

No. The crew provides instruction and in-water assistance for first-time snorkelers, and all gear is supplied and sanitized. Moderate physical fitness is needed, and the experience is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkel sites?

The whole outing is three hours. The 41-foot powerboat reaches the reefs quickly, so most of your time is spent snorkeling and relaxing between the two stops rather than traveling.

What's included in the price besides snorkeling?

Snorkel gear, flotation equipment, instruction for beginners, a sandwich lunch, snacks, cold drinks, shaded and open-deck seating, and restrooms on board are all included.

Where does the boat leave from?

Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. Public transportation options are available nearby.