Kayak
Kona’s original, award winning Kayak shop
Kona Boys is Kona’s original, award winning kayak shop, serving the Big Island and specializing in Kealakekua Bay since 1995.
“You deserve a good Paddling” has always been our catch phrase and we’re just the ones to give it to you. We wouldn’t be in the business if we didn’t get to spend some time on the water, sharing it with visitors to our island. We have a great respect for the ocean and all that lives within and pride ourselves on helping to preserve our amazing marine ecosystem. So, whether you’re looking for a rental or a tour, let Kona Boys help with all of your kayaking needs.
The Kona Coast of the Big Island is the leeward coast which means that it is protected and generally very calm. There are plenty of boat ramps scattered down the coastline and opportunities for paddlers of all levels. One of the favorite spots for kayaking is Kealakekua Bay which is the most protected deep water bay in all of the Hawaiian Islands and designated as a Marine Life Conservation District. Kealakekua Bay is also one of, if not the, most historically significant sites in Hawaii, not just because Captain Cook landed there, but because it was home to many Hawaiian chiefs.
Kayak and Snorkel Tours
Kona Boys 1/2 Day Kealakekua Bay Private Tours
Private tours of Kealakekau Bay are just that, private. Limited to the people in your party, and our guide, these tours ensure that you get the most our of your kayaking experience.
Private tours meet at our shop at 7:15am (of course, as these are private tours, we will adjust the times to fit your schedule or preference). At the shop we will take care of the paperwork and get you outfitted with the gear you’ll need for the day (snorkel gear, booties, etc.), review the Marine Life Conservation District Rules, and go over what you can expect from you day.
After a short drive from our shop down to the Bay you will meet your guide who will have all of the kayaks and gear prepped for departure and after a short orientation on paddling skills you’re on the water. Our guides have great knowledge of the Bay and it’s natural and cultural history that they would be more than happy to share throughout the day. With any luck you’ll have a dolphin experience on the way to Capt.
Cook’s monument where we’ll land the kayaks and gear up for some snorkeling. Best seen in the morning, the coral lights up as the early morning sun penetrates the calm waters of the Bay. After building up an appetite in the water we will take to land for a hike around the lava rock point, enjoying the many tide pools, blow holes, arches, and unusual surge areas before finding a quiet, secluded spot to enjoy our lunches.
After lunch we usually have time to enjoy a little more snorkeling or exploring before paddling back to the launch where the tour will wrap up. Remember this is a private tour and we’re there to cater to your enjoyment, therefore if you want more snorkeling, or hiking, or talk story, just let the guide know how you’re feeling and we’ll make the adjustments to ensure that your time is spent in the way most enjoyable to you.
Kona Boys 1/2 Day Kealakekua Bay Group Tours
On the day of the trip you will meet us at the Kona Boys shop, just south of mile marker 113 on Hwy 11, at 8:15 am. At the shop we will take care of paperwork and outfit you with snorkel gear and booties for the trip. We will also review Marine Life Conservation District rules and do a thorough orientation for you before you head down to the bay which is approximately 6 miles from our shop.
Your guide will be at the bay waiting for you with all of your gear; kayaks, backrests, coolers filled with lunch and drinks, dry bags, and lifejackets.
You will begin your paddle by looking for spinner dolphins which frequent Kealakekua Bay; however these dolphins are protected so we are careful to give them their space, although it is not uncommon for them to swim over to say hello. The paddle is about 1.2 miles each way and takes between 25 and 35 minutes.
Once across the bay we gear up for snorkeling what is considered to be the some of the most pristine coral in the US. After building up an appetite in the water we take a break to enjoy a light snack and some drinks. After lunch we usually have time to enjoy a little more snorkeling or exploring before paddling back to the launch where the tour will wrap up around 12:30pm
Once the boats are out of the water and we have sorted out your personal belongings you are free to enjoy the rest of the day and our guides will make sure the gear is accounted for and returned to the shop. We recommend that you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a shirt to cover up as after a few hours the sun takes its toll. If you have any other questions in regard to the tour please give us a call at 808.328.1234.
Sunset Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Come join the Kona Boys for a sunset paddle and enjoy Hawaii’s amazing sunsets from the water. Like the ½ day tour, you will meet at the Kona Boys shop where we will outfit you with gear for you adventure before you drive down to Kealakekua Bay, where your boats and guide will be waiting for you.
From the launch you will leisurely paddle across the bay, arriving at your landing with enough light to enjoy a spectacular snorkel over one of the worlds most pristine reefs. Kealakekua Bay has an amazing variety of reef fish, with over 250 different species that have been identified in Kealakekua Bay alone. Once we’ve finished the snorkeling we will reload the kayaks and make our way back across the bay, stopping half way to enjoy the sunset as the glowing sun dips into the Pacific. The entire trip lasts about three hours. Tour departure times will vary based on the sun set.
Overnight Kayak trips
These trips will vary depending on the season and ocean conditions. For those traveling during the summer months we like to kayak and camp on north east side of the island where deep valleys and difficult access keep the bustle of everyday life away. Winter trips take place on the South Kona coast, where calm waters lead to serene bays with black sand beaches and tropical coconut groves. Camping trips are completely outfitted and include breakfast, dinner, and a light snack each day as well as a private guide (or possibly more depending on the size of your group). Overnight trips do take some planning on our end, so please try to make reservations at least one month in advance, a 50% deposit is required and will be charged at the time the reservation is made. Should conditions dictate, we reserve the right to change the destination of the trip or cancel it altogether if it is deemed unsafe by the Hawaii Civil Defense.
Custom Guided Tours
Perhaps you’ve already joined the Kona Boys for a tour, or maybe you just have an idea for a trip that needs a little personalization. Whatever the reason, the Kona Boys are happy to customize a tour to your specifications. We will do everything we can (short of breaking the law) in order to make your tour exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it means customizing your menu, securing permits for a specific beach, or providing fishing gear to add a new dimension to an existing trip, we’ll take care of the details. Remember to give us plenty of notice if you’re customizing your tours, as well need to make plans and reservations at least a month in advance. Customized tours are priced on a one off basis depending on your requests.
Kayak Rentals
| Single Kayak | $47 |
| Double Kayak | $67 |
| Weekly Single | $150 |
| Weekly Double | $275 |
All kayak rentals include; dry bag, soft cooler, backrests, lifejackets, and paddles as well as the racks and straps to transport the boat(s).
Backrests, boogie boards, life jackets, coolers, paddles and dry bags can all be rented separately
Additional Rentals
| Snorkel Sets | $7 |
| mask, fins, snorkel | |
| Individual pieces | $3 |
| Booties | $3.50 |
We also offer RX/prescription Masks for $10
Please let us know if you are a return customer or a Hawaii resident.
