Kayak Rental Frequent Questions
We think embarking on an ocean-kayak adventure to the Captain Cook monument in Kealakekua Bay is about one of the best ways you can spend a day in Hawaii.
In order to share this awesome ocean adventure with as many as possible while preserving the area for future generations, here are answers to some of the questions you may have before heading out.
More questions? We’d love to answer them for you! Give us a call at 808-328-1234 or email us at info@konaboys.com.
Q: How do you get to the monument to see the spectacular snorkeling?
A: You have a few choices. Swim a mile across the bay, hike a steep, long, bumpy path, or kayak. We clearly recommend kayaking.
Q: I’ve never been kayaking in the ocean before. Will I be able to handle it?
A: Kealakekua Bay is one of the most protected bays in the Hawaiian islands. Swells (waves) rarely affect it, there’s very little current, and the wind is light and variable. Ultimately, you make the call. But, if you going to kayak anywhere outside of a lake, Kealakekua Bay is a great starting point.
Q: How do I get a kayak down to the bay?
A: Our friendly staff will put it on top of your car using a soft rack system consisting of a few soft racks and straps. While we put the kayak on your car, you’ll get all set up with a good orientation of where to head and great sites to see.
Q: Can you put a kayak on a convertible?
A: Yes we can. We can put up to three kayaks on almost any car, including small foriegn convertibles.
Q: I’m driving a rental car. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely. The soft rack system has been successfully used for many years. You’ll be amazed how easy and effective it is.
Q: How far is the Captain Cook monument from your shop?
A: About 3 miles as the crow flies, or 6 miles if you take the roads. Our mauka (mountain) shop is located in Kealakekua, right between North Kona (places like Waikoloa, Kailua-Kona, and Keahou) and Kealakekua Bay. So, if you’re coming from the north, we’re right on your way.
Q: Where are you located?
A: 79-7539 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750. That’s about a half mile south of mile marker 113 on the main hiway, called Mamalahoa Hwy, Hwy 11, or the Hawaii belt road.
Q: Where do we land the kayak to snorkel?
A: You should land about 100 yards to the left of the Captain Cook monument, using the ancient canoe landing at Kaawaloa. That spot, a pahoehoe lava flow area, is the easiest place in and out of the water for both landing and snorkeling. Importantly, there is no coral there to damage (or to damage you). You will want to have decent footwear—something better than flip-flops—to confidently make the landing without getting cut or slipping.
Q: Is our stuff safe in the kayak?
A: Yes, unless it’s food. Mongooses are plentiful, fat, and happy in Kaawaloa and they’d be happy to make you short one bag of chips if you give them the opportunity. Be sure to zip up all your food in a cooler or dry bag.
Q: Will we see dolphins?
A: There is a good chance that you will get to see one or more pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins who use Kealakekua Bay as their rest area. The dolphins are often in the bay, but they come and go as they please. If you do see dolphins, it is likely that they are getting much needed rest to hunt and live. So, please treat them respectfully by not encroaching on them closer than 150 feet.
Q: Can I swim with the dolphins?
A: No. The law states that you cannot encroach upon the dolphins within 150 feet or less. Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District (see the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources for more); therefore, fines of up to $10,000 may be imposed for the harassment of whales, dolphins and/or sea turtles. Please help us protect our bay and the life in it by respecting the marine mammals, admiring them from an appropriate distance.
