Hawaii: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour

Discover the Heart of South Kona with a Snorkeling Adventure for $142

The Hawaii: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour offers a well-rounded 4-hour experience that combines snorkeling, sightseeing, and educational highlights. Priced at $142 per person, this tour departs from Keauhou Bay and takes you along the scenic Kona Coast. It’s a popular choice for those looking to explore two of South Kona’s most treasured sites, with the added bonus of discovering sea caves and lava tubes along the way.

Organized by Sea Quest Hawaii, this excursion is ideal for adventurers who enjoy nature, history, and marine life. The tour caters to most, but excludes children under 5, pregnant women, and individuals with back problems. Expect a comfortable yet active outing, with snorkeling gear, tropical snacks, and water included, making it a convenient and engaging experience.

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Key Points

• Four-hour tour along the Kona Coast, focusing on Pu’uhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay
• Includes snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks at no extra cost
• Expert guides provide insights into Hawaii’s history and local environment
• Exploration of sea caves and lava tubes enhances the adventure
• Meeting point at Sea Quest office in Kailua-Kona, with 15-minute early arrival recommended

Starting Point and Easy Booking Flexibility

This tour begins at the Sea Quest office in Kailua-Kona, located at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St. The meeting time is 15 minutes before the scheduled start to allow for check-in and equipment distribution. The excursion usually runs in the morning, fitting well into a full day of exploring Hawaii.

Booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later feature helps keep your plans flexible. There’s no need to worry about upfront payments, making this a low-pressure way to lock in your Kona Coast adventure.

The Boat Ride Along the Kona Coast

The tour departs from Keauhou Bay aboard a top-of-the-line rigid-hull inflatable boat. This vessel provides stability and speed, allowing for a smooth ride along the coast. The boat ride is a key highlight, offering scenic views of Hawaii’s volcanic landscape while traveling between snorkeling spots.

The boat’s design ensures comfort and safety, and the captain’s expertise guarantees a smooth and informative journey. The ride between stops is also an opportunity to relax, enjoy refreshing drinks and tropical snacks, and witness the stunning coastline.

Snorkeling at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau

The first snorkeling stop takes place at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, known as the Place of Refuge. Here, the waters are pristine and teeming with marine life, including tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. The calm waters make it an accessible spot for snorkelers of various skill levels.

Aside from snorkeling, visitors can learn about the site’s cultural significance and its role as a sanctuary in ancient Hawaii. The beautiful reefs and abundant sea life make this stop a favorite for underwater photography and relaxing swimming.

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Exploring Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument

The second highlight is Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary famous for its clear waters and historic connection to Captain James Cook. The Captain Cook monument is a prominent feature here and provides a striking backdrop for photos and exploration.

The bay’s calm, transparent waters are perfect for snorkeling. Visitors will find a diverse array of marine life and coral formations. Learning about the bay’s history and Captain Cook’s legacy from the guides enriches the experience, making it more than just a snorkeling stop.

Discovering Sea Caves and Lava Tubes

On the return voyage, a special focus is placed on sea caves and lava tubes along the Kona Coast. The captain guides guests close to these geological features, explaining their formation and significance. These natural formations add a sense of adventure and provide unique photo opportunities.

Viewing these features from the boat allows for a safe yet exciting encounter with Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. This part of the tour distinguishes itself from standard snorkeling trips by offering more geological and scenic exploration.

Snacks, Drinks, and Overall Comfort

Throughout the 4-hour tour, tasty tropical snacks and drinks are provided, including water and juice to keep everyone refreshed. These refreshments are part of the included amenities, making the experience enjoyable without the need to bring extra supplies.

Since towels and sunscreen are not included, it’s recommended to bring your own towel and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected during the outing. The guides are known for their friendly and accommodating approach, ensuring guests feel cared for and informed.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems, due to the physical nature of snorkeling and boat travel. Participants should wear swimwear, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before the trip. The activity is designed to be accessible for most, but some physical exertion is involved.

The Importance of Guides and Tour Organization

The guides on this tour are praised for their knowledgeable explanations of the sites and history. They ensure that guests enjoy up-close encounters with marine life and geological features while maintaining safety standards.

The overall organization of the tour is highly regarded, with well-planned stops and a smooth progression from start to finish. The small group size adds a personal touch, allowing for more interaction with the guides and a relaxed atmosphere.

Comparing Similar Experiences

For those interested in other marine or cultural adventures in Hawaii, similar offerings include night manta ray excursions, underwater submarine trips, and luau experiences. These options provide additional ways to explore Hawaii’s marine environment and cultural traditions, but this snorkeling tour remains a well-balanced choice for marine life, history, and scenic beauty.

Final Thoughts on the Kona Coast Snorkeling Tour

The Hawaii: Pu’uhonua O Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour delivers a comprehensive, well-organized experience that combines marine exploration, cultural education, and scenic views. Its affordable price and inclusion of snacks and gear make it an attractive option for travelers seeking value and adventure.

The tour’s strength lies in its stunning snorkeling spots, knowledgeable guides, and unique geological sights like sea caves and lava tubes. While it requires some physical activity and is limited for certain age groups or health conditions, it remains an excellent choice for anyone wanting an authentic Kona Coast experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers sightseeing, snorkeling gear and flotation devices, snacks, water, and juice.

Where does the tour meet?
Guests meet at the Sea Quest office at 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, arriving 15 minutes early.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, usually scheduled in the morning.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?
No, guests should bring their own towels and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What kind of boat is used?
A rigid-hull inflatable boat offers stability and speed along the coast.

What are the main snorkeling locations?
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay are the primary stops.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of two iconic snorkeling spots, sea caves and lava tubes, and expert guides make this experience memorable.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby