Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay might have the clearest water in the area so it’s a great spot for snorkeling and kayaking.

If a big tour boat isn’t your style you can take a guided kayak tour across the bay to Captain Cook Monument or hike down the trail. Both are fun options.

• Guided kayak tour: There are several tour companies that offer guided kayak tours to Kealakekua Bay. This is a great option if you want to experience the bay at your own pace and have a chance to learn about the marine life from a knowledgeable guide. We went with Aloha Kayak and had a great time. The guides are knowledgeable and keep the group together. No Paddler left behind!

• Hike down the trail: There is a trail that leads down to the Captain Cook Monument from Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The hike is about 2 miles round-trip and takes about 30 minutes (Full Disclosure: 40+ minutes on the way back up). Pace yourself. Once you reach the monument, you can snorkel in the water around the monument.

Some tips for kayaking to the Captain Cook Monument:

• Book your tour in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Bring a water bottle and snacks.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for boat traffic.
• If you are barefoot, reapply reef-safe sunscreen to the tops of your feet on the way back! 

Some tips for hiking to the Captain Cook Monument:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Bring a water bottle and snacks.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for uneven footing.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Pack it in, pack it out!

Early morning is the best time to snorkel in Kealakekua Bay without the tour boats.

Tour boats typically start arriving at Kealakekua Bay around 9:00am, so if you can get there before then, you’ll have the bay to yourself. The water is also generally calmer in the morning, which makes for better snorkeling conditions.

Some tips for snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay early morning:

• Arrive at the trailhead early, around 7:00am or 8:00am.
• Park at the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park parking lot.
• The trail is easy to follow.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for boat traffic.
• Do not chase the dolphins!

If you can’t make it to Kealakekua Bay early morning, another option is to snorkel late afternoon. Most tour boats leave the bay by 3:00pm, so you’ll have a couple of hours to snorkel without the crowds.

Kealakekua Bay snorkeling and kayaking

• Arrive at the trailhead around 2:30pm or 3:00pm.
• Leave the bay by 5:00pm to avoid hiking up the trail in the dark.

No matter what time of day you choose to snorkel in Kealakekua Bay or how you get there, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You should also bring a snorkel set, fins, and a floatation device if you’re not a confident swimmer. It’s a beautiful place with a variety of marine life to see.

Have a great time snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay!

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