My husband and I rented a double kayak to explore Kealakekua bay. It's about a 30 minute paddle from where you pick up the kayak to the captain cook monument. I am so glad we opted for this non-guided option because you can stop anywhere and snorkel! The water is very visible and we saw eels, fish, and sharks! I recommended being close to the shore/edges as that's where it's a bit more shallow and a lot more coral reefs. Keep in mind, you are not able to dock your kayak anywhere. So when you jump off the kayak, you need to be able to get back on while you are in the water. The guy who got us set up said this was easy, but if you don't have a lot of upper body strength, this will be quite challenging.

We had a large group with ages ranging from 12 to 87. Some of us rented kayaks and others went on the outrigger canoe tour so it was a great way to experience Kealakekua Bay as a family. My parents, daughter and nephew took the outrigger canoe tour. Peter was an amazing tour guide and shared so much of the Hawaiian culture and history on our tour. We all loved hearing the stories of the Hawaiian people as we paddled. Peter even performed a Hawaiian protocol and blew the conch shell. We loved it! We were also able to snorkel in the bay which was so beautiful! We even were able to swim with dolphins! This was an amazing experience for all of us and a highlight of our trip to the Big Island. The service, the people and experience were the best. Thank you for an amazing time!

Other guests didn’t show so we got a private tour in a three seat outrigger. Jamal gave history, conservation and where to snorkel lessons with humor and authority. We love the bay and love the people at Ehu & Kai.

Excellent way to experience the Captain Cook snorkelling area. Easy low key paddle over to the snorkeling area. Our catamaran canoe had 9 people on board, 6 of us shared the paddling. Very easy. Highly recommend taking the 8 am tour since at about 10 am the snorkeling area is flooded with tour boats and snorkelers. We were able to get over and have about an hour with just a few others in the area before the swarms of other people arrive. Water is beautiful and the tour guide gives a lot of historical background on the area. He is a local and owner of the outfit. They provide a dry bag for your personables and some light snacks. Only need to bring your camera and sunscreen.

Fun and interesting tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun. The tour to Captain cooks monument and snorkel was great.