4 Big Island Kayak Tours to Build a Morning Around

1.3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 384 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Set out around 7 a.m. from Keauhou Bay with a lifeguard-trained guide such as Ryan or Miles. Paddle stable kayaks to sea caves and lava features, snorkel over coral and fish, and try an optional cliff jump. Groups average 4 to 8 people, with a maximum of 10.

“Tour location is easy to get to and at 7am, parking was no problem. The kayaking is along shoreline, as is snorkeling. We skipped the cliff jumping. Had a great time with our tour guide Miles.”

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2.Guided Outrigger Canoe Tour in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $155

Join Ehu and Kai Adventures at 8 a.m. for a small-group outrigger canoe trip across Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Uncle Peter, Jamal, and Johnny share family-linked stories of the coast, then lead you to clear reef water for snorkeling, with gear provided.

“Our guide was amazing, accommodating and very informative. Location was ideal. Morning session was perfect. Great weather and not too many people at the snorkeling location.”

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3.Morning Magic Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 183 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $257

Start at 7:00 am with Kona Boys and paddle across protected Kealakekua Bay toward the Captain Cook Monument. Guides such as Grant, Tyler, and Nate combine local history with wildlife watching, snorkeling, bottled water, and a fresh lunch from The Coffee Shack. The group is limited to 12 people.

“Worth it, 100% get up early and do this tour. We had a fantastic guide, Grant. 10/10 would just hang out with him again but besides getting along with our guide this tour felt really special and we were beyond so informed about the area and the history and the wildlife. Very respectful and respectable guide. We lucked into being a very small group so we made good time getting across and got so much time to snorkel, could've stayed in there all day looking at coral and fishes and out on the kayak chatting about anything and everything. It was a dream, thank you Grant and Kona Boys.”

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4.Big Island 9-Line Zipline Experience Plus Private Waterfall Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 170 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $347

Spend about four hours at Umauma Falls with guides such as John, Rusty, Skip, and Koda. The 9-line course crosses tropical ravines and waterfall views, followed by a private pond swim, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a picnic lunch.

“My husband and I brought our 7 year old and 11 year old boys. I am the only one who had zip lined before, so no experience necessary. We all loved it! The guides were amazing with the kids and adults! They made it so fun and kept the energy up with music and jokes and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves throughout!”

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