10 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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5.Midday Meander – Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $187

Meet Kona Boys in Kealakekua, then drive to Napoopoo Pier for a guided mile-long paddle to Kaʻawaloa. Snorkel beside Captain Cook Monument, look for dolphins and whales, and enjoy a Coffee Shack snack. Guides Evan, Michael, Grant, and Bamm are noted for patience and local stories.

“We went on a kayaking and snorkeling tour with Grant, and it was absolutely fantastic! He was incredibly kind and made sure we were all having fun and feeling safe throughout the entire trip. He constantly checked in on everyone and created a really relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Grant also shared fascinating local stories and insights that truly enriched the experience. We absolutely loved every minute—thank you, Grant, for making it so memorable!”

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6.Clear Bottom Kayak Rentals in Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · 1 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $27Best value

Pick up a single or double clear-bottom kayak at Saltwater Soul near the Kona Pier. Wheel it to a public access point, paddle independently for one to five hours, and look for fish, coral, and Spinner dolphins. The $27.50 rate and flexible return time work well for cruise passengers and short visits.

“very friendly and great experience! this was our first time at the island and we have so much fun!!!”

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7.Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $160

In a small group of up to eight, you paddle from Hilo Ocean Adventures across historic Hilo Bay to Coconut Island, or Moku Ola, with guides such as Isaiah, Jake, Devon, and Adam sharing local history, legends, and culture. Expect about two hours, light snacks, and possible rain or turtles.

“Relatively easy and fun. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the area. He truly made the outing memorable for us.”

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8.Wa’a Rides and Charters – Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $69

Paddle Kailua-Kona’s bay in a small Hawaiian outrigger canoe with guides such as Tommy or Grant. In about an hour, you’ll hear stories about Ahuena Heiau, Huliheʻe Palace, Hawaii’s first church, and the busy oceanfront heart of Kona.

“Not what I expected. You just row to the middle of the bay- around and back. We did hear some nice history.”

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9.Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Statue Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $129

Paddle from Hilo Ocean Adventures up the Wailoa River and into Hilo Bay, passing tree branches and Japanese-style bridges before stopping near the King Kamehameha Statue. Guides such as Kelsie, Jenna, Leah, and Danielle offer local history and beginner-friendly instruction. Low water can shift the route to Reed’s Bay.

“The adventure changed from a kayak trip up the river to one out in the bay. Weather was perfect and water was great for kayaking. Saw large turtles and a sting ray. Kelsie was our guide and worked us to see and experience things that we were interested in.”

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10.Historic Hilo Bay Waterfalls by Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start at 9 a.m. behind KapohoKine Adventures in Hilo for a two-hour guided kayak or paddle board trip. Guides such as Victor, Andre, and Montana lead you past Moku Ola, quiet beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and a hydroelectric plant. Water, snacks, and basic instruction are included, but weather can change the route.

“Victor, he was fantastic, we had so much fun with him. He is great guide. If we were staying longer we would go again. Victor is a gem!!”

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