Top 11 Big Island Kayaking Tours

1.3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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

Start near Keauhou Bay around 7am with a lifeguard-trained guide such as Ryan or Miles. Paddle stable kayaks along Kona’s coast, visit sea caves and lava features, snorkel over coral and colorful fish, and try a cliff jump if conditions allow. Groups average 4 to 8 people, with no kayaking experience required.

“Very enjoyable experience. The guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend to everyone!”

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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 8:00 am for a 2.5-hour guided outrigger canoe trip across Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Peter, Jamal, and Johnny share family ties and local knowledge as you snorkel near Captain Cook Monument, watch for dolphins and manta rays, and enjoy drinks and malasadas.

“An amazing trip!! Our guide was excellent!! The water was smooth and the ride was wonderful!! We saw so many cool fish and goats on the cliffs!! I will do it again!!”

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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 Kona Boys in Kealakekua at 7:00 am for a guided kayak and snorkel trip across Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Grant, Tyler, and Nate lead small groups toward the Captain Cook Monument, explain the area’s history and wildlife, and provide snorkeling gear, water, and a Coffee Shack lunch. Moderate fitness is needed.

“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.Midday Meander – Kealakekua Bay Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

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

Paddle one mile across Kealakekua Bay with guides such as Evan, Michael, Grant, or Bamm, then snorkel along the Ka'awaloa coastline beneath Captain Cook’s Monument. This four-hour outing includes gear, safety instruction, snacks, drinks, and a maximum of 12 people. You drive yourself to the bay after meeting in Kealakekua.

“It is totally worth it! Evan is an excellent guide, very patient and helpful. Byo water bottle & snack. Don’t forget underwater camera or case for your phone.”

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5.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 Kona Pier, roll it to a public access point, and explore Kailua-Kona’s coast for one to five hours. Staff provide safety tips and local advice. Return the kayak by 3:30pm. A 375-pound combined limit applies.

“Amazing time! The clear bottom kayak was so cool- we saw so many fish and coral. Would def recommend doing this!”

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6.Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure

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

Kayak Hilo Bay with a guide from Hilo Ocean Adventures on a roughly two-hour trip to Coconut Island, or Moku Ola. You’ll hear stories about healing waters, ancient refuge traditions, Hilo’s culture, and nearby Lili’uokalani Gardens. Groups are limited to eight, with kayaks, paddles, life vests, juice, and snacks included.

“It poured rain and that made it even more fun! Definitely recommend! Easy for the whole family. We saw a sea turtle too!”

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

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

Join Kona Boys for a one-hour Hawaiian outrigger canoe ride from Kona Boys Beach Shack. Guides such as Tommy and Grant share stories about Ahuena Heiau, Hulihe'e Palace, Hawaii’s first church, and Kailua-Kona’s ocean life. The small group, limited to six people, keeps the outing personal and easy to follow.

“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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8.Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Guided Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 1 hour · from $125

Spend one easy hour kayaking from Wailoa River into Hilo Bay, passing dragon-arched Japanese-style bridges, fish, birds, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Your English-speaking guide shares Hilo history and tsunami stories, with snacks, water, and local juices included. Groups are limited to eight, and guides such as Isaiah keep the pace relaxed.

“beautiful fern grotto, and such a scenic relaxing river ride”

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9.Wailoa River to King Kamehameha Statue Kayak Adventure

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

Paddle the calm Wailoa River from Hilo Ocean Adventures toward Hilo Bay, passing Japanese-style bridges, birds, fish, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Guides such as Kelsie, Jenna, Leah, and Danielle have led guests on river or Reed’s Bay routes when water levels change. Kayaks, safety gear, local juice, and snacks are included.

“My boyfriend and I loved our kayak tour. We are first kayakers. It was not the River tour because the water level was too low. We kayaked in Reed’s Bay and it was so much fun. It was ocean open water and it was so beautiful. A sea turtle was swimming in the water by us! Our guides were Jenna and Leah. Both were a lot of fun and knowledgeable about the area. It was such a great experience. They went out of their way to make it an enjoyable day for us.”

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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. Your guide leads you past Moku Ola, quiet beaches, possible waterfalls, and a hydroelectric plant, with stories about Hilo and chances to spot honu. Guides may include Victor, Andre, or Montana.

“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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11.Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $100

Paddle Hilo Bay for about two hours with a guide, stopping at Coconut Island and passing Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, coves, tide pools, and rainforest. Guides such as Isaiah and Matt add local stories about Hilo’s past. Boards, paddles, life jackets, juice, and snacks are included. Ages 8 and up are welcome.

“Starting with the Pro's of our adventure: Isaiah was a great adventure guide. He was very knowledgeable of Coconut Island and the history behind it. He was patient with us and didnt rush us to get around the island. He stayed close to us tRead more”

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