WHERE TO PADDLE · BIG ISLAND KAYAKING TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 12 big island kayaking tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing.
Paddle Kona’s coast, explore sea caves, snorkel coral reefs, and spot dolphins on this small-group Big Island kayak tour.
“Ryan is an amazing tour guide! He is very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a lot of laughs and a great time!”
Review of Ehu and Kai’s Kealakekua Bay outrigger canoe tour, with snorkeling, local history, dolphins, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The Ehu and Kai crew do it right! Amazing day on the water. Short outrigger paddle was fun, and the snorkeling outstanding. Well done.”
Review of Kona Boys’ five-hour kayak and snorkel tour in Kealakekua Bay, with dolphins, history, lunch, pricing, and practical tips.
“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.”
Review of Big Island’s Umauma Falls 9-line zipline and private waterfall swim, with practical tips on price, timing, safety, and value.
“This experience really was epic. The guides (Hogg, Avery, and Koda) were fun, funny, and most importantly thorough. The setting is EXACTLY what you expect Hawaii to be - lush, temperate, and beautiful. The experience is accommodating for all shapes, sizes, and skill levels, and ages in our group ranged from roughly 7 to mid-60’s. Now, the reason I couldn’t give this review a perfect rating is because of the “ticket” pushed to me by Viator, which stated our experience began at 10am in two separate places. Our arrival time was actually supposed to be 9:15 am. While there WAS an email that stated this (admittedly my oversight), when you…”
Paddle Kealakekua Bay, snorkel by Captain Cook Monument, and learn local history on this small-group Kona adventure.
“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.”
Review of clear-bottom kayak rentals in Kailua-Kona, with pricing, launch tips, marine life, limitations, and advice on who should book.
“It was hard to see through the bottom and only saw a few fish. We saw Spinner dolphins which was really cool.”
Paddle historic Hilo Bay to Coconut Island, hear Hawaiian legends, spot turtles, and enjoy a small-group kayak tour with local snacks.
“This was a great experience! As one might expect in Hilo, it rained. It did not damper our experience. Devon was an excellent guide, attentive to the varying levels of kayaking experience of the group. He made everyone feel welcomed, had a wealth of knowledge of the area and its history, and a great sense of humor. Be prepared to kayak in different weather conditions, this Hilo but it is well worth it. We had a great time!”
Paddle Kailua-Kona with Kona Boys on a small outrigger canoe tour featuring Hawaiian history, local guides, and views of the bay.
“A fun and educational activity. We had Tommy guiding us. He made sure we had a safe and enjoyable experience while learning about the local history. We highly recommend this activity! Watch for the schools of bright yellow/orange fish near the pier area”
Review of Hilo’s one-hour Wailoa River kayak tour, with calm water, local history, wildlife, bridges, snacks, and practical tips.
“Our kayaking tour was absolutely fantastic! Isaiah was incredibly knowledgeable and easygoing. He made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free. Truly an outstanding guide, highly recommend!!”
Review the Wailoa River kayak tour in Hilo, with pricing, route details, guides, wildlife, drawbacks, age limits, and booking advice.
“Tour was great. Danielle the tour guide was awesome. Enjoyed the experience. Very Peaceful and Scenic”
Paddle Hilo Bay to quiet beaches, waterfalls, rivers, and historic sites with a small group, local guide, snacks, and possible sea turtle sightings.
“Our guide, Montana, was very knowledgeable about the area and the sea life in the area. We were lucky enough to see a sea turtle during the trip. It was fun and different to be able to see Hilo from the water instead of only walking around. The only reason I am giving this trip a 4 instead of the 5 is weather related.”
Paddle Hilo Bay to Coconut Island with local guides, volcano views, island history, snacks, and a small-group SUP experience.
“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”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
