Mauna Kea One-Stop Sealife Snorkel

Duration: 2 Hours
Power Boat: Olohana
Departure : Waimea, Kawaihae Harbor
Adult Starting at: $99
Child Starting at: $79
Close to Location: Nearby Mauna Kea Resorts

What You Will Experience

Cruise the Kohala Coast from Kawaihae Harbor for a two-hour snorkeling adventure. Discover vibrant reefs, tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles — with dolphins often spotted along the way.

What to Expect

Get ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure as we depart from Kawaihae Harbor aboard Olohana — a brand-new, luxury 41’ powerboat built for comfort, speed, and an up-close experience with the Big Island’s stunning Kohala Coast.

Cruise across crystal-clear waters to a vibrant reef alive with tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. With snorkel gear provided and our friendly crew ready to assist, it’s perfect for both first-time snorkelers and seasoned ocean lovers.

Keep an eye out for playful dolphins or even whales in season. This fast, fun, and family-friendly experience offers the best of adventure and aloha on Hawai‘i’s sunny northwest shore.

Highlights

Premier Snorkeling: Dive into clear, calm waters at a hand-picked site along the Kohala Coast. Each location is chosen daily for the best visibility, marine life, and ocean conditions.
Abundant Marine Life: Discover vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and graceful Hawaiian green sea turtles. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins — or even humpback whales during the winter months.
Fast & Fun Ride: Cruise just above the water aboard Olohana, a luxury 41-ft powerboat built for speed, comfort, and incredible coastal views of lava tubes, cliffs, and sea caves.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy an intimate setting with plenty of space to relax and personalized attention from the crew — perfect for families, couples, and friends alike.
Expert Crew: Our professional captain and knowledgeable snorkel guide share local insights, provide all equipment, and offer in-water assistance for a safe and memorable experience.

What's Included

2-hour luxury powerboat cruise aboard Olohana
Professional captain and friendly local crew
Clean, sanitized snorkel gear — masks, fins, and vests provided
Instruction and in-water assistance for beginners
Light snacks, chilled soft drinks, juice, and water
Shaded seating and comfortable open-deck areas for relaxing between snorkel stops
Wildlife viewing: turtles, reef fish, and often dolphins or whales (in season)
Restroom on board

About The Boat

Get ready for an unforgettable ocean adventure as we set off from Kawaihae Harbor on our custom-built 41′ RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) Olohana — designed for comfort, speed, and an up-close experience with the stunning Hawaiian coastline!

Adult (13+): $99
Child (4-12): $79
Infant (0-3): FREE

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Meeting & Pickup Location

Meeting location

Waimea, departing from Kawaihae Harbor

Kawaihae Harbor
Waimea, HI 96743

Arrival Time: Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.

Location: Kawaihae Harbor South — look for the “Check-In” sign near the Hawai‘i Nautical loading area.

Check-In Process: Meet your captain and crew, complete a quick safety orientation, and get fitted with your snorkel gear before boarding Olohana.

Parking: Free parking is available at Kawaihae Harbor South. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot and not leaving valuables in your vehicle.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

This snorkel cruise is approximately 2 hours, including travel time and your snorkel stop.

We depart from Kawaihae Harbor South, conveniently located just minutes from Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Lani, and Waikoloa resorts.

Yes! Our crew provides instruction and in-water assistance for anyone new to snorkeling. The experience is great for all ages and skill levels.

Olohana boards directly from a dock, offering easy, step-on access — perfect for families and guests who prefer not to board from the beach.

Yes — you’re welcome to bring your own traditional mask and snorkel, but full-face snorkel masks are not permitted for safety reasons. Sanitized masks, snorkels, and fins are provided on board at no extra charge.

Cold soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Guests are welcome to bring light snacks if desired.

Yes. Olohana is equipped with a clean marine restroom for guest use.

The waters along the Kohala Coast are typically calm, and Olohana offers a stable ride. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions before boarding.

Swimsuit and towel
Reef-safe sunscreen (no sprays, please apply before boarding)
Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
Reusable water bottle (to help reduce plastic waste — water provided on board)
Light cover-up or rash guard for sun protection before/after the snorkel session
Optional: Camera or waterproof phone case for photos… don’t forget to tag us @hawaiinautical!

If your tour is cancelled due to the captain’s discretion and/or weather, then you will receive a full refund or option to re-book your tour on another date based on availability. Guests cancelling their tour reservations 48 hours or more prior to departure are eligible to receive a full refund or can elect to re-book the tour on another date based on availability. Trip Protection is now available. For a small fee Trip Protection can be added to any booking allowing cancellation up to just 1 hour prior to departure! Trip Protection can be purchased at check-out. Guests who are not purchasing Trip Protection and cancelling their tour reservations less than 48 hours prior to departure are not eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment.

Private Charters

Discover an unforgettable private ocean adventure along the stunning Kona Coast. This exclusive charter blends five-star comfort with the natural beauty of Hawai‘i’s waters. Explore pristine snorkel sites like Pawai Bay’s lava arches and Makalawena’s secluded beaches—home to vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and graceful sea turtles. Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins year-round and breaching humpback whales in winter.

With personalized service, premium amenities, and a commitment to ocean stewardship, Hawaii Nautical delivers a luxury yacht experience that’s both indulgent and eco-conscious. Perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking an intimate and unforgettable day on the Big Island’s crystal-blue waters.

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