Deluxe Kayak Kealakekua Bay & Snorkel Tour

My husband and I, along with another couple, took this kayak trip on Dec. 30, 2012. We were unaware that the state of Hawaii was scheduled to enforce a ban on watercraft in this bay two days later (January 1), so we feel lucky to have participated. The tour guides who accompanied us -- I think their names were Chris and Reid -- were both friendly and seemed more professional than another, smaller group who appeared on the boat launch at about the same time. (Those guys were smoking cigarettes and didn't appear to be very friendly to their patrons. I would have been completely irritated by that!) Chris is a schoolteacher and was just a pleasant and well-informed young man. Despite only having moved to Hawaii several months before, he was very well-versed in the history of Captain Cook and the monument. On the van ride to the boat launch, he described some history of Hawaiian royalty and the story of Capt. Cook's arrival and ultimate demise, and he continued the history discussion after we kayaked to the site. It was clear that he really enjoyed this part of the job and I bet he's a well-liked teacher! He and Reid were quite helpful and attentive getting everyone safely into and out of their kayaks, which was tricky on this day with some rough seas. The trip itself was a lot of fun and not too strenuous for reasonably active and adventurous people. I think young children and the elderly might have more difficulty, but I wouldn't call it dangerous. The snorkeling in front of the monument is great; the best reef I've seen in Hawaii, personally. We saw an eel among the fishes, and then on the way back in the kayaks, a couple of people saw a manta ray near the surface. A pod of spinner dolphins was swimming some distance away, between us and the sheer cliff face. It was the first trip to Hawaii for one of our friends, and the first sea kayak adventure for all four of us in our group. While I understand the state's reasons for banning all watercraft in the bay (due to many people disregarding the rules and landing on the monument site without permits), it really is too bad that it hurts responsible outfitters like these guys. We hope the ban is only temporary so they can resume offering this trip. It is worth the price.

We are not experienced kayakers and whilst there's not a lot to it - sit down and move your arms - we did have some concerns about whether the guide would be a young fit 18yo who would take off like a rocket and leave us behind. This didn't happen - our guides Roy and Joy - were fantastic in taking care of everything, and allowing everyone to travel at their own speeds rather than being pressured by the clock the whole time. The reef near the monument was the best snorkeling we found on Oahu, and also far better than Two Steps on the Big Island, so this is definitely a great way to see more interesting fish species diversity, as well as learning of the history.

Very nicely run trip with knowledgeable operators. They are lcensed and take care of the fragile area around the monument.

Great guide service, prestine clear water to view the colorful corrals and abundance of sealife. This was the best snorkeling adventure in the 4 days of snorkelling.

Was a bit nervous of kayaking in the ocean and snorkeling but the day was perfect, sunny and calm. Kayaking was such a natural and peaceful way to get to the Monument. Staff was wonderful, thanks Ryan, and snorkeling was amazing. Was nice to have some snacks and the expertise of the staff to know where to snorkel and what to watch for. Would HIGHLY recommend this excursion; well worth the price!

We took this tour with Chris just before Christmas. Although we were a family of 5 adults (parents & children), we thought that having a guide to tell us about the area and to take care of all of the 'hard work' in prepping the kayaks would be a good idea. We were definitely right! Chris gave us a lot of interesting details about the area, was very personable, and ensured that our kayaks were maneuvered and parked without destroying the coral. Unfortunately, not everyone outside of our group did the same. Despite a few complaints about the early hour (7am) of the tour, everyone was very happy in the end. There were plenty of snacks, and the snorkeling was great!

It was great, but would have been perfect if someone was snorkeling with us to point out the types of fish. The guide we had was very environmentally conscious, which we really appreciated.

I LOVED doing the kayak/snorkel through Adventures in Paradise - I picked them because of a guidebook recommendation, other reviews, their location, and because they noted it was great for beginners (I'd never snorkeled before and don't swim very well). It was FANTASTIC! Roy and Joy were awesome guides - super knowledgeable about the activities and the area - and it was very obvious how much they love doing this and sharing it with others. The morning tour is great, because you get there before anyone else (we only saw one other kayak at the monument, and no one snorkeling). This was the only "tour" I did during my week on the Big Island, and I'm so glad I did it. The other couple on the same tour said they'd snorkeled a couple times around the islands, and this was the clearest. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience - it really made my trip!

Aloha! A girlfriend and I went on an am trip. Luckily, we were the only customers on this morning, and had Roy and Joy to ourselves! The trip over was a little wavy, and I was worried me and my friend would never arrive. We made it! Once in the water, my fears, dissappeared and I was in Heaven. The snorkeling was amazing! The fish and coral came in a myriad of colors and shapes! Joy located Star Fish and swam me over while my friend was across the bay snorkeling with Roy. We had a great break which included freshly baked scones and coffee grown on their farm! A Wonderful Experience!

Enjoyed our kayak and snorkeling trip very much. Ryan is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Took good care of us too.