Adventures in Paradise

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.

My husband and I have scuba dived throughout the Caribbean and Pacific, and this was one of the healthiest coral reefs we have encountered. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of corals and marine life. The trip was organized through Adventures in Paradise. Ryan, our guide, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and genuinely happy to spend his time with our group of five. All of us were whining about the early start to the day, but as the morning wore on and snorkelers arrived by the boat-load, we quickly appreciated that we had the time to explore this beautiful area at our leisure before the arrival of the hordes! The Captain Cook monument is steeped in history, and Ryan engaged us by recounting the story of Cook's visit and ultimate death at this spot. The kayak portion takes about 25 minutes each way. Dolphins are often present in the bay, although we didn't see them during our trip. Adventures in Paradise will provide water shoes if you have no suitable footwear. Ryan set out a variety of snacks (cookies, crackers, cheese, chips, oranges) as well as water and pop. The open-top kayaks are very stable. It takes a bit of nimbleness to get into and out of the kayaks at the launching dock. I would recommend a dry-bag, as the bottom of the kayak gets wet. The trip instructions said not to bring large towels but we had no issues with carrying and storing them in our dry-bag. There are other companies that conduct this trip - some come by Zodiac inflatable boats, and there is also a large catamaran that carries up to 150 people. I felt that I had a richer experience arriving under my own power and with a small, manageable group size.

This is a very fun outing with very experienced guides. The reef is very unique and very beautiful. Enjoyed all the snacks too!

We thoroughly enjoyed our kayak and snorkel tour through Adventures in Paradise. Chris was a great guide, and he did everything possible to make sure everyone had a great time. I would highly recommend going on the morning tour before the thronging multitudes arrive.

My husband, daughter, and I went on this kayaking and snorkeling experience. It was my first time snorkelling and I loved every minute of it! I only wish we had had all day. It was not for my husband, but he enjoyed sitting and watching us in the water. He did kayak over to the monument with us, but that was all he was physically able to do. I was pleased that we received help when we asked for it, but no one pushed my husband beyond his comfort zone. I would go again in a heart beat. THe variety of fish we saw and the underwater life was beyond words. It was great leaving early before the area became crowded. By the time we left the area was very conjested, so our guide knew what he was doing and the time was well spent. The snacks were great, their is nothing I could complain about the whole experience... don't hesitate go... I know I will go next time I am in Hawaii.

The snorkeling was great, but that was all about the location and had nothing to do with Adventure Paradise. I think the experience might depend on the group that ends up on your tour. We had 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 10 and 12) and the rest of the group was all adults. We ended up racing across the bay and racing back. It is definitely possible for kids to do this trek, just not ideal if everyone else in the group is going so fast. My son and I were at the back on the way out and we would have preferred a more leisurely kayak across the bay. We were the only ones to see the dolphins on the way out and felt like we couldn't stop to enjoy them because everyone else was so far ahead waiting to land their kayaks. Overall, I would have preferred to just rent our own kayaks and snorkel on our own. The guides weren't really that informative beyond what we could read online. We also wanted to rinse off and change into dry clothes before getting back on the van and everyone else just sat there waiting for us on the van so we felt like we were holding people up all day.