Mid-Morning Captain Cook Kayak Trip

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, all tours are by appointment and advance purchase. Advance preparations for food, equipment and staffing don't permit "walk in" guests on the day of the trip.

What is included in the tax collected?

The tax rate of 19.68% includes state tax, a harbor fee, and a $5 per person state park fee.

What should I bring along?

Bring your own snorkel gear. Those not bringing snorkel gear can rent snorkel gear, wetsuits and Rx Masks at our shop when you arrive. Bottled water and a granola bar snack is provided on the trip. Alcohol is not permitted on our trips. Wear a bathing suit and bring a hat, sunglasses/croakie, have your sunblock applied BEFORE arriving, strap-on sandals or water shoes (no slippers/flip-flops) and a t-shirt/rash guard for sun protection. Also bring an underwater camera if you'd like. It is typically about 75-85 degrees year round with high UV so keep that in mind! Also please note that you must arrive to the meeting location dressed and ready in your bathing suits, as there will be no changing rooms or bathrooms available at the meeting spot.

Are there any age or fitness requirements?

Our typical snorkel and/or kayak tour guest ranges in age between 5 and 60 and for about half of our guests, it is their first experience. We do not recommend children under 5 or adults over 60 as they sometimes have difficulty carrying the kayak and gear. Through the help of your guide the tour is designed to be comfortable for the novice and effortless for the experienced - allowing you to focus on your Hawaiian experience. We move at a relaxed pace, focusing on the scenery and marine mammals that may come our way. The physical output is low - similar to walking/hiking - so you don't have to be an athlete to participate, but should be of moderate fitness with no major mobility constraints.

Are there any weight restrictions?

A tandem kayak can accommodate 500 lbs between two passengers. The combined weight of both passengers cannot exceed 500 pounds. We do have special single kayaks that can accommodate an individual of up to 350 pounds - if you are interested in securing such a kayak, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to let us know about your situation.

What kind of kayaks do you use?

We use open-deck kayaks: boats uniquely designed for your enjoyment in Hawaiian waters. Stable and easy to enter and exit, these boats are ideally suited for ocean paddling and snorkeling. Closed decked kayaks are not suitable for easy entry and exit from the Napoopoo Pier or landing at Awili Landing – our destination at Kealakekua Bay. We also will provide you with a quality mask, snorkel and fins at no extra charge.

What time of the day is best to go out?

Generally the morning has less wind and more sun but the afternoon is also very nice - much of the time. The Afternoon trip can be somewhat breezy and/or more strenuous paddling than when the wind is lighter but then easier paddling back after snorkeling. See the deluxe morning tour as another option.

What exactly will we do on the tour?

Our vehicle will depart from the meeting location exactly at the scheduled time. Please note that you will be asked to follow our vehicle in your own vehicle down to the launch site. We will take a 10-15 minute ride down to the tour launch site, where you will have the opportunity to use the restroom. We recommend leaving any fragile/non-waterproof items in your vehicle. Kayaking across the bay takes about 30-45 minutes. We will land the kayaks at Capt. Cook Monument and snorkel for 45 minutes to an hour, and then enjoy our snacks and drinks before we head back across the bay.

What happens if it rains?

We paddle in rain or shine. Sea life is seen regardless of weather conditions and we always ensure a special trip regardless of perfect visibility. We cancel our trips infrequently but when winds become too high or it rains too hard we will cancel a trip for safety and/or comfort reasons. If that does happen, you will be able to reschedule or receive credit for a future tour.

Are pets allowed?

No, we cannot accommodate the unique needs of pets at this time.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

Our tours are safe and we will match stronger paddlers with weaker ones to ensure competent control of your vessel at all times. Normally women in early stages of their pregnancy should have no problem - however, if you have a concern, it is best to consult your doctor before attending. We do not recommend that women who are over 4 months pregnant take this trip.

Will there be a guide kayaking with us?

Yes. Each trip includes a lifeguard certified guide who also has CPR & First Aid training. Our guides are ocean enthusiasts and share their love of the area on each trip.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No, but you will need to be comfortable in an ocean environment. If you are fearful of the water, this might not be a good choice for you. All our guests are asked to wear USCG approved life vests both while paddling and snorkeling.

How do I know if I need a prescription mask?

People with a light prescription do not need a prescription mask because the regular mask naturally magnifies what you are looking at. The prescription masks are for people with a moderate to heavy prescription.

Do I need to have kayaked before to enjoy this trip?

We cater to beginners and over half our guests are new to kayaking. Due to the nature of our trip and the type of kayaks we use, experience in kayaking is not required for the trip.

How old should my children be to kayak? Is there an age limit?

We recommend that children on this trip be 5 years of age due to the need to help carry kayak and equipment.

Can I have a single kayak?

Unfortunately we paddle only with tandem (double) kayaks. If you are alone we will pair you with another single paddler. The only exception is if you require a special single kayak due to weight constraints (these kayaks can hold up to 350 pounds) - these are only available upon request and with permission from the seller.

Is the kayak safe?

Yes, our open-deck kayaks are the safest ones out there - they are the most stable and user friendly. In addition, our CPR and first aid certified guides are always on hand and available. Life jackets must be worn at all times and alcohol or drug use is not permitted at any time.

Are the waters safe?

We paddle in a large protected Bay on the leeward side of the Big Island. The Bay is protected from sea conditions throughout the year. When waves or wind warrant, we cancel our trips as needed.

Will I see sharks in the water?

Due to the clarity of the water and time of day we kayak, sharks are not seen. What we do see are Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, tropical fish and coral gardens.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Bottled water and a granola bar snack is provided on this trip. Due to limited space on the kayaks we ask guests not to bring food. Additional snacks are available for purchase when you arrive on the day of your tour.

Are there any food or beverages included?

Bottled water and a granola bar is included. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased when purchasing your tickets online or over the phone.

Can I bring my own kayak?

We require guests to use our kayak equipment.

What should I wear?

You should wear a bathing suit, rash guard or t-shirt, water shoes or attached sandals, a hat and sunglasses.

Should I bring cash?

Our guides depend on tips for their income. A 20-25% gratuity is customary for this activity and much appreciated by hardworking guides. There are no other incidental expenses.

How far out will we go?

We paddle within the protection of Kealakekua Bay and stay near shore throughout the trip. This trip does not involve open water kayaking.

Do I have to wear a life vest?

Yes, for safety reasons we require that life jackets be worn at all times during the paddle. We also recommend guests wear our quality life jackets in the water snorkeling.

Do I have to sign a liability waiver to participate in the tour?

Yes. All adults must sign waivers and those under 18 must have waivers signed by their parents.

Will I get seasick?

People have gotten seasick before, but the great majority make it through the experience without getting sick. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand.

How large a group can you accommodate?

We can accommodate groups of up to 12 people per tour. We can accommodate groups of up to 24 guests per day but will split your party into two separate tours of 12 guests each. If you're interested in doing this, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to let us know about your request.

Are there any group discounts?

There are no group discounts on the Afternoon tour.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes. Please click on the "Contact this seller" link to let us know about your interest in a gift certificate.

How can I book a private charter or custom tour?

Contact Adventures in Paradise by clicking on the "Contact this seller" link and tell us your group size and custom tour ideas.

Do you offer kayak rentals?

We do not offer kayak rentals to Kealakekua Bay. Kealakekua Bay and Capt Cook Monument is a Marine Life Conservation District with rules against rental kayaks beaching at the State Historic Park without a landing permit. All our guided trips guests are provided the required landing permits. If you are interested in renting snorkel gear, wetsuits, surfboards or paddleboards or Kayaks for other areas, please "Contact this seller". But again, we do not rent kayaks to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling at the Capt Cook Monument, we only provide guided trips at this time.

What additional snacks are available for additional purchase?

Additional snacks could include an extra bottle of water, a soda, fruit, potato chips, cheese sticks, and granola bars.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Snorkeling gear is not included in the price of the tour.

Snorkel rental gear is available for an additional charge. The standard rental gear package is $8 and includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. A $15 rental package is also available for those who need a prescription mask. Wetsuits rentals are $8. If you are planning to rent snorkeling gear, please purchase your rentals when booking your tickets by selecting the appropriate extras above.

Tax collected includes state tax, a harbor fee, and a state park fee.

Tax collected includes a state tax, a harbor fee, and a $5 per person state park fee.

Children under 5 are not permitted and the tour is not recommended for women over 4 months pregnant.

For safety reasons, this trip is only recommended for those ages 5 and up who are moderately fit. We also do not recommend that women over 4 months pregnant take the tour. Any women in early stages of pregnancy should consult a doctor if they have any concerns about participating. All participants will be required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip and sign a liability waiver.

All kayaks are tandem and can support a combined weight of 500 pounds.

The kayaks used on the tour are double (tandem) kayaks and can support 500 pounds between two people. Larger individuals who have a concern about this weight limitation should get special permission from the seller to use a single kayak that can accommodate up to 350 pounds before purchasing tickets.

Parties of 5 or more will be contacted for an additional gratuity charge of 15%.

Adventures in Paradise will contact you directly shortly after your purchase to take your credit card information for the additional charge. You must be reachable at the telephone number and email you provide.

Adventures in Paradise