Kealakekua Bay Afternoon Snorkel: Family Fun on the Kona Coast

Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides: Your Welcome Center by the Bay Your adventure begins at the Fair Wind Office -check-in area, located right at Keauhou Bay. This is where you'll meet our crew, check in for your tour, and get ready to board—just steps from the water. Our friendly team is here to help you feel prepared and excited for your trip. While you’re here, take a moment to browse our retail shop, which offers a curated selection of reef-safe sunscreen, stylish apparel, and locally made gifts. Whether you're grabbing last-minute essentials or a keepsake to remember your day, it’s all part of the experience we’re proud to share with our guests.

Keauhou Bay welcomes you with calm, clear waters and a rich sense of place. This scenic harbor is not only the start of your ocean adventure, but also a site of historical significance—it’s the birthplace of King Kamehameha III and home to a quiet coastal marker honoring his legacy. With swaying palms, gentle waves, and lava rock formations, it’s the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s Kona Coast before setting off.

Kuamoʻo Point is a dramatic lava promontory that juts into the ocean just south of Keauhou. It marks the edge of a historically significant area tied to major cultural shifts in Hawaiʻi’s past. The rugged beauty of this coastline—waves meeting lava rock under open sky—sets the tone for the powerful history that surrounds it.

Lekeleke Burial Grounds: A Sacred Coastal Landmark Along the shoreline, you’ll see the expansive lava fields of Lekeleke Burial Grounds—hallowed ground that marks the site of the Battle of Kuamoʻo in 1819. Hundreds of warriors are buried here, and the landscape remains undisturbed as a powerful tribute to this pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. Viewed from the water, this sacred place offers a quiet glimpse into the stories held in the land.

Kealakekua Bay: A Marine Sanctuary Full of Life As the boat enters Kealakekua Bay, you’ll notice the stillness of the water and the vibrant life just below the surface. Protected as a marine conservation district, this bay is home to colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and sometimes even dolphins or honu (sea turtles). Towering cliffs and lush greenery create a striking backdrop as you explore one of Hawaiʻi’s most stunning snorkeling destinations.

Captain Cook Monument: A Historic Landmark in Kealakekua Bay On the northern edge of Kealakekua Bay stands the tall white obelisk known as the Captain Cook Monument. Erected by the British in 1874, it marks the location where Captain James Cook first came ashore in Hawaiʻi in 1779—and where he met his end just weeks later. From the water, the monument is a striking sight set against the lush cliffs of the bay. It serves as a reminder of the cultural crossroads that shaped this region’s history.