Honokohau Harbor Tours
4 Reviews
Steep drop-offs beckon just off Kona’s coast, the dominion of pelagic beasts—marlin and billfish some topping 1,000 lbs. Most journeys to catch one begin the 262-slip marina at Honokohau Harbor, just before the entrance to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Nearly all of Kailua-Kona’s fishermen, independent sportfish tour operators as well as charter boats departing for scuba sites and popular manta and dolphin snorkeling adventures dock and depart from Honokohau Harbor.
The full-service marina also sports two noteworthy restaurants: Harbor House, a burger and beer joint with views of vessels from their open-air dining room, and Bite Me Fish Market Bar & Grill serving seafood delivered direct from the ocean to their door. ATMs, two full service restroom blocks with hot showers and a convenience store for snacks and sundries round out the facilities here.
Just behind the marina proper, a snaking road ends at a lava rock parking lot with a trail leading to a small beach with decent snorkeling and popular with area dog owners.
Practical Info
Harbor offices are located at 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway and a large sign announces the entrance between mile marker 97 and 98 from Highway 19—it’s three miles north of town and five miles south of the Airport. The Charter Desk, located above the marina’s fuel dock, sells spots on 60 sportfishing boats—expect to pay between $450 and $600 for a half day or $750 and $3,500 for an entire boat’s full-day charter. Most Pacific blue marlin, the big catch here, are reeled in between June and August. Tickets for most other excursions are available from booths in Kailua town. Many popular tourist activities include transport from area hotels or central locations; if they don’t, you’ll need a rental car or taxi to reach the harbor. Note: Restaurants here close between 7 and 9 p.m.
Address: 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA 96740, USA
23 Tours and Activities to Experience Honokohau Harbor
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Night Manta Ray Adventure -Guaranteed!
Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.
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From
$66.67
From
$66.67
Big Island, Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group
Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.
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From
$119.00
From
$119.00
Guaranteed Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
Kealakekua Bay and Wild Dolphin Adventure
There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to the bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.
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From
$87.18
From
$87.18
Wild Dolphin and Reef Snorkel
From the moment you see their silvery backs appear in the cobalt waters, to the moment you're swimming right alongside and hearing their high pitched clicks, there's an enchanting rush of tropical adrenaline that accompanies swimming with dolphins. Here off the Kona coast of the Big Island, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are year round residents that ply the volcanic shore, and this tour offers local, professional captains who know where to look to find them. In addition to watching and swimming with dolphins, you'll also snorkel with tropical fish in some of Hawaii's clearest water, before returning back to shore in Kona with an experience you'll never forget.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00
Whale Watching On The Big Island
Hawaii’s Big Island is home to migrating pods of humpback whales, which often breach as they build up energy for their northward migration. This narrated tour brings you to some of the best viewing grounds via 24-person catamaran. You’re able to hear the whales singing through the provided hydrophones. The tour provider guarantees whale sightings or the next trip is free.
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From
$76.93
From
$76.93
Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour - 4 hour Kona Zodiac Adventure
Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.
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From
$129.71
From
$129.71
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Wild Dolphins and Reef Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay and visit the sea caves during an aqua adventure from Kailua-Kona. Board a boat in Honokohau Harbor to meet your local captain and crew. With a group of 16 people or fewer, travel to a marine life conservation area in Kealakekua Bay, stopping at local landmarks and listening to interesting commentary from your captain on the way. If conditions allow, enter the sea caves, unusual rock formations only accessible by water. Dive in wearing the provided snorkel equipment and look for pods of friendly spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and native tropical fish. Lunch, refreshments, and use of all snorkeling equipment are included.
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
Kona Sport-Fishing Share Charter
Sport fishing fanatics and those who want to learn won't want to miss this four-hour, family-friendly fishing boat excursion off the coast of Kona. You'll not only get a chance to learn fishing techniques and try your hand at catching local fish, but you'll also learn about local history and culture.
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From
$119.00
From
$119.00
Guaranteed Whale Watch in Kona
Go on a whale watching adventure on this cruise in Kailua-Kona. Board a 48-foot (15-meter) Delta boat in Honokohau Harbor, and set sail on the water to try and spot whales in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales, which all might make an appearance during your cruise.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Private Charter: Customizable Big Island Boat Adventure
The Kona coastline is an aquatic playground that's filled with possibility, whether it's snorkeling with manta rays, searching for dolphins, or watching whales in winter. For an exclusive, comfortable, and private way to explore the Kona coast, this rugged, catamaran-style boat is perfect for small group excursions—since the itinerary and activities are completely catered to only you and your group. Along with a professional, knowledgeable captain who can recommend fun-filled activities, experience a private charter in Kona that you and a group of up to 24 people are sure to never forget.
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From
$1,000.00
per group
From
$1,000.00
per group
Kona Sport-Fishing Private Charter - 6 Hours
Spend six hours sport fishing off the coast of Kona with this private charter out to sea. You'll be joined by an expert crew who can teach you all about angling and fishing techniques as you fish for ono, spearfish, bigeye tuna and striped marlin. Alternatively, you can spend your time snorkeling and swimming in the cool waters off shore.
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From
$786.26
per group
From
$786.26
per group
Kona Sport-Fishing Private Charter Half Day
Charter a private boat and set out to sail with this four-hour private excursion from Kona. You'll have the chance to fish for marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi using on-board equipment with the support and guidance of an expert captain and crew. Alternatively, you can simply use your time at sea to relax, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel.
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From
$617.79
per group
From
$617.79
per group
Kona Sport-Fishing Private Charter Full Day
The Kona Coast is one of the best spots for sport fishing on Hawaii’s Big Island. On this full-day charter cruise, enjoy a tailor-made experience for you and your group. Pack a picnic lunch and set sail around the Big Island; try your hand fishing for striped marlin, bigeye tuna, or spear fish; and learn fishing tips and techniques to maximize your chances. This tour is completely customisable so you can spend as long as you like fishing or simply relax on deck and soak up the scenery.
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From
$1,109.75
per group
From
$1,109.75
per group
Night Swim with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling is so incredibly beautiful, you will count it as a highlight of your Hawaii experience. The travel channel says it is “one” of the top ten things to do in your lifetime. You will enjoy a beautiful sunset as we cruise the Kona Coast to spend the evening up close and personal with these Gentle Giants. Once we reach our destination, your swim guide will inform you about the Manta Snorkel experience. Please bring a change of clothes and light jacket because the ride back may be chilly.
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From
$123.08
From
$123.08
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Kona Sport-Fishing Large Group Private Charter Full Day
Spend the day out on the water off the Kona Coast on this 6-hour, private, large-group boating and sport-fishing excursion. Learn how to fish like a pro, as the captain and crew offer tips and techniques to catching the big one. The waters off the Big Island are swimming with blue marlin, striped marlin, bigeye tuna, ono and spearfish, among many others. Sit on the boat, fishing or just relaxing, and take in the deep-blue view.
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From
$1,607.51
per group
From
$1,607.51
per group
Kona Sport-Fishing Large Group Private Charter - 6 Hours
Head out to the ocean from the coast of Kona with this six-hour charter trip, suitable to those who are seasoned at fishing and newbies to the sport alike. You'll have a captain and crew on board to help you out and if fishing isn't really your thing, you are welcome to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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From
$1,884.96
per group
From
$1,884.96
per group
Ultimate Ocean Encounters Midday Snorkel
On this 3-hour excursion you can expect to see and snorkel with as much sea life as possible. Trust our Captains and Crew with their knowledge of the Kona Coast and all the beauty it has to offer. Keep your eyes out for spinner dolphins, turtles, whales, colorful schools of fish and vibrant reef. Our crew will be happy to share some fun historical facts, snorkel tips, and fun fish stories.
Strap on your snorkel gear and get ready to jump into the warm Hawaiian sea, for the Ultimate Ocean Encounter.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Captain Zodiac Wild Dolphin Swim
Swim with dolphins in Kona on a small-group Zodiac tour that’s designed to get you as close to the dolphins as possible without disturbing them. Traveling in a nimble, 24-foot (7.3-meter) Zodiac means you can approach the dolphins more easily than a larger boat with a deeper draft, and onboard naturalists will share stories about Hawaii’s history, geology, and wildlife as you explore.
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From
$129.71
From
$129.71
Kona Snorkeling - Beat the Crowd to Kealakekua Bay
Skim across the waves on an exciting Big Island Zodiac tour to Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook monument and Hawaii's finest marine sanctuary. Snorkel with a rainbow of tropical fish among beautiful coral gardens in the bay's clear, crystal waters. Enjoy the delightful picnic snack provided before you head out again. Our Zodiac rafts allow us to hug the shoreline and get into areas where other boats can't. Join us to explore vast sea caves, lava tubes and the rugged beauty of the coastline.
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From
$145.92
From
$145.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Kona Sport-Fishing Private Large Group Charter Half Day
Go on a half-day sport fishing excursion on the Big Island. This large-group charter is led by a knowledgeable captain and crew equipped with all the gear you’ll need to reel in yellow fin tuna, big eye tuna, striped marlin, ono, spearfish, or mahi-mahi. Enjoy a fun and relaxing outing that’s perfect for the whole family—even those who just kick back on the deck and soak up the sun.
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From
$1,615.68
per group
From
$1,615.68
per group
Kona Whale Watching Adventure!
Get up close to Hawaiian marine life on a private 4-hour catamaran tour from Kona. With minimum of 6 to 14 maximum passengers per boat, it’s the perfect option for families, couples, and friend groups who want to get away from the crowds. Your chartered experience is completely customizable. Options include whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling through reefs and lava tubes. Lunch and all necessary gear is conveniently provided for you.
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From
$105.60
From
$105.60
Captain Zodiac Rafting Adventure
Considered one of the top snorkeling destinations on the Big Island, Kealakekua Bay pleases snorkelers with its clear waters, underwater lava tubes, and large populations of tropical fish. Add in a comfortable boat ride aboard a 16-passenger Zodiac craft, guided commentary from your captain, and a light picnic lunch for an informative and hassle-free excursion to this must-see Hawaii attraction.
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From
$133.03
From
$133.03
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