Snorkeling

Mauna Kea Sealife Snorkeling by RIB Boat

Glide along the Kohala Coast on luxury powerboat Olohana, with small-group attention and hand-picked snorkel sites chosen for sea life.

Arrive 20 minutes before at Kawaihae Harbor South, check in at the Hawai‘i Nautical sign, then board Olohana from the dock with step-on access.

Set out on a 2-hour cruise with a professional captain and crew, sanitized masks, fins, vests, plus in-water coaching for first-time snorkelers.

Between snorkel sessions, watch for turtles, reef fish, dolphins, or whales; enjoy snacks and drinks; unwind on shaded decks, with a restroom on board.

Choose a snorkel format, either a one-stop sealife session or a two-stop cruise that lets you experience an extra reef area on your trip.

2-hour luxury powerboat cruise aboard Olohana

One-stop sealife snorkeling session along the Kohala Coast (as per option selected)

Two-stop sealife snorkeling session along the Kohala Coast (as per option selected)

Snorkel gear, masks, fins, vests provided

Light snacks, soft drinks, juice, water

Wildlife viewing: Turtles, reef fish, dolphins, whales

Professional captain and local crew

Full-face snorkel masks

Swimsuit and towel

Reef-safe sunscreen

Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection

Reusable water bottle

Light cover-up or rash guard for sun protection before or after the snorkel session

Camera or waterproof phone case for photos

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Snorkel the Mauna Kea coastline on a 2-hour luxury powerboat cruise aboard Olohana with one-stop or two-stop sealife sessions.

Getting started

Arrive 20 minutes before departure at Kawaihae Harbor South and look for the check-in sign near the Hawai‘i Nautical loading area. After check-in, you board Olohana directly from the dock using easy, step-on access. Once everyone is on board and gear is set aside, the captain prepares for departure along the Kohala Coast.

What to expect

Mauna Kea snorkel on Olohana

This outing focuses on exploring the sea-life-rich waters along the Mauna Kea and Kohala Coast area by boat. Across the 2-hour luxury powerboat cruise aboard Olohana, you split your time between relaxing on deck and your selected one-stop or two-stop sea life snorkel session.

Features

Snorkeling time centers on watching reef fish and turtles in clear coastal water, and you also keep an eye out for dolphins and, in season, whales while cruising between or around the snorkel sites. The typically calm waters along the Kohala Coast combine with Olohana’s stable ride to keep the focus on the ocean life around you.

All clean, sanitized snorkel gear is provided, including masks, fins, and vests, so you do not need to bring your own equipment unless you prefer your personal traditional mask and snorkel. Full-face snorkel masks are not permitted for safety reasons.

A professional captain and friendly local crew handle navigation and lookout while also providing instruction and in-water assistance for beginners, which makes the session accessible for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Shaded seating and open deck areas give you options to rest between swims, and light snacks with soft drinks, juice, and water are available to keep you comfortable throughout the cruise. A restroom on board adds convenience so you do not need to return to shore during the experience.

What to bring

Swimwear and towel: Wear your swimsuit to the harbor and bring a towel as these are not provided.

Sun protection: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and apply lotion before boarding.

Cover-up or rash guard: Pack a light cover-up or rash guard for extra sun protection before and after snorkeling.

Water bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle if you prefer, as drinking water is provided on board.

Camera: Bring a camera or waterproof phone case if you want to take photos while on the cruise.

Personal snorkel gear: You may bring your own traditional mask and snorkel if you prefer them to the provided gear.

What’s not allowed

Full-face masks: Do not bring or use full-face snorkel masks on this tour for safety reasons.

Spray sunscreen: Avoid bringing spray sunscreen and apply any reef-safe lotion before boarding the boat.

Accessibility

Physical ability: You must be able to swim, snorkel, and independently climb up a boat ladder.

Health restrictions: This tour is not recommended for pregnant guests, those with spinal or cardiac issues, recent surgery, or mobility limits.

Additional information

Arrival time: Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to complete check-in and boarding smoothly.

Meeting point: Check in at Kawaihae Harbor South and look for the "Check-In" sign near the Hawai‘i Nautical loading area.

Parking: Use the free parking at Kawaihae Harbor South; arrive early and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.

Skill level: Expect a relaxed outing, as the crew assists beginners and welcomes all ages and experience levels.

Boarding method: Board Olohana directly from the dock using easy step-on access, which is convenient for families.

Sea conditions: The Kohala Coast is usually calm, but if you get motion sick, take suitable precautions before boarding.

Tour options: If you select the one-stop option, you enjoy a single extended snorkel session at one site.

Multi-stop option: If you select the two-stop option, you snorkel at two different sites during the cruise.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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