Pawai Bay Snorkel Tour from Kona by Kona Snorkel Trips

Overview

The Pawai Bay snorkel tour by Kona Snorkel Trips is a 2-hour boat trip from Honokohau Harbor to a boat-access-only bay just north of Kailua-Kona, from $99 with mask, fins and flotation included. It suits families with children aged 3 and up who want a short outing; the drawbacks are a 6-guest minimum and a rough-riding ex-military boat.

Highlights

• Two hours door to door, with the operator pitching it as a way to skip the long ride and crowds at Kealakekua Bay
• From $99 per person on konasnorkeltrips.com in October 2026, about $80 less than the same operator's 4-hour Captain Cook tour at $179
• Pawai Bay is reachable only by boat and sits a short run from Honokohau Harbor; the operator describes schools of fish, reef and lava-rock arches
• Ages 3 to 75 accepted; mask, snorkel, fins and extra flotation are included, with GoPro rental available
• Needs a minimum of 6 guests to run; you can buy the empty seats to turn it into a private trip

What to Expect

1. Check in at Kona Snorkel Trips' slip at 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway in Honokohau Harbor, wearing your swimsuit; the operator offers two departure times but does not publish them.
2. Board the operator's boat, described on its own site as a retired Navy SEAL craft with an adventurous ride and limited storage.
3. Make the short run north to Pawai Bay and get fitted with mask, snorkel and fins.
4. Snorkel the reef and lava arches with the crew in the water; flotation is provided for anyone who wants it.
5. Snacks, juice and sparkling water are served on the operator's snorkel trips, per its Captain Cook tour page.
6. Return to the harbor about 2 hours after departure.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit worn on arrival
• Sunglasses and hat
• Sun-protective cover-up or rash guard
• Reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen
• Towel
• Waterproof camera (optional)

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 3 to 75; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum of 6 guests to depart; otherwise rebook or receive a full refund
• Basic swimming skills required to enter the water; non-swimmers, expectant mothers and guests with regular back or neck issues or limited mobility are not permitted on the operator's snorkel boats
• Guests on blood-pressure medication, with respiratory conditions, recent surgery or seizure history must email the operator before booking
• Storage on the boat is very limited

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and rebookings require at least 48 hours' notice; only refundable tickets qualify for a refund. If the 6-guest minimum is not met you may rebook or receive a full refund. Checked October 2026 on hawaii.com; the operator's own policies page was not fetched.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Kona Snorkel Trips, 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Check-In

Check-in time not published; two departure times are offered daily

Frequently Asked Questions

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