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Aloha from Kohala Kayak. We have an extraordinary Hawaiian adventure for you. Our trips can encompass kayaking, snorkeling, kayak sailing, and stand-up-paddling. From beginner to advanced, all are guaranteed a great time. Check out the Travel Channel's "Buried Treasures" show where they come and dive the lava tubes at Puako, our main snorkel spot. We are very close (10-15 minute drive) from all South Kohala & Waikoloa resort destinations.
We provide guided kayaking, snorkeling, and kayak sailing tours along the South Kohala coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii. See the coral gardens of Puako Reef, Waialea Bay, and Crystal Cove, where green sea turtles feed among multi-colored fish. Whether you're beginner or advanced, we offer a safe and friendly environment for you and your family to enjoy, while learning about our area and ocean life. Enjoy learning about local facts and ocean life from us while on an adventurous guided tour. Besides regular sit-on-top kayaks, we have several Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks, that can be paddled, pedaled, and sailed. Many beginners find they can pedal faster and more easily than paddle.
Hawaiian spinner dolphins (nai`a) are sometimes viewed in this area. Humpback whales arrive for a few months in the winter (December to March). We always keep a respectful distance when in their presence. These are species protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which says that we should stay 100 yards away from whales and 50 yards away from dolphins. This is NOT a "swimming with the dolphins" trip!
Once on the water, the group will paddle about 1 mile (30 minutes) to first snorkeling site. An orientation on how to use snorkeling gear will be given. This is especially important for first time snorkelers, so that they will be comfortable viewing fish in the water (buoyant snorkel vests available). Otherwise, experienced snorkelers can start on their own. See the pristine and protected Puako reef with an abundant assortment of colorful fish and other critters. Water depth is about 20 feet, and there are underwater sea arches you can swim through 10 feet down. Water temperature is at 75º from November to March and at 80º from April to October. Visibility varies from 40' to 80'. We spend about an hour at this site exploring the area. Resident green sea turtles usually hang out in the area. Once out of the water, snacks will be served. Casual discussion on coral reef ecology and questions answered on what was seen. After snack(time permitting) paddle to second snorkel site (2 different sites-weather dependent.
All Tours Include the Following:
*Certified lifeguard tour guide
*Double kayaks with all necessary equipment
*Plastic identification cards to take in the water
*Healthy snacks
*Snorkel gear
*Bottled water
*Equipment & tour orientation
*Cooler with beverages
What to Know
Daily
Check in: 8:45am at the Puako boat ramp in Kohala.
Tour Duration: 3+ hours.
Orientation begins: at 9:00am. Participants are outfitted with snorkeling gear and given a brief orientation on paddling technique.
Expected return time: is usually between 12:00 and 12:30pm. We visit 1 - 2 snorkel sites, unless weather or ocean swell does not allow; then we just paddle until you are pooped.
What to Expect: Kayaking is a sport that requires active participation. Kayaking is not a dry activity, so expect to get wet. There is no shade on kayaks.
Waiver: All participants are required to sign an acknowledgement of risk form.
Minimum Age (to paddle): 6 years of age, but parent should realize they may be doing most of the paddling and should be a strong enough person to handle the kayak because it may be difficult. No babies or infants are allowed and people must be able to sit upright on their own. Small children (kindergarten age) can sit for free in the middle of the double kayak with parents.
Equipment: We use double-occupancy kayaks. Couples will be paired together, and singles will be paired with other singles.
Included: All snorkel gear but no prescription masks. For those needs, we suggest you rent from a dive shop (Kohala Divers in Kawaihae). Flotation devices are also provided. Healthy snacks are provided.
Please Bring: Sunscreen (at least SPF 15), hats, and sunglasses are suggested. If you don't have, we've got plenty of extras to loan.
Optional Items to bring:
*Towels. We recommend that you leave them in the car for return. There are showers at Hapuna Beach, and there are rinse spigots at Puako.
*Reef-walkers or sport sandals (Teva™ type) during launching and return to beach; otherwise, there's no walking involved.
*Cameras. Because of the wet nature of the activity, waterproof or weatherproof are suggested. Underwater is the best. Regular digital cameras are not recommended because of their sensitivity to moisture.
Tours Are Subject to Weather Conditions.
Driving Directions [ show
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From Kailua Kona
Drive North on the one and only, Coastal Highway—Highway 19 (also called Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway). Your destination is Puako which is only 10-15 minutes away from the Waikoloa and South Kohala Resort Hotels.
Pass the Waikoloa Beach Resort (mile marker 76) and Mauna Lani Resort (mile marker 74) and follow the highway road signs north to Kawaihae.
After mile marker 71 (.4 miles approximately), you will see a large highway sign indicating the Puako exit.
Take a left at the Puako exit (.2 miles after you see the sign).
The Puako small boat ramp is .75 miles down the road on the right hand side of the road at the white sign that reads Aloha in yellow.
From Waimea or the Hilo side of the island
Follow Route 270 through Waimea and descend down the hill toward Kawaihae.
Take a left at the intersection of Route 270 and Highway 19.
Heading South on Highway 19, follow the signs to Puako.
Take a right at the Puako exit.
The Puako small boat ramp is .75 miles down the road on the right hand side of the road at the white sign that reads Aloha in yellow.
Please leave your car in the upper parking lot, as the lower parking lot is reserved for vehicles with boat trailers, and it could get towed if left there.
Walk down to the boat ramp and look for the kayaks set up on the small black sand beach on the right side of the boat ramp.
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