The only underwater state park in Hawaii, the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay beckons with its clear waters, technicolour coral gardens, and abundance of vibrant marine life. Set sail from Keauhou Bay on a family-friendly catamaran and dive into an afternoon of aquatic adventure.

Step aboard the Fair Wind II in Keauhou Bay and cruise along the south Kona coastline. Watch the water as you cruise—a pod of spinner dolphins might just swim along to say hello. Arrive at Kealakekua Bay, a remote and secluded cove nestled under the protective wing of a towering lava cliff. Buffered from the wind and waves, this bay is tranquil, and a perfect place to view undersea life, with clear waters and visibility up to 100 feet (30 m). Gear, flotation, and reef-safe sun cream are provided - sit back, relax, and take in the historical stories the captain shares upon arrival about the significance of this bay as both a sacred ancient site and the location where Captain James Cook was killed.

When you’re ready, grab a snorkel and mask and jump in! Gaze down at filigreed forests of fine pink, purple, and white coral punctuated with black, bubbly outcrops of pillow lava. Colourful angelfish and butterflyfish flit between rocks and lizard fish scuttle along the sandy bottom as you drift gently in the current. If you’re looking to maximise adventure - we recommend upgrading to SNUBA - which allows you to go down deeper and stay down longer than snorkelling. You breathe through a regulator and the air source floats on a raft at the surface. Dive at any depth –– 2 ft., 10 ft., 20 ft., wherever you feel comfortable, and your SNUBA Guide will be with you the entire time.

Climb back on the boat to dry off and warm up on the sun-drenched deck. Lounge in the sun, or splash back into the water with a few jumps off the high-dive or races down the water slide before your scenic return. As we head back to our home port in Keauhou Bay, enjoy a complimentary reef ecology class and learn about some of the wonderful critters and creatures that call Kealakekua Bay home.