Had an amazing time with the small crew of this local-run company. Both were extremely knowledgeable and we learned a lot more than we expected to about the history of Kealakekua bay and Hawaii in general. It's hard to imagine getting a similar experience on one of the larger tour boats that serve the bay. The snorkeling was amazing and we were happy that we followed the owner's suggestion to get started early. We basically had the area to ourselves until the big tour boats started showing up around 10am. Oh and we also had our own private show from a pod of dolphins. Thanks Moana crew! read more

Moana Ocean Adventures - Dolphins showing off. - Historical Tours Near Me - Captain Cook, Hawaii

What a stunning part of my vacation... Gordon and his crew were amazing! The tour across the bay was the perfect mixture of history, snorkeling and scenery. They even provided snacks (and fruits) that were of the Hawaiian culture! The location is off the slightly beaten path but well worth the trip from Kona. Gordon's command of the local history is exceptional as his family has been there for many many generations. I had stepped into local history orated by the locally renown historian and that alone made the trip worthy! We spent nearly 3 hours in the water... the snorkeling in the bay was fantastic and I always enjoy the varying water temps and amazing tropical ocean life in Hawaii. Thanks again! I'll be back! read more

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Kealakekua is one of our favorite places in the world to snorkel. A must-do every single time we're on the Big Island. We've gotten to it by kayaking in the past, but this time we chose Moana Ocean Adventures because it not only gave us the wonders of the sea, this trip opened our eyes to the history of Hawaii. Shawna, the first mate, is a master storyteller with a deep and expert knowledge of her Hawaiian roots. We were utterly captivated by her story while being surrounded by the mountains and the sea, imagining ourselves in the time of Captain Cook and the native Hawaiians. Uncle Gordon, the captain, is a treasure who has lived through significant changes in Hawaii. Although I've read the Hawaiian story before, it was eye-opening and intimate to hear its story from the mouths of native Hawaiians who share it with awe and respect. Her story was only interrupted once by a pod of dolphins that swam around us for about 5-10 minutes. The glass-bottom boat I found out is made to resemble a double-hulled canoe. I only wish my parents were with me because they would have loved the experience of seeing the fish swimming beneath without being in the water themselves. If you want an intimate experience (not a party boat) that is full of historical depth along with the magical views of Kealakekua, this is it. I'm so glad we booked, it was the highlight of our trip. Oh, the onigiri we got at the end of the trip was the cherry on top. read more

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I highly recommend this personalized glass bottom double hulled canoe boat tour, with great history shared by those that have grown up at Kealakekua Bay for a number of generations. After touring around the historic parts of the Bay and learning history that is pulled from both published texts and oral history handed down from their kupuna, guests are provided with food, and if they wish, suited up with snorkle gear to explore this special marine underwater park. As a 39 year resident of the South Kona area, I found a new sense of understanding the past and the present here at Kealakekua Bay through Moana Adventures experience on the Ka'awaloa! read more

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Today, Valentine's Day, was made ever so much more special by getting to tour with our wonderful native Hawaiian guide, and now our uncle! We were treated to a dolphin show like you cannot believe! Such warm aloha, from Uncle and our capable captain and crew We feel like we are now Ohana! Mahalo for a memorable and special day we will not soon forget See you in Seattle! read more

I would give anything to be back on this boat again, truly. My first time visiting Hawaii would not have been nearly as special if someone handn'r recommended this tour to me. So beautiful. To be honest I'm not usually a fan of the water, nor had I ever even been snorkeling, and nor had I ever been on a boat that lets you see into the water! But it was such a relaxing and exciting day. I'm thankful for how grounded and informative the crew was, especially since my family and I had no experience on the island nor the Kona coast before then. What a memorable opportunity, I will surely be revisiting as soon as I'm back on the Big Island, and I definitely recommend to anyone thinking about it a thousand times over! read more

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This is the most authentic and personal Hawaii experience ever!! I took my 2 boys, 15yr and 11yr and was also with my aunt and uncle 60yr. So its good for all ages. Everyone had a blast and also learned so much ancient Hawaiian history which you will never find on a commercialized boat tour. We were even escorted to the snorkel spot by a family of dolphins - it was practically surreal. We brought our lunch and beverages and enjoyed the openness of this "real-life" catamaran. The waters were crystal clear and and so refreshing. My aunt doesn't snorkel so she thoroughly enjoyed the glass bottom visual. Our guide was so knowledgeable and easy to talk to, he answered any questions we had. If you're on the Big Island, this is a "must do"!! read more

Had an amazing time with Moana Adventures! Such a unique experience, the boat and the crew really set this experience apart. You'll be venturing out on a one of a kind glass bottom boat that was built on island, in fact, within a few hundred yards of where you'll be launching from, super cool. Speaking of where to launch from, you'll be on a short ride, the Ka'awaloa is the only boat permitted to launch from Nāpō'opo'o Pier so travel time is as miniscule as possible and the boat rides smooth, virtually impossible to get seasick during the ride! Once you reach the Captain Cook monument, the snorkeling is equally as impressive, clear water, tons of fish, maybe even see an eel or manta ray. I'd go back out on the tour in a heartbeat, highly recommended :-) read more

We had a great time taking this glass bottom tour. Gordon and his crew went above and beyond to make sure my family was comfortable the whole time. It's not only a glass bottom tour but they also take you to a safe reef and let you snorkel. My kids had a blast jumping off the boat and snorkeling. The bonus feature were the school of dolphins we saw playing near the boat. I highly recommend this tour. I'll be sure to go back whenever I visit big island again.. read more

Ill just start out with .. introducing Gordon and his ohana, he is the owner. He is very knowledgable about his aina and is very proud to teach his culture. I learned so much from him... Thank you so much for the opportunity to leave my review... It was a Short beautiful scenic ride from Kona only like 15 minutes. Has a dedicated parking lot.... The parking is very convenient and safe with only a short walk across the street and your at the boat.... This boat ride was aslo (KID FRIENDLY) I took my 2 1/2 year old with us as well as my 9 year old.. everyone was helpful and friendly.. This was the most relaxing boat trip ive ever been on... If your looking for a little bit of ocean life but dont want to get into the water this is perfect.. Anyone looking for a little something special but doesnt want to travel far... I recommend this trip ..... read more

The tour and snorkeling with Moana Adventures was one of the highlights of our week long trip to the Big Island. We booked with this company as we were staying in Capitan Cook, and we are very glad that we did as the other tours that go to the bay originate from Kona, so you have less water time. The Bay has some of the clearest, most lovely snorkeling waters and the view to shore is equally breath taking. The captain and her co-pilot were fantastic. The amount of history, personalization, and kindess my boyfriend and I were shown during our tour far exceeded our expectations. For instance, I wanted to stay on the boat while he snorkeled, so they gave me environmentally friendly fish food so I could draw up some of the fish to look at. Even though it was just me and the captain and co-captain on the boat, they were fantastic company and we chatted about the Big Island, Hawaiian history, and life in general. I love learning more about the places I visit, and there wasn't a single question that we asked that didn't have a well-though out and informed answer. They also had some fantastic suggestions for restaurants to check out, and were nice enough to write it all down so I wouldn't forget anything. read more

The perfect adventure while staying south of Kona on a double-hulled canoe glass bottom boat! Learn about the history of the bay from the times when Hawaiian royalty lived here, view colorful fish on the reef either from the boat or snorkeling in beautiful clear water. Thank you Uncle Gordon for a wonderful experience! read more

I went out with Gordon Leslie and his crew at the beginning of January -- this is a really delightful experience. Small groups (6 or fewer people only). And they really know the history of this lovely and historic neighborhood so you learn a lot and have a lovely opportunity to snorkel over by the Captain Cook monument, where the water is extraordinarily clear and the fish and coral plentiful. Bonus: we had a full size humpback whale breach nearby and put on a show for us. I'm just grateful that someone local from the neighborhood who knows and appreciates its history finally is running something out on the bay (as opposed to giant tour boats coming down from Kona). read more

We are locals - born & raised in Hawaii. The day we took the tour it was drizzling at the top - bright, sunny & hot down at the bay. As we took off the breeze felt great. Dolphins came almost instantly alongside the vessel - as if to accompany us & lead the way! Our adventure began with the history of the heiau on the beach. My knowledge of the area growing up was only from books. What I got were the actual stories of the kupuna (elders) - passed down through generations. As we neared the Captain Cook Monument - our vessel slows & we open some lids. This vessel has a glass bottom. The clear pristine waters showed off the different shapes & colors of coral and fish below. As we anchored in the Bay - some swam & snorkled while others that remained got more information. What kind of stories or information? You'll just have to take the tour! In fact we've enjoyed the tour so much we've been on it more than once. Each time has been like a new experience. read more

What a terrific way to experience Kealakekua Bay! Friendly Captain Gordon has intimate knowledge of the area and the perspective only a true local can offer. Sailing from the quiet pier in Napo'opo'o means your journey starts and ends the bay, no sailing time wasted coming down from Kailua-Kona. You can easily continue your Bay experience at nearby Manini Beach or take the short drive down to Pu'u Honua o Honaunau. The outrigger style glass bottom boat provides good views of life undersea, however I found jumping into the blue waters and swimming around a boat that you might imagine greeting Captain Cook to be a highlight. Mahalo Captain Gordon!! read more

Hands down the best adventure boat tour I've ever been on. Gorgeous scenery, amazing tour guide with a wealth of knowledge. I can't say enough great things- had the time of my life and will definitely be returning for this! Special memories were made, thank you!!! read more