Hawaiian Cultural Double Hull Canoe Adventure
A Day in the Bay of Yesterday
Experience Hawaiian tradition as you paddle a double hull canoe along the Kona Coast. Paddle, snorkel, and connect with the island's heritage on the waters of Keauhou Bay, where history, storytelling, aloha, and a little saltwater come together.
Hawaiian Cultural Double Hull Canoe Adventure
Location
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona
Duration
2 Hours
Availability
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM
Group Size
Max 6 guests per vessel
Min Age
4+ years old
Includes
Canoe paddle, snorkel gear, snacks & refreshments
Price
$150 per person (all ages)
Experience the Tradition
Join us for a Day in the Bay of Yesterday, where we take you back to a time when Hawaiians lived harmoniously and in sync with nature. Balance between man’s impact and our resources was a defining aspect of the Hawaiian Culture, and is something we can all learn from today.
Experience Hawaiian tradition as you paddle a double hull canoe along the Kona Coast. Paddle, snorkel, and connect with the island's heritage on the waters of Keauhou Bay, where history, storytelling, aloha, and a little saltwater come together.
A Sacred Tradition
The double hull canoe — Wa’a kaulua — is a sacred Hawaiian tradition. What was the first thing that touched land before man on the Hawaiian islands? A canoe.
Our modern double hull canoes are shaped like their ancestors and are two canoe hulls that are connected and supported by crossbeams — called ‘iako — with a pola (deck) that create stability. They can be sailed or have a motor, but at Anelakai Adventures we paddle them around Keauhou Bay. You, our next guests, are our motors!
Why? One of the best ways to experience the Big Island is in an eco friendly, non invasive, sustainable manner, from the ocean. In a double hull canoe, you can explore the Kona Coast and the Pacific Ocean the way our ancestors did and not leave a trace or a footprint behind.
On every personalized tour we share the rich Hawaiian history of Keauhou Bay and the surrounding area. We will enjoy a paddle along the beautiful coastline, give you the opportunity to snorkel, and when you get out of the water have some locally sourced snacks and drinks. We can customize private tours to suit your needs, whether you are looking for a workout or a leisurely paddle and snorkel in the crystal clear Kona waters. Let us share our passion and love for the ocean and our culture with you on a Hawaiian double hull canoe!
Scott and Iko treat you like family
Our 4 man canoe experience turned out perfect in every way. 2 hours on Keahou Bay went by in a flash as we paddled out past scenic cliffs and got all the local history from Scott and Iko. Anelakai Adventures is a hundred times better than those cattle car boats that load up dozens of people and have everyone trying to snorkel on top of each other. Definitely recommend!
Included with Your Adventure
Double Hull Canoe & Paddle
Snorkel Gear
Underwater Viewing Boxes
Traditional Fishing Implements
Snacks & Refreshments
All Safety Equipment
Know Before You Go
Meeting Point
Keauhou Bay Boat Ramp, Kailua-Kona. Detailed directions and parking information available on our Directions & Parking page.
Check-In
Please arrive by 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure.
What to Wear
Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes), water shoes or sandals with straps, and a hat. We're on the water for 2 hours, so dress for sun protection.
What to Bring
- Towel and a swimsuit
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Underwater camera or GoPro (optional)
- Water bottle (we provide refreshments, but extra hydration is always good)
- Valuables like phones, keys, and wallets (don't leave them in the car)
We recommend traveling light. Please leave large bags and unnecessary items behind so you can enjoy your paddle comfortably and without worry.
Note: Fins and full-face snorkel masks are strictly prohibited.
What We Provide
Masks, snorkels, and viewing boxes. Life jackets are available on request for adults and mandatory for all guests under 12 who enter the water. There's a dry storage box on the canoe for your valuables.
Physical Requirements
Our tours are 100% human-powered, and we ask that all guests be physically willing and able to participate by paddling. You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be willing to paddle. If you plan to get in the water for snorkeling, you should be comfortable swimming and have some snorkel experience. You'll also need to be able to climb a short ladder to reboard the canoe. There's a step down from the dock to the canoe (1-3 feet depending on tide). If you have physical limitations or special needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss how to accommodate you.
Weight Limit
For the safety of all guests and our crew, there is a 250 lb per-person weight limit on this tour. We may ask you to confirm your weight at check-in. If the limit is exceeded, we're unable to accommodate you on the tour. We appreciate your understanding — this is about keeping everyone safe on the water.
We’re Here to Help
From paddling questions to parking info, here’s what most guests want to know before their tour.
Can you accommodate groups larger than 6 people?
Each canoe holds a maximum of 6 guests. For groups of 7-12 people, we can run two canoes together so your group can experience the adventure at the same time. Please contact us at info@anelakaiadventures.com or (808) 987-0377 to arrange multi-canoe bookings.
Is this tour suitable for children? What's the minimum age?
Yes! Children are welcome as long as they can sit in their own seat on the canoe without assistance, typically ages 4 and up. The tour is family-friendly, and our guides are great at making the experience fun and safe for all ages. Kids love learning about Hawaiian culture and spotting fish through the viewing boxes. Children can stay in the canoe the whole time if they prefer. Life jackets are required for all guests 12 and under who enter the water.
Do we need to be strong swimmers?
If you plan to get in the water for snorkeling, you should be comfortable swimming and have some snorkel experience. You'll also need to be able to climb a short ladder to get back in the canoe. Life jackets are available on request for adults and mandatory for guests under 12.
If you'd rather stay dry, no problem! You can stay in the canoe the entire time. The view from the boat is gorgeous. You've got the coastline, the ocean, and the mountains all around you. We also have underwater viewing boxes so you can see below the surface without getting wet.
How hard is the paddling? Do we need to be in good shape?
Our tours are 100% human-powered, and we ask that all guests be physically willing and able to participate by paddling. It's a team effort and your guides set a comfortable pace. You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be willing to paddle.
If you have physical limitations or special needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss how to make it work.
Can you accommodate guests with mobility issues or special needs?
Yes! We've welcomed guests with many different abilities that other tour companies turned away. We have adaptive equipment, trained crew, and a genuine commitment to accessibility. There is a step down from the dock to the canoe (1-3 feet depending on tide), and our crew is there to help.
Learn more about our accessibility accommodations, or contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific needs and make sure we're prepared for you.
Can we book a private tour?
Absolutely! We love creating custom experiences for families, couples, and small groups. Just contact us for private tour availability.
Where do we meet? Is parking available?
We meet at the Keauhou Bay Boat Ramp in Kailua-Kona. Parking is available nearby. Detailed directions and parking information can be found on our Directions & Parking page.
What if the weather is bad? What’s your cancellation policy?
Your safety always comes first. If we need to cancel due to surf, weather, or ocean conditions, we’ll fully refund your tour.
For our complete policy, please visit our Cancellation & Refund Policy page.
Have more questions? We’ve got answers.
Small groups. Paddle powered. Hawaiian tradition.
Your Adventure Awaits
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