Alii Ocean Tours - Kailua-Kona, HI

For first-time visitors, we recommend our signature combination tours that showcase the best of Kona's ocean experiences. Our dolphin and snorkel tours provide incredible wildlife encounters plus world-class snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. During whale season (November-March), our dedicated whale watching tours offer spectacular encounters with humpback whales, making them the ultimate Big Island ocean experience. With 30+ years of Kona expertise, we customize each tour based on ocean conditions and guest preferences to ensure the best possible Big Island adventure.

Ali'i Ocean Tours stands out as the best Kona excursion company through our combination of 30+ years Big Island expertise, deep local knowledge, and commitment to small-group experiences. Unlike larger operators who pack 35+ guests per boat, we limit tours to 22 people maximum, ensuring personalized attention and premium comfort. Our consistent 5-star reviews reflect our dedication to creating Hawaiian ocean experiences that showcase the true spirit of Kona.

Choosing the best Kona boat tour depends on your interests and the season. Our dolphin tours offer incredible wildlife encounters year-round, while whale watching tours are spectacular November through March. Snorkeling tours showcase world-famous Kealakekua Bay's pristine coral reefs. For the ultimate flexibility, our private charters let you customize your perfect Big Island ocean adventure. Our experienced crew helps match you with the ideal Kona excursion based on your preferences, group size, and ocean conditions.

Kona offers exceptional ocean tours year-round thanks to our protected leeward location and consistently calm waters. Whale watching season (November-March) provides spectacular humpback encounters, while summer months offer excellent dolphin activity and optimal snorkeling conditions. With 30+ years of Big Island experience, we've learned that any time is great for Kona excursions! Our local expertise ensures amazing ocean experiences regardless of season.

Our all-inclusive Kona tours provide everything needed for an exceptional Big Island ocean experience: professional snorkel gear (including prescription masks), towels, reef-safe sunscreen, beverages, flotation devices, and meals (light breakfast and lunch on morning tours, snacks on afternoon excursions). Most importantly, you'll receive expert local guidance from our experienced crew who share 30+ years of Kona ocean knowledge and warm Hawaii hospitality.

Our Kona boat tours are designed to maximize your ocean experience while ensuring comfort and value. Tour lengths vary by activity: dolphin tours typically run 3-4 hours, whale watching tours are 2-3 hours during peak season, and snorkeling adventures last 4-5 hours to allow ample time at world-famous sites like Kealakekua Bay. Private charters offer complete flexibility with custom durations. Our 30+ years of experience has taught us the optimal timing for each type of Big Island ocean excursion.

Our Kona tours differ significantly from other Big Island excursion companies through our local, family-run approach and commitment to small-group experiences. While most operators pack 35-49 guests per boat, we limit tours to just 22 people to ensure personalized attention and premium comfort. Our crew's 30+ years of local expertise provides insights about Kona's waters, marine life, and island history that larger commercial operators simply cannot match. Every tour reflects our aloha spirit and dedication to creating memories that last a lifetime.

Absolutely! Our Kona excursions welcome guests of all swimming abilities. We provide flotation devices and life jackets for anyone who prefers extra support in the water. Many of our ocean tours offer incredible experiences even without entering the water. Options include dolphin watching from our comfortable vessel, whale watching during humpback season, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Kona's coastline. Our experienced crew ensures every guest feels safe and included on our Big Island ocean adventures, regardless of swimming experience.

We recommend booking your Kona tours 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons and whale watching months (November-March). As one of Kona's premier boutique operators with limited small-group spaces (22 guests maximum), our best Big Island excursions fill up quickly. Early booking also provides more flexibility in choosing your preferred tour times and activities. Our 30+ years of experience has shown that advance planning ensures the best possible ocean experience in Kona.

We offer a full refund on cancellations more than 24 hours prior to departure. We understand that travel plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible while maintaining fair policies for all guests. Weather-related cancellations are handled case-by-case with full refunds or rescheduling options. Our goal is to ensure your Kona ocean experience happens under optimal conditions for maximum enjoyment and safety.

All our Kona tours depart from Honokohau Marina (Slip J-14), conveniently located just minutes from downtown Kailua-Kona. This protected harbor provides easy access to all of Kona's best ocean destinations while offering ample parking and comfortable check-in facilities. The marina's central location means shorter travel times to prime snorkeling, dolphin watching, and whale watching areas, maximizing your time enjoying Big Island ocean experiences rather than traveling to them.

Whale season (November-March) offers some of the most spectacular Kona excursions of the year! We provide dedicated whale watching tours featuring encounters with magnificent humpback whales, as well as combination tours that include whale watching plus snorkeling or dolphin encounters. Our crew's 30+ years of Big Island whale knowledge ensures optimal positioning for incredible whale behavior viewing. Many guests consider our whale season tours the highlight of their Hawaiian vacation and the best ocean experience available in Kona.

Yes! Kona's resident Hawaiian spinner dolphin population provides year-round opportunities for incredible dolphin encounters. Our dolphin tours operate throughout the year, with our experienced crew using 30+ years of local knowledge to locate these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat. Kona's protected waters and our small-group approach create optimal conditions for respectful dolphin viewing that follows all marine life protection guidelines while providing unforgettable Big Island experiences.

Kona offers some of Hawaii's best snorkeling, and our tours showcase the most spectacular underwater destinations on the Big Island. World-famous Kealakekua Bay provides pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling adventures. Our experienced crew knows exactly where to find the best underwater experiences based on daily conditions. With 30+ years of local expertise, we ensure every snorkeling excursion showcases the incredible marine life and coral formations that make Kona a world-renowned snorkeling destination.

Absolutely! Our private charter tours provide the ultimate customized Kona experience for special celebrations, family gatherings, or intimate groups seeking exclusive ocean adventures. Private charters offer complete flexibility in activities, timing, and destinations while maintaining our signature small-group personalized service. Whether celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or creating unique Big Island memories, our private excursions deliver Hawaiian ocean experiences tailored specifically to your group's preferences and interests.

Our Kona family tours are designed to create magical Big Island memories for guests of all ages! We provide all necessary safety equipment including child-sized life jackets and flotation devices. Our experienced crew excels at engaging young adventurers while ensuring parent peace of mind. Family-friendly activities include dolphin watching (always exciting for kids), gentle snorkeling in protected areas, and educational components about Hawaiian marine life. Many families consider our tours the highlight of their Big Island vacation and return year after year.

Yes! The Hoku 'Elima features a private onboard bathroom (marine head) for guest convenience during all our Kona tours. This amenity sets us apart from many other Big Island tour operators and ensures comfortable ocean experiences for guests of all ages. Combined with our small-group approach (maximum 22 guests), spacious deck layout, and premium amenities, our bathroom facilities contribute to the exceptional comfort level that makes our Kona excursions the best choice for extended ocean adventures.

Our 38-foot cruiser Hoku 'Elima is certified to carry 35 passengers, but we deliberately limit all Kona tours to just 22 guests maximum. This small-group approach ensures every guest has plenty of space to relax, move around comfortably, and receive personalized attention from our experienced crew. Our spacious design includes comfortable seating areas, ample deck space for activities, onboard bathroom facilities, and storage for all provided gear and amenities. This size and capacity combination provides the perfect balance of stability, comfort, and intimate experience for the best Kona ocean tours.

All our Kona tours include delicious, locally-inspired meals and refreshments! Morning excursions feature light breakfast, premium beverages, and full lunch, while afternoon tours provide tasty snacks and drinks. We can accommodate special dietary needs including Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Kosher, and Vegan options. (Just let us know when booking.) Our 30+ years of Big Island experience has taught us that great food enhances every ocean adventure, making our all-inclusive approach a favorite among guests seeking the best Kona excursion value.

Yes! All our Kona snorkeling tours include professional-grade snorkel equipment: masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices. We even provide prescription masks for guests who need vision correction underwater. Our gear is thoroughly sanitized and maintained to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. With 30+ years of Big Island experience, we've invested in high-quality equipment that enhances your underwater experience rather than detracting from it. No need to worry about renting or buying gear. We've got everything covered for your perfect Kona snorkeling adventure.