This is our specialty, a true 5 Star Experience!
Experience the ultimate private boat charter aboard the Hoku ‘Elima, Kona’s premier luxury vessel. Our private boat charter delivers exclusive boat access, premium amenities, and personalized service with the intimate charm and authentic Kona expertise that only our boutique operation can provide. Skip the crowded shared tours and discover why discerning guests choose our private boat charter for the ultimate Hawaiian ocean adventure.
Private Boat Charter – Your Exclusive Ocean Experience
Why share your ocean adventure? Our private boat charter combines luxury and exclusivity:
Private Boat Access
- Exclusive use of entire Hoku ‘Elima vessel
- Professional crew dedicated to your group only
- Premium equipment and safety features
- Flexible schedule and personalized itinerary
Kona Advantage Over Shared Tours
- Maximum 23 guests (not 50+ on competitors shared tours)
- Personal attention from experienced local crew
- Access to Kona’s best marine life spots
- Customizable experience based on your interests
Luxury Private Boat Charter vs. Standard Tours
Experience the difference of a luxury private boat charter:
Personal Service: With just your group aboard, you receive dedicated crew attention impossible on shared tours
Authentic Experience: Skip the tourist crowds and experience genuine Kona hospitality and marine expertise
Premium Value: Enjoy luxury amenities and personalized service at better value than resort-based shared tours
Marine Life Focus: Our private boat charter specializes in dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and marine adventures that shared tours can’t provide
Private Boat Charter Packages
Choose from our private boat charter experiences, each designed to deliver luxury and adventure:
The 5 Star Private Charter Package
4-Hour Premium Experience – 8AM launch
Reserve the entire Hoku ‘Elima for your group’s exclusive ocean adventure. Your dedicated crew provides personalized service while you explore Kona’s incredible marine life and pristine snorkeling spots. Complete with light breakfast, premium refreshments, and full gourmet lunch, this comprehensive private boat charter combines luxury amenities with authentic marine adventures that exceed every expectation.
The Ali’i Private Charter Package
5-Hour Royal Hawaiian Experience – Custom launch time
The ultimate fully customizable private boat charter designed around your perfect day. With complete itinerary flexibility and custom departure times, your professional crew creates personalized marine adventures while serving fresh breakfast, premium beverages, and gourmet lunch throughout your journey. Five luxurious hours to discover Kona’s most spectacular destinations with exclusive boat access and royal treatment.
Private Boat Charter Experience FAQs
What makes Alii Ocean Tours the best private boat charter in Kona?
Several factors set our private boat charter apart as the top choice in Kona. We feature a private onboard bathroom, full meal service including breakfast and lunch, and maximum flexibility with custom departure times including sunset tours. Our 30+ years of local expertise, US Coast Guard certified crew, and intimate 23-guest maximum ensure personalized attention impossible on larger vessels. Unlike shared tours with fixed schedules, our private boat charter in Kona gives you complete control over your itinerary, timing, and activities. We specialize in marine life encounters with exceptional dolphin sighting success rates at prime locations like Kealakekua Bay. This combination of luxury amenities, safety standards, local knowledge, and customization makes us the premier private boat tour experience in Kona Hawaii.
What makes this a private boat charter?
When you book our private boat charter in Kona, you get exclusive use of the entire Hoku ‘Elima (38-foot vessel) with a professional crew dedicated solely to your group. Our Kona private boat charter offers luxury comfort, premium service standards, and personalized attention in an intimate setting. This provides more individual focus than shared boat tours.
What makes this “private” versus a regular boat tour?
Our private boat charter features:
- Exclusive use of the entire vessel for your group only
- Professional crew dedicated to your experience
- Premium amenities and luxury comfort features
- High-end snorkel equipment and multiple options for floatation devices
- Gourmet refreshments and beverages
- Flexible itinerary based on your preferences
- Intimate group size for personalized attention
How does this compare to shared boat tours in Hawaii?
Our Hawaii private boat charter provides significant advantages over shared tours:
- Exclusive boat access (no sharing with strangers)
- Expert local knowledge of Kona marine life and spots
- Flexible scheduling and customizable itinerary
- Personal crew attention focused on your group only
- Premium amenities and yacht-quality comfort
- Better value for a private luxury experience
What’s included in the private boat charter price?
Your private boat charter in Kona includes:
- Exclusive use of the entire Hoku ‘Elima
- Professional captain and crew dedicated to your group
- All premium amenities and equipment
- Towels and sun screen
- High-quality snorkel gear and water toys
- Gourmet refreshments and beverages
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Fuel and harbor fees
- Personalized service throughout your private boat tour experience
Are there any additional fees or charges?
Our private boat charter pricing is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. The only additional costs might be:
- Gratuities for exceptional service (optional but appreciated)
- Special dietary accommodations if requested
- Transportation to/from harbor (we provide directions)
How far in advance should I book our private boat charter?
We recommend booking your Kona private boat charter 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (December-April for whales, summer months for families). Since we operate one vessel and focus on personalized service for our private boat tours, advance booking ensures availability.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?
Safety is our top priority for all private boat charters in Kona. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll:
- Reschedule your private boat charter at no additional cost
- Provide alternative date options
- Offer full refund if rescheduling isn’t possible
- Monitor conditions closely and communicate in advance
What food and drinks are included?
Your Kona private boat charter includes full refreshment service throughout the day. We provide fresh coffee, and a light breakfast to start your adventure. A complete lunch featuring local ingredients and island favorites is served during your tour. All beverages including water, sodas, and juices are included. This premium dining experience is part of what sets our private boat tours apart from basic charter services that only provide snacks or require you to bring your own food. We’re happy to accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests when you book. Just give us a call to discuss how we can customize the menu for your group.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
You’re welcome to bring additional beverages, special items, or celebration foods to complement what we provide. We have ice and cooler space available for your items. No corkage fees for wine or champagne on our private boat tours. Many guests bring special dietary items, favorite snacks, or celebratory drinks to make their charter even more personalized. If you have specific needs or want to coordinate with our provided menu, just call ahead and we’ll work with you to make your private boat charter perfect.
Is this suitable for children and elderly guests?
Absolutely! Our private boat charter is designed for all ages:
- Stable 38-foot vessel with safety features
- Easy water entry for snorkeling
- Comfortable seating areas for relaxation
- Professional crew trained in guest safety
- Life jackets and safety equipment provided
- Flexible pace perfect for families on Kona boat tours
Does the boat have a bathroom?
Yes! The Hoku ‘Elima features a clean, private onboard marine head (bathroom). This is a premium amenity that most smaller charter boats don’t offer. This makes our private boat charter in Kona much more comfortable for longer trips, families with children, and guests who want the convenience and privacy of an onboard restroom during their ocean adventure.
Can I do a private boat tour at sunset instead of the morning?
Absolutely! That’s one of the biggest advantages of booking a private boat charter in Kona with Alii Ocean Tours. You get complete schedule flexibility. Unlike shared tours with fixed departure times, you can customize your timing to fit your preferences. Whether you want an early morning dolphin encounter, afternoon snorkeling adventure, or romantic sunset cruise, we’ll work with your schedule. Your Kona private boat charter can be planned around the best conditions for your chosen activities, your group’s energy levels, or simply when you want to be on the water. It’s your boat, your timeline!
What should we bring for our private boat charter?
We provide most everything for your Kona private boat charter, but we recommend:
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera for incredible photo opportunities
- Light jacket for morning/evening comfort during your private boat tour
How do you ensure safety on your private boat charters?
Safety is our highest priority on every private boat charter in Kona. We adhere to all US Coast Guard regulations and maintain required safety certifications. Our captain and crew are fully certified and trained in all safety protocols including CPR, first aid, and marine emergency procedures. The Hoku ‘Elima is regularly inspected and equipped with all required safety equipment including life jackets for all passengers, emergency radio communication, flares, and safety gear. We monitor weather conditions continuously and will not depart if conditions are unsafe. Our crew conducts safety briefings before departure and maintain constant vigilance throughout your private boat tour to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are dolphin and marine life sightings guaranteed?
While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings (they’re wild animals), our expert crew has over 30 years of local knowledge and knows the best spots and times for private boat charters in Kona. Our Hawaii private boat charter specializes in marine life encounters, and we have an excellent success rate for dolphin sightings.
Can non-swimmers enjoy the private boat charter?
Definitely! Many guests prefer to:
- Enjoy the luxury comfort and premium amenities
- Watch marine life from the boat
- Take in stunning Kona coastline views
- Relax in comfortable seating areas
- Experience our professional hospitality on private boat tours
What snorkeling locations do you visit?
Our private boat charter Kona may visit:
- World-famous Kealakekua Bay
- Captain Cook Monument area
- Other pristine Kona snorkel spots
- Locations chosen based on conditions and marine life activity for your private boat tour
What’s your cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. Our policy includes:
- 48+ hours notice: Full refund or reschedule
- 24-48 hours notice: 50% refund or reschedule option
- Weather cancellations: Full refund or reschedule
- We’ll work with you to find solutions
How do we get to the harbor?
We depart from Honokohau Harbor, conveniently located:
- 2.6 miles north of Kailua-Kona
- 5.75 miles south of Kona Airport
- Easy parking available
- Detailed directions provided upon booking
- Our white Alii Ocean Tours van marks the meeting spot