Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your adventure begins when you board your 65-foot open-air catamaran right from the Kona tender pier and embark on a lovely 2.5-hour lunch cruise along 12 miles of Kona's beautiful coastline. Your onboard historian will reveal the legends and local lore that distinguish the Big Island as you begin to enjoy your deli-style lunch of fresh fruit, wrap, potato salad, chips and cookies. Kona coffee, assorted teas, soft drinks, juices, and water are served, and there is a premium cash bar available.

The high point of the cruise is the Captain Cook Monument. Mistakenly believing there was a waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the British explorer sailed both of his ships south and, in 1778, discovered the Hawaiian Islands instead. The monument was established by the British and can be reached only by hiking or by boat on Kealakekua Bay.

King Kamehameha the Great, credited with uniting all of Hawaii's islands under one ruler, spent his final years of reign in Kona, deeming it the most beautiful of all his island empire.

Kealakekua Bay, translated as "the pathway of the god," was a sacred site for ancient Hawaiians, with many of its monuments best viewed from the water. In addition to the landmarks you will see, Kona boasts a rich marine life. If you're lucky, you'll see pods of playful dolphins, friendly green sea turtles and, depending on the time of year, migrating humpback whales (December through April.)

Have your camera at the ready for several heiaus visible from the coastline. In ancient times heiaus were places of worship dedicated to various gods where chiefs, farmers and fishermen would pray for peace, war, health, or profitable fishing or farming. Most were burned down after the abolishment of the kapu, or taboo, system around the 1820s. Some have been reconstructed but few remain to this day.

You'll also want to snap a picture of the Holua Slide, the longest of its kind in all of Hawaii. This steep slope was used by Hawaiian nobility for a sledding sport. Wooden sleds raced down this grass-covered slope, called a "holua," much to the delight of spectators who bet on who would be the winner.

You'll also sail past Kuamo'o Battlefield, an expansive lava field and historic burial site for 300 warriors who died in 1819 when King Liholiho and Chief Kekuaokalami clashed over radically different religious traditions.

After seeing all the sights, relax and take in the spectacular vistas as you enjoy live, Hawaiian-style music. The sail back to port is equally scenic and the perfect time to chat with your knowledgeable guide about the myriad activities available for the rest of the day.