Sail the Kona Coast, Eat Well, Learn the History
Three hours on the water. One local historian at the microphone. Dinner served while the sun drops behind the coastline. That is the shape of this cruise, and honestly, it’s a good one.
Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and you’re greeted with island-style pupus, a complimentary cocktail, and live Hawaiian music before the boat even pulls away. From the Kailua Kona Pier you travel 24 miles round trip along the Gold Coast toward Kealakekua Bay, past landmarks and shoreline that stay invisible from land.
The narration covers Hawaiian history, stories, and legends tied to the sites you pass. It wraps up when you reach Captain Cook’s Monument, which is exactly when dinner lands on the table. On the ride back, a live Hawaiian band takes over and you get the sunset view across the water. Keep a camera close. Dolphins show up. Seasonal whales do too.
Dinner runs on a set menu built around Big Island producers: local baby spinach with Rincon Farms strawberries, Big Island feta, candied macadamia nuts, and a Waimea strawberry vinaigrette to open. The main is sea salt-brined roasted airline chicken with red mashed potatoes, a Hamakua mushroom and roasted garlic Marsala demi-glace, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, plus a warm coconut dinner roll with butter. Dessert is a chocolate torte with raspberry topping.
Traveling vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free? There is a Thai coconut curry option with Hamakua sweet potatoes, Hawaiian breadfruit, carrots, and bell peppers, served with steamed jasmine rice. It has to be requested 48 hours in advance by calling 800-551-8911. Gluten free requests go through the same number and the same notice window.
One more thing worth knowing: the first cocktail is on the house. Anything after that is purchased on board.
See Dates and PricesHow the Evening Unfolds
Boarding at the Kailua Kona Pier
30 minutes before departure. Guests step aboard and are greeted with Island Style Pupus (appetizers), a complimentary cocktail, historical narration, and live Hawaiian style music. Arrive early. Refunds are not issued for late arrivals, and the walk from the parking lot to the pier takes 5 to 7 minutes on its own.
Cruise to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s Monument
180 minutes, 24 miles round trip. The boat follows Kona’s Gold Coast while the narrator points out landmarks along the way that are not visible from land, weaving in Hawaiian history, stories, and legends. Narration ends on arrival at the bay, then dinner is served. The return leg to the Kailua Pier brings live Hawaiian style music, views of the Kona coastline, and the sunset. Watch for dolphins, and for whales in season.
Practical Notes Before You Book
- Bring a light jacket. Evenings on the water cool down.
- Park free at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (Ilima Court Shopping Center), the Body Glove Cruises main office. The pier is about one block away.
- Hotel pickup is not available, and guests arrange their own transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier.
- Every guest must complete a liability waiver before boarding.
- Reservations close 60 minutes before the start time. Booking is confirmed instantly.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
What’s Included (and What Isn’t)
Included
- Local guide and live commentary on board
- Dinner: salad, sea salt-brined roasted airline chicken main, coconut dinner roll, and chocolate torte with raspberry topping
- Beverages, plus one complimentary cocktail
- Live entertainment throughout the cruise
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Free parking at 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua Kona, HI 96740, about a one block walk from the pier
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks beyond the one complimentary drink included (available to purchase on board)
- Transportation to the Kailua Kona Pier, which guests provide themselves
Views From the Cruise
Worth planning ahead. Bookings close 60 minutes before the scheduled start time, each booking holds up to 30 travelers, and dietary requests need 48 hours of notice. Sunset dates on the Kona coast tend to fill, so lock in your evening before the calendar gets tight.
A Bay, a Monument, and Dinner at Sea
3 hours. 24 miles round trip. From $189.19 per person, with instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Book the Kealakekua Bay Dinner Cruise