Fair Wind

The Fair Wind II is fun for the whole family, no matter what your age or experience. Snorkel, swim, sightsee and enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters of historic Kealakekua Bay marine sanctuary and site of the Captain Cook Monument.

The Fair Wind II has two custom staircases that make entering and exiting the water safe & easy, and we have various flotation devices including boogie boards with windows, custom view-boxes and inner-tubes. Plus, the Fair Wind II has two 15-ft waterslides and a high-jump platform that’s always a highlight!

At Kealakekua Bay an endless rainbow of blue hues color the water. In the protective embrace of a dark lava shoreline, an underwater world of magic and mystery is revealed. Schools of colorful tropical fish play hide and seek among delicate filigree forests of pale purple, pink and white coral architecture and dark fingers of “pillow lava.” In fact, Hidden Hawai‘i describes Kealakekua Bay as an “outstanding snorkeling spot with technicolor coral reefs and an array of tropical fish species.”

As the only underwater state park on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, with no paved roads leading to its sparkling shore, this marine sanctuary boasts pristine water conditions. A dive into the calm water confirms its clarity, where snorkelers enjoy an underwater visibility up to 100 feet.

Kealakekua Bay also hosts unique marine life found nowhere else in Hawaii. While effortlessly gliding through the refreshing waters snorkelers often spot flame angelfish, butterfly fish, lizard fish and other rarities. It’s no wonder Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine ranked Hawai‘i’s Big Island number one in the Indo-Pacific as the best place to snorkel.

Kealakekua Bay is located under the towering heights of a 100-foot lava cliff, where only gentle breezes make its way into this oasis. The result is a virtual swimming pool, offering the best snorkel conditions any time of day throughout the year.

Adding to the magic of Kealakekua Bay is its cultural and historical significance. Kealakekua means “the pathway of the gods” in Hawaiian. It was in this special place that thousands of ancient Hawaiians gathered for an annual celebration honoring their fertility god, Lonoikamakahiki during what is referred to as the Makahiki festival. Kealakekua Bay is also the site of the Captain Cook monument where a series of unfortunate events lead to his untimely death.

The best way to access the magic of Kealakekua Bay is aboard a Fair Wind Snorkel Cruise. Enjoy the luxuries of a custom-designed vessel with the convenience of onboard restrooms, freshwater showers, and a fully equipped galley for healthy plant-based meals and our famous 100% Kona coffee. A Fair Wind Snorkel Cruise also provides snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, and an assortment of floatation devices for unmatched intimate encounters with the bay’s abundant and unique marine life.

The Fair Wind II – Morning Snorkel Tour to Kealakekua Bay

Our guests experience a historical journey from the birthplace of a Hawaiian King to the place of death of the great Circumnavigator Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay. In between they will hear stories and view several historical sites such as the last battle stand at Kuamo’o Battlefield and view the Royal Holua Slide, the largest and best preserved in the state, and a historical landmark.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this award winning snorkel cruise to historic Kealakekua Bay, site of Captain Cook Monument. This 4-1/2 hour cruise departs daily from Keauhou Bay and includes 2-1/2 hours of snorkeling at pristine Kealakekua Bay, snorkel gear, instruction, floatation gear, high dive and two 15’ water slides.

Guests are served a plant-based tropical breakfast of traditional muesli (overnight soaked oats with almonds, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and raisins with coconut milk, banana bread using locally grown banana’s, fresh fruit bowl consisting of island-grown pineapple, papaya, and a variety of best seasonal fruits, 100% Kona coffee grown on our estate farm, herbal tea, and juice. Our plant-based lunch includes a BBQ Jackfruit “pulled pork style” with coleslaw sandwich, Chickpea “Tuna salad style” sandwich (or on salad greens), homemade ulu (breadfruit) & purple sweet potato salad, mixed greens salad with homemade salad dressing, and cookies for dessert. Beer, wine and assorted beverages are available for purchase during the last hour of the cruise. *Menu subject to change

The Fair Wind II – Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Cruise

A shorter afternoon version of our popular morning cruise – this 3-1/2 hour cruise departs from Keauhou Bay and includes 1-1/2 hours of snorkeling at pristine Kealakekua Bay, snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, instruction, flotation gear, high dive and two 15’ water slides. Assorted snacks are served and no-host cash bar is open during the last hour of the cruise.

Fair Wind is recognized as the best snorkel cruise on the Big Island by Frommer's Travel Guide, West Hawai’i Today Reader's Poll, and the Hawai’i Journal "Best of Hawai’i" Poll.