Keauhou Bay
Keauhou Bay: A historical Hawaiian gem offering world-class manta ray encounters and vibrant snorkeling in electric blue waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Manta ray encounters
Keauhou Bay
Best Time
Manta ray encounters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Keauhou Bay: A historical Hawaiian gem offering world-class manta ray encounters and vibrant snorkeling in electric blue waters.
"This bay has the most "electric blue" water that you have probably ever seen."
🎯 Book Manta Tours Early
Manta ray tours are extremely popular; book weeks or months in advance!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While tours provide gear, having your own ensures comfort and fit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive
Keauhou Bay
Witness majestic manta rays glide through the ocean on an unforgettable night tour. Truly a bucket-list experience!
Historical Significance
Keauhou Bay
Explore ancient Hawaiian fishponds and learn about the area's rich cultural past. A glimpse into royal history.
Vibrant Marine Life
Keauhou Bay
Snorkel or paddleboard in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and coral. Great for beginners!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manta Ray Magic: Book Ahead!
Beyond the Beach: History & Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Manta Tours Early
Manta ray tours are extremely popular; book weeks or months in advance!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While tours provide gear, having your own ensures comfort and fit.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Public parking is available, making it easy to access the bay.
🌊 Calm Waters for Paddling
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, even for beginners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Manta Tours Early
Manta ray tours are extremely popular; book weeks or months in advance!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
While tours provide gear, having your own ensures comfort and fit.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Public parking is available, making it easy to access the bay.
🌊 Calm Waters for Paddling
Ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, even for beginners.
📜 Learn Local History
Don't miss the historical fishponds and cultural significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Keauhou Bay's stunning "electric blue" waters and the incredible opportunity to snorkel with vibrant marine life. The bay's historical significance and friendly local anglers add to its charm. While not a typical sunbathing beach, it's highly praised for its snorkeling and beginner-friendly water sports.
"This bay has the most "electric blue" water that you have probably ever seen. There is also a small beach, a pier that is very popular with local anglers, and an interesting little historical park. With free public parking and a restroom, it's a beautiful spot to check out for 20-30 minutes. The fisherman are quite friendly if you feel like talking story!"
Michelle Porter
"A beautiful bay, The Royal Hawaiians from the past lived here and there is lots of historical information. Most of the snorkel and boat trips leave from here."
Janice Koch
"This is not a Sandy, lay around beach. This beach has amazing, outstanding snorkeling and is great for beginner to novice surfers as well. There is a picnic area and a clean bathroom and shower place. We loved our time here!"
Kelli Albrecht
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keauhou Bay is located south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's easily accessible by car, with free public parking available. Many visitors arrive via rental car or taxi from Kona International Airport (KOA).
Yes, Keauhou Bay is situated in southern Kailua-Kona, making it a convenient destination for those staying in the area. It's a short drive from the main hub of Kailua-Kona.
Within Keauhou Bay itself, walking is the best way to explore. For tours departing from the bay, transportation is usually included in the tour package.
Public bus services on the Big Island can be limited, especially to more secluded areas like Keauhou Bay. Renting a car or booking a tour with transportation is generally recommended.
Keauhou offers a more low-key atmosphere compared to Kailua-Kona, with some resorts and vacation rentals. It's ideal for those seeking a quieter Hawaiian experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Keauhou Bay itself is free, including public parking and restrooms. However, specific activities like manta ray tours or boat excursions require separate bookings and fees.
Keauhou Bay is generally accessible during daylight hours for general exploration. Manta ray tours operate after sunset, with specific departure times set by tour operators.
Manta ray tour prices can vary depending on the operator and inclusions, but typically range from $100 to $200 per person. It's advisable to check with individual tour companies for current pricing.
While some last-minute availability might exist, it's highly recommended to book manta ray tours in advance online or by phone, as they often sell out.
The historical sites, such as ancient fishponds, are generally accessible as part of the natural landscape of Keauhou Bay and do not typically have separate entrance fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Keauhou Bay is famous for its manta ray night snorkeling and diving tours. During the day, you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and exploring the historical sites.
Yes, Keauhou Bay offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with clear waters and abundant marine life, making it suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and water shoes. For snorkeling, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel for comfort.
Yes, there are clean public restrooms and shower facilities available at Keauhou Bay, which are convenient after water activities.
The bay's calm waters make it suitable for families. Children can enjoy paddling and observing marine life. However, direct supervision is always recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Keauhou Bay itself doesn't have many dining options directly on the water, nearby resorts and the town of Kailua-Kona offer a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining.
Yes, there are picnic areas available at Keauhou Bay, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with a view. Remember to pack out all your trash.
You'll find a range of Hawaiian and international cuisine in Kailua-Kona, including fresh seafood, local plate lunches, and international flavors.
Some manta ray night snorkel cruises include light refreshments like hot cocoa and soup after the tour, but it's not a full meal.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy at the picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are during the manta ray night tours, capturing these gentle giants in their element. Daytime offers stunning ocean views, historical sites, and marine life.
Yes, many tours provide rafts with lights that attract manta rays, creating a magical scene. Waterproof cameras or phone cases are highly recommended for capturing these moments.
For night photography, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are beneficial. Using a wide aperture and a higher ISO can help capture the bioluminescence and manta rays.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current FAA and local park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for the environment and other visitors.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light for landscape and wildlife photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides beautiful colors over the bay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed family experience, daytime visits to explore the historical fishponds and enjoy the scenic views are highly recommended. The presence of restrooms and picnic areas adds to the convenience for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on activities, consider bringing your own snorkel gear and paddleboard if possible. While manta ray tours are a splurge, they are often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Look for tours that offer good value or consider group discounts if traveling with others.
💑 Couples
During the day, enjoy paddleboarding hand-in-hand or simply relax on the beach. The historical sites offer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, and the stunning ocean views provide a beautiful backdrop for a romantic picnic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Manta Rays
Several tour operators depart from Keauhou Bay, offering various options from simple snorkeling trips to more immersive diving experiences. Most tours provide flotation devices, snorkeling gear, and wetsuits. The best manta ray encounters typically happen after sunset, making it a perfect evening activity. It's crucial to book these tours in advance, as they are extremely popular and tend to sell out quickly.
When observing manta rays, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching them. The lights used by tour operators are designed to attract the mantas without disturbing their natural behavior. This responsible approach ensures the continued health of the manta ray population and the preservation of this incredible natural phenomenon for future visitors.
Historical and Cultural Significance
These historical sites offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and connection to the land and sea that ancient Hawaiians possessed. Exploring these areas provides a deeper understanding of the island's heritage beyond its modern tourist attractions. The bay's name, 'Keauhou,' itself translates to 'a new current,' hinting at the dynamic nature of this place throughout history.
Visitors can learn more about the history through interpretive signs or by engaging with local guides. Understanding the cultural context enhances the appreciation of Keauhou Bay, transforming it from just a beautiful spot into a place of profound historical and cultural importance.
Daytime Activities and Marine Life
The bay features a small beach and a pier popular with local anglers, offering a glimpse into local life. The water is generally calm, making it suitable for beginners and families. Many boat tours and snorkeling excursions also depart from Keauhou Bay, providing convenient access to offshore reefs and marine hotspots.
For those interested in a more relaxed experience, simply enjoying the ocean views and the serene atmosphere of the bay is a pleasure in itself. The surrounding coastline is also picturesque, with lava cliffs and lush vegetation adding to the natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit