Kona Sun, Sip & Sail

The most relaxing coastal experience in Kona

Sea Paradise’s newest coastal sailing experience — handcrafted cocktails, elevated mocktails, and island-style pupus aboard the 50-foot Hoku Nui. This is not a snorkel tour or a party cruise. There’s no itinerary to chase — just warm trade winds, panoramic views, and a slower, more intentional way to experience the Kona Coast.

DURATION

3 Hours

DEPARTURE

Keauhou Bay · 2:00 PM

CHECK-IN

1:45 PM · Finger Pier

RETURN

~5:00 PM · Keauhou Bay

VESSEL

Hoku Nui · 50 ft · Limited Seating

AGES

All Ages Welcome

Quick Details — Kona Sun, Sip & Sail

Quick Details

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail

Ages
All ages welcome
Duration
Approximately 3 hours
Departure Location
Keauhou Bay, end of Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Trip Times
Departs 2:00 PM — returns approximately 5:00 PM, daily on select dates No snorkeling or equipment required · A relaxed afternoon sailing experience on the Kona Coast
Pricing
Call or email Sea Paradise for current pricing and availability.
Phone (808) 322-2500
Email info@seaparadise.com
Limited seating — reserve early. Preview sailings and select pop-up departures may be available.
Featured
Handcrafted cocktails, premium mocktails, island-style pupus, and scenic Kona Coast storytelling
Vessel
Hoku Nui — 50-foot sailing catamaran with shaded seating and onboard restrooms
No Snorkeling or Water Entry
Guests remain on deck throughout the experience. Non-swimmers and guests who prefer to stay dry are welcome.
Experience
Kona Coast scenic sailing departing from Keauhou Bay Intimate groups atmosphere · Relaxed pacing · Coastal storytelling by the crew

Please note: No swimming ability is required. Guests do not enter the water on this tour. Gratuity is not included but is greatly appreciated. Beverage selections may change seasonally. Sailing is at the captain’s discretion based on wind, weather, sea conditions, and guest safety.

What to Expect

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is designed around one idea: a slower, more intentional way to experience the Kona Coast. When the trade winds pick up, we sail. There’s nowhere to be except right here

1

Check in at 1:45 PM

Meet crew in blue shirts at the finger pier, Keauhou Bay. Sign digital waivers in advance from your confirmation email.

2

Board the Hoku Nui

Assisted boarding begins just before 2:00 PM. Find your seat — shaded or open deck — and settle in as the crew prepares to depart.

3

Sail the Kona Coast

Sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy island-style pupus, and take in panoramic coastline views as the Hoku Nui catches the afternoon trade winds.

4

Return at ~5:00 PM

Glide back into Keauhou Bay as the Kona sun lowers toward the horizon — the perfect end to a relaxed afternoon on the water.

As afternoon settles over Kona, the trade winds kick up and the ocean glows with amber light. It’s perfect sailing weather — a time to slow down, relax, and breathe in the beauty of the Kona Coast without an itinerary to chase. Departing from the calm waters of Keauhou Bay, Sip & Sail offers coastal storytelling, unhurried hospitality, and the rhythm of the coast from the deck of Kona’s premier 50-foot sailing catamaran.

A Different Kind of Ocean Experience

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail was designed for guests who want the ocean without the activity pace of a traditional tour.

No snorkeling or equipment

Nothing to put on, nothing to adjust, nothing to worry about. Just you, a drink, and the Pacific.

Island-inspired pupu service

Curated island-style small bites served throughout the sail — the flavors of Hawaii in the open air.

Handcrafted cocktails & premium mocktails

Signature craft cocktails inspired by the Kona Coast, freshly made aboard the Hoku Nui. Non-alcoholic options available.

Relaxed pacing designed for unwinding

No schedule to chase, no sites to reach. The experience is the sail itself — and the views, and the company.

Scenic Kona coastline storytelling

Crew share the stories, history, and natural features of the coastline as you sail — Kona's best open-air tour guide included.

intimate group atmosphere

Limited seating ensures an uncrowded, refined experience aboard the Hoku Nui — not a packed tour boat.

Ideal Guests

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is an intentionally relaxed sailing experience for guests who prefer beautiful scenery and time to unwind — without the structure of traditional tours.

Couples & honeymooners

The most romantic way to experience the Kona Coast — sunset light, open water, cocktails in hand.

Already snorkeled & explored

You've done the reef — now experience the Kona Coast from the deck with a cocktail and nothing to do.

Guests seeking a slower-paced experience

If every other tour has been an activity, Sip & Sail is the decompression you didn't know you needed.

Celebrations & special occasions

Anniversaries, birthdays, final-day celebrations — all deserve the right backdrop.

The Hoku Nui Bar Menu

Local brews, wine, handcrafted cocktails, and premium mocktails. Available on Kona Sun, Sip & Sail and all Snorkel Tours. Beverage selections may change seasonally.

IPA

Local Island Brew

$8

Seltzer

Local Island Brew

$6

Lager

Local Island Brew

$8

Coors Light

$5

White Wine

$12

Champagne

$10

Mocktail

$5

Spirits

Rum, vodka, or tequila with choice of soft beverage

$12

CRAFT COCKTAILS

Fresh Margarita

Tequila, Cointreau, lime & locally sourced honey — regular or Hawaiian chili pepper

$14

Coco Nui

Light rum, coconut puree, pineapple & lime

$14

Hoku Nui Mai Tai

White & dark rum with house made mix

$14

Big Island Rum Punch

White & dark rum with P.O.G juice

$14

Kona Breeze

Vodka with P.O.G juice

$14

Pricing & Reservations

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is a new, curated experience with intentionally limited seating for a relaxed, intimate groups atmosphere. Call or email us for current pricing and available dates. Preview sailings and pop-up departures are available while we thoughtfully refine the experience. Expanded operating days to be announced

Handcrafted cocktails

Premium mocktails

Island-style pupus

3-hour sail

Hoku Nui 50-ft catamaran

Coastal storytelling

Sailing the Kona Coast in the Afternoon

The Kona Coast on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the most consistent sailing environments in the Pacific. Sheltered from the northeast trade winds by the mass of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the coastline runs calm and clear — particularly in the afternoon, when the thermal winds pick up predictably from the south and the light turns gold against the lava cliffs. This is the coastline Sea Paradise has sailed since 1985. Keauhou Bay, where the Hoku Nui departs, sits at the southern edge of Kailua-Kona — one of the most historically significant bays on the Big Island, birthplace of Kamehameha III and a gathering place for Hawaiian royalty for centuries. From the deck of the Hoku Nui, guests see that coast the way it was meant to be seen: from the water, moving through it slowly, with no particular place to be. When the trade winds pick up, we sail. Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is designed around relaxation, ease, and the beauty of the Kona Coast — a slower, more intentional way to experience these waters.” The afternoon sail offers something the morning tours can’t: the Kona sunset building behind you as you return to Keauhou Bay, the sky shifting from sharp blue through amber and deep pink over the water. This is not a tour designed around what you’ll see in the ocean — it’s designed around what you’ll feel on the deck. The difference matters. Unlike packed tour boats running at capacity, the Hoku Nui caps the Sip & Sail at limited seating specifically to preserve the intimate groups atmosphere that makes the experience work. There’s enough space to find a quiet spot on the bow, enough bar service to never wait long, and enough of the Hawaiian sky in every direction to understand why people who come to Kona come back.

Sea Paradise's 50-Foot Sailing Catamaran

The Hoku Nui — Hawaiian for “Big Star” — is a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran.  The difference is everything.

Twin-hull sailing catamaran
0 ft
Max guests
0
Years operating the Kona Coast
0 +
  • Open floor plan with 360° views
  • Shaded seating under full Bimini top
  • Sundeck with netted bow seating
  • Two spacious onboard restrooms
  • Freshwater rinse showers
  • Spacious galley & bar service
  • 2 wide staircases for water entry on snorkeling tours
  • Purified drinking water
  • USCG-licensed captains
  • Shoeless vessel — relaxed experience

Getting There & What to Bring

LOCATION & PARKING

Keauhou Bay, end of Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Free parking along Kaleiopapa St. Allow 3–5 minutes to walk to the finger pier.

CHECK-IN & BOARDING

Check in at the end of the finger pier at Keauhou Bay. Look for crew in blue shirts at 1:45 PM. Digital waivers signed in advance via your confirmation email. Do not check in at any of the buildings.

VESSEL & FACILITIES

Hoku Nui is a shoeless vessel — remove slippers at the dock. Two spacious restrooms and changing rooms onboard, full bar, galley, shaded and open deck seating, freshwater showers.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Light layers or cover-up for breezy conditions
  • Sunglasses & hat
  • Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
  • Camera or smartphone for panoramic coastline shots
  • Easy-to-remove slippers (shoeless vessel)
  • Valid ID (alcohol is served onboard)

AMBER NOTICE BOX

Please note: Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is not a snorkel tour. Guests do not enter the water. Non-swimmers and guests who prefer to stay dry are equally welcome — this experience was designed with you in mind.

Sea Paradise place picture
4.8
Based on 886 reviews
Suzey Tomlinson profile picture
Suzey Tomlinson
4 months ago
Excellent!
The crew were professional, kind, knowledgeable and fun.
Extremely clean, with luxury bathroom facilities.
Lots of refreshments and snacks, also a freshwater shower to wash off as you get out of the sea.
Derek Kyro profile picture
Derek Kyro
4 months ago
Awesome experience. This is the place to do a manta ray tour. We have done one before and in the other area where you see the manta rays. The short boat ride to the area is the way to go. Last time 30 mins ride. Koa boat captain and Eric the guide who was in the water with us was very knowledgeable and being in a smaller group is by far the way to go… if/when we make it back we will definitely book with Kona Mantas…
Charles Kim profile picture
Charles Kim
4 months ago
Seaquest did a phenomenal job for exploring The Big Island’s ocean. We did the night Manta Ray dive and the South Kona Expedition Snorkel tour. Such magical experiences. We saw nonstop Manta Rays. Even got several Manta Ray kisses. The South Kona Expedition Snorkel tour had 3 snorkel spots. Best snorkeling in all of the Islands Ive visited so far. The captains and guides are super friendly and knowledgeable. I know when I come back to the Big Island I will book from Seaquest again!
William Comeau profile picture
William Comeau
4 months ago
Had a great experience with the paradise crew and captain. They really go all out to make a memorable day out on the water. Today, a squall ran through halfway through the trip and we started heading back. But the conditions improved, and the boat resumed our snorkel trip after packing everything away. You can trust them. and a a great food spread too. Nice size boat and we never felt crowded. Choose these guys!
Chad Ortiz profile picture
Chad Ortiz
4 months ago
Had a great time on our morning snorkeling trip!
Monica Shallow profile picture
Monica Shallow
6 months ago
The catamaran snorkel tour was the highlight of our trip! Such a fun, friendly crew. One of the crew made mermaid bubbles in the water for my 6 year old niece. It was super cool! Our group of 13 enjoyed every minute of it.
Danny O'Malley profile picture
Danny O'Malley
7 months ago
These folks are the best! We did the Manta Ray night snorkel and then came back a couple days later for the Kealekekua Bay day snorkel catamaran. The team both times was super friendly, fun, knowledgeable and helpful. We had a blast, the boat was clean and comfortable, saw tons of amazing ocean life, and learned more about the beautiful creatures we share the world with and some interesting history about the area. Highly recommend Sea Paradise for anyone looking for a fantastic snorkeling experience.
Autumn James profile picture
Autumn James
8 months ago
Booked the night manta ray trip and it did NOT disappoint! We had SO many mantas under us as ALL times. There were about 11-12 different mantas swimming under us. The guides said they average about 3 a night so it was an extra special trip! Guides were super knowledgeable and #1 priority was the safety of the mantas and the guests. I get seasick VERY easily and I definitely was fighting it during the end of the trip but luckily less than a 5 min boat ride to and from the dock and they have ample ginger chews. This experience was truly a bucket list experience and Sea Paradise was a great company to do it with!!
Timothy Wilson profile picture
Timothy Wilson
9 months ago
We just got off the morning snorkeling trip and we had an amazing time. The entire crew was polite, professional and helpful in every way. They really made the trip fun and enjoyable. The boat was clean and well maintained with the cleanest bathrooms you will see on a charter boat. They had good snorkeling gear and the crew is right there ready to help you in any way you needed it to make sure you had a fun safe experience. Both the breakfast and lunch meals that come with the trip were delicious and beyond what I was expecting. The bartender can make some good drinks 🍹 for the ride home when the snorkeling is done.

One thing I did notice that Sea Paradise was doing that other boats around us weren’t doing. Sea Paradise puts crew members on paddle boards as lifeguards in the areas that you are swimming. That’s a big plus for safe in my eyes and I appreciate that.

Thank you again for the great time and great memories.
Steph Couvrette profile picture
Steph Couvrette
10 months ago
We enjoyed this morning snorkeling trip very much. The catamaran is nice (and it really does have the nicest bathrooms we've ever seen on a boat) and the crew is amazing. They're friendly, constantly offering food and drinks, and make sure everyone is well taken care of. They have everything you need for the trip, down to the reef safe sunscreen and hand sanitizer. The continental breakfast and coffee is nice in the morning, and we enjoyed the sandwich lunch after a couple of 45 minute snorkeling sessions. The snorkeling equipment is good and didn't leak like many do. The entire sail over and back is very pleasant. The snorkeling spots are fine, not the best we've seen, but had some decent fish. The drop off at Kealakekua Bay is cool to see. Overall, great experience well worth a morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is a luxury coastal cocktail sailing experience designed around relaxation rather than activity. There is no snorkeling, no equipment, no briefings to sit through. You board the Hoku Nui at 2:00 PM, sail the Kona Coast with handcrafted cocktails and island-style pupus, and return at 5:00 PM. It’s a slower, more intentional way to experience the coast, designed for guests who want the ocean without the pace of a traditional tour.

No. Kona Sun, Sip & Sail guests remain on the vessel at all times. There is no water entry, no snorkeling, and no swimming required. This experience is specifically designed to be welcoming to non-swimmers, and anyone who prefers to enjoy the ocean from the deck rather than in it.

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail features handcrafted cocktails and premium mocktails alongside island-inspired pupu service. The Hoku Nui bar offers signature craft cocktails — including the Fresh Margarita, Coco Nui, Hoku Nui Mai Tai, Big Island Rum Punch, and Kona Breeze — as well as local island brews, wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic options. Beverage selections may change seasonally. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies at least 24 hours before departure.

Check-in is at 1:45 PM at the finger pier at Keauhou Bay. Assisted boarding begins just before 2:00 PM and the Hoku Nui returns to dock at approximately 5:00 PM. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. The tour runs on select dates — contact us for current availability.

The Hoku Nui is a 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran that was spaciously designed to carry many more passengers and then was intentionally certified at 49. This means more deck space, spacious seating and a more relaxed atmosphere from departure to return.

Yes — Kona Sun, Sip & Sail was designed with celebrations in mind. Anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, and quiet milestone moments are all well-suited to this format. The relaxed pacing, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic Kona coastline create a naturally celebratory atmosphere. Contact us at (808) 322-2500 or info@seaparadise.com to discuss special arrangements.

Light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm coastal weather. A light layer or cover-up is recommended as afternoon trade winds can be breezy on the water. Sunglasses and a hat are advisable. The Hoku Nui is a shoeless vessel — bring easy-to-remove slippers. Since guests do not enter the water on Sip & Sail, swimwear is optional but welcome.

When conditions allow, the Hoku Nui sails — and the Kona Coast’s consistent afternoon trade winds mean conditions are favorable most days. Sailing will be determined by the captain based on guest safety, wind conditions, and sea state. The name says it all: when the trade winds pick up, we sail.

Check in at the end of the finger pier at Keauhou Bay — end of Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Do not check in at any buildings — look for crew in blue shirts at the pier. Free parking is available along Kaleiopapa Street; allow 3–5 minutes to walk to the vessel. Public restrooms are on the east side of Kaleiopapa Street near the parking area. Sign digital waivers in advance from your confirmation email prior to arriving.

For standard non-private bookings with fewer than 10 guests: cancellation required 24 hours before the tour. For private chartered tours and groups of 10 or more: 72-hour cancellation required. To cancel, call the Sea Paradise office at (808) 322-2500. Cancellation policies may vary for the Kona Sun, Sip & Sail during its preview sailings phase — confirm at time of booking.

Reserve Your Spot

Kona Sun, Sip & Sail is a limited-seating experience. Preview sailings are available now — contact Sea Paradise to check availability and secure your date.

MANTA GUARANTEE

Re-book for FREE if you do not see a Manta Ray on your tour. (Manta Rays are a wild marine animal. Sea Paradise does not guarantee the sighting of a Manta Ray.)

Our Manta guarantee: ” If a manta ray isn’t seen the night of your trip. Return free on any regularly scheduled Manta Ray experience during the next 7 days. Space available and advanced reservation required for return trip.

*This is NOT a money back guarantee.

Sea Paradise crew hoisting sail — professional team on snorkel tours Kona and manta ray tours, sailing Kona coast, seaparadise.com

MULTI-TRIP DISCOUNT

Discounted tour must be after full price tour. The discount applies to the second tour and based on available seating. To make a reservation call 808-322-2500. Not in combination with any other discount. Offer is non-transferable.