The Hoku Nui — Hawaiian for “Big Star” — is Sea Paradise Hawaii’s 50-foot luxury sailing catamaran and the vessel aboard which every Sea Paradise tour has departed Keauhou Bay for decades. Spaciously designed for 49 guests, Hoku Nui’s twin-hull catamaran design, full onboard facilities, and experienced USCG-licensed crew make it the most capable and comfortable tour vessel operating on the Kona Coast.
Quick Details
Most tour operators design and build their vessels to maximum certified capacity. Sea Paradise did not. The Hoku Nui was designed to carry many more passengers then was intentionally certified to carry only 49. By welcoming fewer guests the difference is tangible. Forty-nine guests on a 50-foot catamaran means generous deck space for every person — room to spread out during the sail, easy access to the water entry staircases, comfortable positioning for gearing-up before the snorkel, and enough space that the experience never feels crowded. It also means less physical stress on the vessel over time, longer equipment life, and more attentive crew-to-guest ratios. It is the same decision Sea Paradise has made for 40 years: prioritize the experience over the occupancy rate.
The Hoku Nui’s twin-hull catamaran design is not incidental — it is one of the most significant factors in the quality of the Sea Paradise luxury experience, which sets it apart from the single-hull and rigid-hull vessels experience.
The twin-hull design creates a wide, stable base that dramatically reduces the rolling and rocking motion often responsible for sea sickness. Guests who are typically sensitive to boat motion consistently report a more comfortable experience aboard the Hoku Nui.
The wide beam creates substantially more usable deck area than a monohull of equivalent length. Guests can move freely, gear up without crowding, and find comfortable places to relax throughout the voyage. On snorkel tours, this added space is especially valuable when preparing masks, fins, and gear.
The Hoku Nui’s two wide staircases with hand railings provide easy, safe entry and exit from the water for guests of varying skill levels. Getting in and out is straightforward for first-time snorkelers, children, and older guests alike.
The Hoku Nui sails when conditions allow. The crew raises the sail on the passages to Kealakekua Bay as you keep a watchful eye for sea life along the way. The sound of wind in the sails in Kealakekua Bay is one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Two onboard restrooms/changing rooms, a full galley, shaded seating, a bar serving local brews, tropical cocktails, curated mocktails, and two freshwater showers on deck set the high standard aboard the luxury Hoku Nui.
Many of Sea Paradise’s Captains began their careers as deckhands on the Kona Coast, working through every role on the vessel before progressing to the helm. All hold USCG licenses. Many have experience on other Kona tour operations before joining Sea Paradise.
In a small maritime community like Kona, that experience is transparent and verifiable. Captains know the currents, the reefs, the manta behavior, and the daily ocean conditions at a level that only comes from years of time on the water. The crew also includes marine naturalists who lead reef and manta briefings on every tour — combining safety and science with the Hawaiian tradition of “talk story.”
The Hoku Nui and all Sea Paradise operations are certified by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association and meet the standards of the Coral Reef Alliance’s West Hawaii Voluntary Standards for Marine Tourism.
Specific sustainability and conservation practices include:
Hoku Nui translates from Hawaiian as “Big Star.” The name reflects both the catamaran’s size and its role as the centerpiece of the Sea Paradise experience. The Hoku Nui replaced earlier Sea Paradise vessels and has been the company’s primary tour vessel for its current chapter of operations.
The Hoku Nui is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 49 passengers, but spaciously designed and built for many more, to ensure every guest has generous deck space, easy water access, and a comfortable experience throughout the tour. This is a consistent, long-standing Sea Paradise policy across all tour types.
No. The Hoku Nui is not wheelchair or walker accessible. Boarding requires stepping between the dock and the vessel, and navigating the catamaran deck involves steps and varied surfaces. Guests with mobility limitations who are not able to safely board and move around the vessel should contact Sea Paradise before booking at (808) 322-2500 to discuss whether the experience is suitable for their needs.
Yes. The Hoku Nui has two onboard restrooms/changing rooms (referred to as “heads” in nautical terminology), a galley, a full bar, shaded seating under a bimini top, and 2 freshwater showers on deck. Public restrooms are also available near the Keauhou Bay parking area on the east side of Kaleiopapa Street.
Yes. Local brews, tropical cocktails, mocktails and mixed drinks are available for purchase onboard the Hoku Nui on all day tours. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are included with every ticket depending on the tour.
The Hoku Nui is a genuine sailing catamaran that raises sail when conditions allow — typically on the passage out to Kealakekua Bay on favorable days. Sailing adds a quieter, more scenic dimension to the voyage. The vessel also has engines for navigation in calm or adverse conditions, ensuring reliable departures and returns with sails up on day tours regardless of wind.
Fishing may occur on day charters depending on conditions and captains discretion. Fish that are caught are sustainably given to local families.
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.
