Your ocean, your rules. The Kona Private Boat Charter is the ultimate way to experience the Big Island's stunning coastline on your own terms. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a family adventure, or simply craving an exclusive day on the water, we'll craft the perfect itinerary just for you.
The Kona Coast is one of Hawaii's most spectacular stretches of ocean, offering everything from world-class snorkeling and dramatic lava sea cliffs to encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (in season). With a private charter, you choose where you go, what you do, and how you spend your time, all with the expertise of our experienced crew guiding the way.
No shared boats, no set schedules. Just your group, the open ocean, and an unforgettable day in paradise.
Join us on our exclusive and private "Holo Holo" excursion. Holo Holo is Hawaiian for a cruise which brings pleasure. This excursion is built exclusively for those who want a unique experience that is customizable and goes above and beyond a standard pleasure cruise. Booking a private charter with Dolphin Discoveries opens up a world of adventure and the ability to make every marine dream you have while visiting or celebrating on the tropical isle come true. There is no better way to experience Kona's wondrous underwater gardens than with your closest friends and family.
You will begin your journey by meeting your Captain for a one-on-one conversation. You and your Captain create a custom adventure that suits your entire party. Your knowledgeable Captain will provide ideas and recommendations based on ocean conditions and seasonal highlights. This private boat charter excursion can be designed with a little bit of this or a whole lot of that. You set the pace of the tour.
We look forward to helping you and your family make your Big Island visit and time on the water an event that you will talk about for years to come.
Your safety and comfort are paramount when you embark on a private boat charter with Dolphin Discoveries in Kona, and our experienced guides are dedicated to ensuring that your experience is not only enjoyable but secure. Our guides are not just professionals — they are experts with a profound understanding of the unique conditions and challenges of Kona's coastal environment. With extensive training in marine protection, safety procedures, and emergency response, they are well-prepared to handle any situation and provide a safe and secure experience for all passengers.
Throughout your journey, our guides remain attentive to your needs. When you choose a private boat charter in Kona, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are always the absolute top priority.
Everything you need is included: masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuit tops, and towels. Private charters are welcome to bring beer and wine aboard.

Kona's waters serve as perfect backdrops for every kind of adventure, whether you want to explore the wondrous reefs of Captain Cook Monument or the Place of Refuge, view pods of spinner dolphins while exploring the shoreline aboard a boat, or even watch the migrant humpback whales break off of Kona's shores. This is something that few other people in the world will get to experience, let alone in such a magical place.
While you are relaxing above deck and soaking in the tropical UV rays, you may get to witness a humpback whale breach above the water, a sea turtle glide along the surface of the Pacific Ocean, or be entranced by a pod of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins if they choose to check out you and the boat itself. All the while knowing you can visit any and all of the best reefs in Kona just by saying when.
There is intense excitement that comes with the unknown involved in boating around the Kona Coast — this is left to the surprise visits of our sea-faring friends or being able to explore hidden gems like lava tubes, lesser known reefs, and Hawaii's sea caves.
There are few limits to what you will be able to explore along the Kona Coast, and even fewer limitations to the knowledge and experience that our Captain and crew will pass along to you while aboard the vessel. From Hawaiian history and culture to marine biology, there's so much to discover.
Private charters are booked by phone. Select your preferred time slot on the calendar and call us at (808) 322-8000 to confirm availability and complete your reservation. Prices may vary due to time of year and length of tour — call our team to get the most accurate quote.
Check-in is at our retail store at Keauhou Shopping Center: 78-6831 Ali'i Dr Suite F-146, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (in the courtyard behind Tropics Tap House and KTA Grocery Store — the sign on the door says 174). Arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your check-in time. Your crew will check you in and outfit you with all necessary gear.
From there, drive down to Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, where your crew will assist you aboard the vessel.
Sign your waiver as soon as you receive your booking confirmation email. There is a link on the email for our online waiver. Each adult must sign their own waiver. Only one adult needs to sign for each minor in your group.
Our charters depart on time. If you are running late, call (808) 322-8000 as soon as possible.
For additional questions see our FAQ page.
When you book you will receive a booking confirmation email with a Get Directions button that links to Google Maps. You will first arrive at our retail store located in the Keauhou Shopping Center: 78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Space F-146 (the sign on the door says 174). Located in the courtyard behind Tropics Tap House and KTA Grocery Store. Park near either of these establishments and walk the remainder of the way into the courtyard.
Once you arrive at our retail location your crew will check you in and outfit you with the gear needed for tour.
From there you will drive down to Keauhou Bay, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, where you will meet your crew. They will assist you aboard our vessel and off you go for a fantastic adventure.
You should not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes before your check-in time. Your check-in time is located on your booking confirmation email.
You should sign your waiver as soon as you receive your booking confirmation email. There is a link on the email for our online waiver. Each adult needs to sign their own waiver. Only one adult needs to sign for each minor.
Our charters depart on time. If you are running late you should call 808-322-8000 as soon as possible.
In your booking confirmation email you will receive parking instructions.
Towels, masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuit tops are all provided. Private charters can bring beer and wine if desired.
If you have a family member that does not want to snorkel they can most definitely remain on the boat. Because it is a reserved seat on our small passenger vessels a ticket must be reserved. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay, home of Captain Cook's Monument and one of the highest-rated snorkel spots on the Big Island of Hawaii. Tropical fish, Hawaiian sea turtles, and the occasional pod of dolphins — all in some of the clearest water on the Kona Coast.

Slip into the ocean at night and let our crew guide you to where Kona's manta rays feed. These gentle giants can reach wingspans of up to 18 feet and will glide right beneath you. If you only have time for one snorkel trip on the Big Island, this is the one.