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Fair Wind Cruises' Hula Kai - Snorkel & Whale Watches Along the South Kona Coast

About.com Rating 5 Star Rating
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By , About.com Guide

The Hula Kai Difference

From the moment I boarded the Hula Kai I was thoroughly impressed by everything I saw and experienced. Some of the items which impressed me the most were:

  • The Hula Kai is a fast boat, traveling at about 27 knots or 26 mph. It's a genuinely exhilarating experience and you get to your snorkel destination fast. Because the boat is fast you are able to venture further south along the coast than you can with any other boat and you have much more time in the water.

  • It's OK to wear your shoes, sandals or flip-flops on board. Most boats require that you sail barefoot, which is difficult for someone like me with bad feet. The boat is handicapped accessible. You board from a dock unlike many boats which board along the beach where you have to enter the boat through the surf.

  • Hula Kai has an excellent PA system. You don't have to strain to hear announcements, sightings or the excellent Hawaiian music that is played throughout the sail.

  • The seats on the Hula Kai are the best I've ever seen on any catamaran. They are comfortable with individual head rests and even cup holders.

  • Hula Kai has deck umbrellas that are extended at each snorkel stop. Guests are able to stay on deck and still be protected from the sun while relaxing or eating.

Umbrellas Provide Shade While at one of Hula Kai's Secluded Snorkel Destinations

Photo by John Fischer, licensed to About.com
  • The food was not just good. It was excellent - the best I've ever had on a similar cruise.

  • The two snorkel stops were wonderful. The first called Ridges was our breakfast stop. The water was fairly deep with a strong current from the south. There were a huge number of yellow tangs. The second stop was our lunch stop and easily the better of the two. It was called Pali Kaholo and featured a wonderful sea cave and arch, black sand bottom, numerous coral heads and a huge variety of fish.

  • I was very impressed by the captain's briefing at each of the two snorkel locations. He emphasized safety and the do's and don'ts of snorkeling over a coral reef and swimming with reef fish. Snorkel lessons were offered to any interested parties. In fact the entire crew was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Kudos to Captain Matt, first mate Brian and second mates Ally and Ivan.

  • Prior to the departure from each snorkel stop the crew checks the manifest to ensure that everyone is aboard.

    • An Enthusiastic 5 Stars

    Needless to say, my cruise on the Hula Kai was one of the best I've ever experienced in Hawaii and I heartily recommend it.

    If You Go

    For certified divers, Hula Kai offers 1-tank dives for those seeking a "deeper" experience.

    Photo Courtesy of Fair Wind, Big Ocean Cruises, Bryce Groark Photographer

    Hula Kai offers three cruises depending on season:

    • 5-Hour AM Snorkel & BBQ Adventure, $155 (18-yrs. min.)
    • 4-Hour PM Snorkel & Sunset BBQ, $125 (18-yrs. min.)
    • 3-Hour Whale Watch Cruise, $75 (minimum 8-yrs. old)
    (Adults Only, Minumum 18-years old - effective 01/01/08) (except for Whale Watch Cruises - which will remain 8-years old minimum.)

    For more information and to reserve your cruise, visit www.fair-wind.com. You can also view a Gallery of Photos of my Hula Kai Snorkel & BBQ Adventure.

    As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary tour for the purpose of reviewing Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.

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