HILO BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Private Power and Quiet Depths: A Tailored Offshore Day from Hilo Aboard a 36' Wellcraft Scarab
Custom private charters along Hilo’s east coast, from brief 2‑hour outings to full 6‑hour days, let groups of up to six design dives, dolphin swims, whale viewing or coastal exploration.
Private Power and Quiet Depths: A Tailored Offshore Day from Hilo Aboard a 36' Wellcraft Scarab.
From Hilo’s harbor you can step onto Malama i Ke Kai, a 36‑foot Wellcraft Scarab, and shape a private day on the ocean: snorkeling reefs, seeking dolphins and seasonal humpbacks, conducting dives or simply chasing the island’s coastline. The operator configures each charter to your group’s goals and to sea and wildlife conditions, with a captain and crew delivering a personalized outing for up to six guests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Performance Platform for Small Groups
Step aboard Malama i Ke Kai, a 36‑ft Wellcraft Scarab powered by twin 700 hp engines — a performance vessel built for comfortable, fast transit between dive sites, wildlife encounters, and coastal lookouts while carrying up to six guests and a professional crew.
Customizable Itineraries Along East Hawaiʻi
Charters are bespoke: choose short coastal explorations, multi‑site snorkeling, private SCUBA sessions, or seasonal whale and dolphin outings — each day is plotted to match your objectives and local ocean conditions.
Private, Intimate, and Versatile
Because the vessel is offered as a private charter, it’s suitable for families, photographers, research teams, divers and celebrations — the operator provides a captain and crew, fuel, safety equipment and custom itinerary planning for a single party of up to six people.
What the day feels like
What a Day Aboard Feels Like
Mornings or afternoons aboard this private charter alternately feel like a precise working platform and a small floating base camp: fast runs to rich snorkeling reefs or dive drop points, quiet stops for dolphin encounters or seasonal whale watching, and hands‑on support from the captain and crew for dives, photography or research. The itinerary is yours to shape within the greater Hilo area and is adapted to prevailing sea conditions and wildlife activity.
THE BOAT
A Performance Platform for Small Groups
Step aboard Malama i Ke Kai, a 36‑ft Wellcraft Scarab powered by twin 700 hp engines — a performance vessel built for comfortable, fast transit between dive sites, wildlife encounters, and coastal lookouts while carrying up to six guests and a professional crew.
THE ROUTE
Customizable Itineraries Along East Hawaiʻi
Charters are bespoke: choose short coastal explorations, multi‑site snorkeling, private SCUBA sessions, or seasonal whale and dolphin outings — each day is plotted to match your objectives and local ocean conditions.
THE EXPERIENCE
Private, Intimate, and Versatile
Because the vessel is offered as a private charter, it’s suitable for families, photographers, research teams, divers and celebrations — the operator provides a captain and crew, fuel, safety equipment and custom itinerary planning for a single party of up to six people.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towel, a light rain jacket and any snacks or beverages you prefer. Additional activity fees or equipment rentals (for SCUBA, for example) may apply.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the available charter lengths and typical rates?
Charters are offered in 2‑ to 6‑hour blocks; published rates in the overview list 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours and 6 hours with corresponding pricing, and the operator can confirm final pricing at booking.
How many people can I bring?
The private charter accommodates a maximum of six guests per outing.
What ages are allowed on board?
Guests aged 8 and older are accepted for this charter.
Can we do SCUBA diving on the charter?
Yes — private SCUBA experiences and advanced dive excursions are options; only certified divers may rent SCUBA equipment, and if diving with Hilo Ocean Adventures a company Divemaster is required unless your group brings an insured Divemaster or higher certification.
What is included in the charter price?
Charter fees cover the private captain and crew, fuel, vessel operation, safety equipment and custom itinerary planning; specialty activities such as diving or other services may incur additional fees.
Can we customize the itinerary for a special occasion or project?
Yes — the operator emphasizes fully customizable itineraries for celebrations, photography, research, dives and wildlife viewing, tailored to your group’s goals and ocean conditions.