KAILUA-KONA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Face the Apex: Shark Search off Kailua‑Kona’s Deep Blue
A shark‑focused, guided outing that concentrates on locating scalloped hammerheads and oceanic white tips during a roughly three‑hour search off the Kona coast.
Face the Apex: Shark Search off Kailua‑Kona’s Deep Blue.
Off the Kona coast, small groups head beyond the reef in search of sharks—scalloped hammerheads that school seasonally and migratory oceanic white tips that patrol the deep. Led by experienced guides, the Shark Search is an intentionally wildlife‑first swim that trades the predictability of a typical snorkel for raw, unrepeatable encounters with the ocean’s apex predators.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Variety of Large Sharks
The trip targets encounters with multiple shark species reported off Kona, potentially including oceanic white tips, scalloped hammerheads, silkies, sandbars, Galápagos and oceanic blacktips, tiger sharks, and grey reef sharks.
Unpredictable, Wild, and Intense
These outings prioritize shark sightings—every trip is different and designed for guests willing to step outside a standard snorkel to pursue unpredictable wildlife interactions.
Expert‑Led, Safety‑Oriented Searches
Crews focus on finding and facilitating safe, respectful interactions with sharks, guiding swimmers through encounters and adapting the trip to real‑time wildlife activity.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
You board early, run a focused search across reef and offshore sites, and enter the water where sharks are most likely to appear. Guided teams emphasize safety and wildlife awareness, and the outing trades the comfort of predictable snorkeling for the adrenaline of close encounters—each trip shaped by the day’s ocean conditions and animal movements.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing is — and isn’t — for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 3 hours. The scheduled departure is from Honokōhau Harbor at 7:00am with a planned return by 12:00pm.
Bring reef‑safe (mineral) sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, a sun‑protective shirt or rash guard, a warm layer for the ride home, and towels. Optional items include a camera/GoPro and personal dive gear.
Trips prioritize looking for sharks and visit different reef and offshore sites; every trip varies with wildlife activity and ocean conditions, and encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Shark Search trip?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours.
When and where does the trip depart?
Departures are from Honokōhau Harbor at 7:00am with a return by about 12:00pm.
What kinds of sharks might we see?
The trip focuses on species reported off Kona, potentially including scalloped hammerheads and oceanic white tips as well as silkies, sandbars, Galápagos and oceanic blacktips, tiger sharks, and grey reef sharks.
Is a shark encounter guaranteed?
No—every trip is different and encounters depend on wildlife activity and ocean conditions; no animal encounters are guaranteed.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring reef‑safe mineral sunscreen (no aerosols), a hat, sunglasses, a sun‑protective shirt or rash guard, a warm layer for the ride back, and towels. Cameras and personal dive gear are optional.
Are there age, health, or weight restrictions?
Yes—minimum age is 16; guests must be confident swimmers, able to climb a ladder and move independently on a moving boat. The trip is not suitable for pregnant individuals and not recommended for those with back, neck, or serious health conditions. There is a weight limit of 275 lbs.