Wa'a Rides And Charters - Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Excursions

This was a wonderful way to get a little exercise, be out on the water, and learn some island history. Great guide = great fun!

Jessa and all the employees at Kona Boys were awesome and took great care of us!! I would recommend this company to anyone visiting Kona!

The history was interesting but just be aware, they don't really take you anywhere, you paddle directly into the bay, maybe 5 minutes? Then you hang out there for a while, paddle maybe another 5 minutes to the other side of the bay (It felt like we really didn't move) and then back in. We had it in our head there would be more canoe ride around the area than just sitting in a boat listening to history. If that's what you're looking for this is a great choice! If the actual canoe ride was more the focus, maybe not for you. (On the positive it was only my husband and I, pregnant, and we didn't get too tired paddling the boat so I really think anyone could do it!)

Awesome experience, learning some outrigger basics and paddling out on the bay. Grant was a pleasure to speak with just in general (especially about my Ironman experience). My wife sat in front, controlling the pace, and even jumped in the water briefly at our turn around spot. I'd recommend Kona Boys as your Go-to for the paddling experience.

What a relaxing and educational way to start the day! Grant was an awesome guide. We couldn't have asked for a better morning on the water. Thank you!

What a peaceful adventure out on the Pacific. Our guide (Brandon?) really played a part in this adventure. He was super friendly, informative, chill and had a great sense of humor. I didn’t know anyone, yet our guide did a great job of blending us together.

Hearing about the momentous events that took place in these waters while learning how to paddle an outrigger canoe was an amazing way to start my 63rd birthday adventure on the Big Island. Not only that, there were canoe races going on in the background. Tommy and Grant were great!

Super fun experience! Paddled a while, learned a lot and even saw dolphins!! I would highly recommend!!

Our outrigger canoe trip was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and fun. He was able to identify various sea life, talk at length about the island and its history, and regale us with funny stories and even a few dad jokes thrown in. All in all, a great experience we will always remember.

Although at home I’m a kayaker and enjoy solo trips, I wanted the experience on the water the way the early Hawaiians did. Locals recommended Kona Boys and I’m so glad I booked with them. The staff was friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable. There were 5 of us plus our trip leader, Tommy, who gave us verbal instructions, took us out on the water, and told us about the Kailua-Kona history. We saw a school of dolphins, yellow tangs, and a manta. The weather couldn’t have been better. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture. I highly recommend this trip!

Not what I expected. You just row to the middle of the bay- around and back. We did hear some nice history.

Our cultural outrigger canoe ride was fantastic!!! Ray was an amazing guide and he made this excursion truly worthwhile. We loved the history he provided about this region and when I asked for a ghost story (we were there around Halloween) he provided a terrifying story about his personal encounter with the Night Marchers. I would definitely recommend this tour - especially if Ray is your guide. He went above and beyond

We were lucky enough to get Tommy O as our guide. Just 3 of us but we were joined by Tommy’s brother and his 97 year old mother who were visiting from California. We were out for almost 90 minutes. Great instructions and fascinating history of the island. By the end of the adventure we felt like family. Even Momma had her picture taken with us and gave us a farewell huge. Here are some tips that we learned - 1. The rental hut is just to the left of the pier if disembarking from a cruise 2 it’s operated by “da boys” who rent other aquatic equipment and tours. They will hold your bags in their hut and even have a safe where their held are valuables. 3 Nice quiet public beach right there in front of the hotel with showers etc This was our favorite excursion on our 15 day cruise and the cheapest. Ask for Tommy - you’ll love the experience!

A fun and educational activity. We had Tommy guiding us. He made sure we had a safe and enjoyable experience while learning about the local history. We highly recommend this activity! Watch for the schools of bright yellow/orange fish near the pier area

Tommy is an excellent guide. He is super-friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and great host. It was just my wife, Tommy, and me on the big 6-person outrigger. He was a little worried at first, but we started paddling and we showed that we had canoeing experience, it was game on and we got the complete experience.

This Outrigger Canoe tour was one of our favorite activities in Hawaii! Uncle Leahi was an excellent tour guide, telling us so much about the area and its history. We got enough paddling in to feel like we really experienced it, but not so much we were exhausted. It's a chill, fun experience. Would do it again next time we visit. Highly recommend!

The guide was extremely professional, and very knowledgeable about Hawaiian history and culture. Grant was an amazing guide!

Uncle Tommy was the BEST! Loved listening him talk story about the history of the Islands. This is a must do activity!

We really enjoyed our canoe excursion. We felt very cared for by Evan and Michael and were able to enjoy the canoeing and snorkeling with ease. Evan gave a lot of interesting information about the history and the situation with the reef and invasive species. We were very appreciative of their care of the bay and of us!

On a recent visit to Hawaii we booked an outrigger canoe ride with Kona Boys in Kailua Kona located right by the Marriott King Kamehameha hotel. The price was reasonable and booking was easy. The two of us joined three other guests and Kona Boys guides Ray and Tommy. We had never been in a single hull outrigger canoe before and it was an amazing experience. Ray and Tommy were friendly and knowledgeable, and provided clear instructions. After hauling the canoe into the water, we were off! Paddling together we glided quickly away from shore. At times we stopped while Tommy and Ray shared stories about ancient Hawaiian people and places. Paddling was work but fun, and the boat was incredibly stable. We were out over an hour and it was a real joy. Most other places we researched take out double hulled canoes with more people. But if you want the authentic experience of being in a single hulled boat, book with Kona Boys. We would definitely do this again!

What an incredible ride! Tommy O took us out and was so informative about Hawaiian history and the land and water. We paddled out and saw tons of Nai'a (spinner dolphins) around us and under the outrigger. We saw the heiau right there and the special sacred land it's on. The bay was calm but we worked! pushing out from the shore and paddling. We loved Tommy.

Fantastic outrigger canoe ride. Tommy was a great guide and leader. So much fun. Also, great exercise as each person rows. We had great teamwork!

During my recent cruise to Hawaii, one of thing on my list to experience was an outrigger canoe. Kona Boys Beach Shack made that a reality. Grant was extremely helpful in accommodating us and very knowledgeable of the Kona culture. We enjoyed our time out on the water and were lucky enough to spot some dolphins. Thank you so much, Grant, for making this such a wonderful experience. If you are planning a trip to Kona, definitely keep Kona Boys in mind for your kayaking, canoeing or outrigger adventure. Thanks again, Karen & Steve Nova Scotia, Canada

The Kona Boys were amazing! I wanted to ride in their cool canoe. Although I was alone, they immediately found a slot for me among a small group and the rowing and stories were so much fun! Take an1 adventure with them, you won't regret it! Shout out to Ted and Dane, super fun and informative guys!

Wonderful experience! My grandson loved this new adventure! Learned so much local culture and history. Ray was superb.

The guides were top notch. Steve and Bam not only took care of everything but their knowledge of the history and culture of the area were detailed and interesting. Their passion for the island and the community really shined through and made the experience that much better . Highly recommended

The guys at the Kona Boys shack were great. They helped us with rentals and advise while in Kona. The most enjoyable time was when we did an Outrigger ride with Grant. We went out on the small Outrigger and paddled in the bay while Grant gave us some history on the area. My wife and I are in our late 60's and we had a blast with Grant. This was our 4th trip to the Kona area and never thought of doing an Outrigger. Do not miss this. It would be great with a family. Do not forget to ask for Grant.

We took an outrigger tour with Grant and it was a lot of fun. We got a good work out in and he gave quite a bit of historical information too. Well worth it and we might do it again next year with my sister when we come back. Thanks Kona Boys and Grant!

I highly recommend this tour. Great family fun. We had two Grandparents, 2 adults, one 3 year old and one 5 year old. What better way to experience Kailua Bay than from the water in an outrigger. Keahi and Bam made the whole time a blast for us and the kids. We learned a lot about the bay and were lucky enough to have a dolphin pod swim right up to us. Don’t worry, they made it easy for all ages to get in and out, kept us all safe and no one has to work hard.

My granddaughter and I spent an amazing hour out on the waters of the bay yesterday enjoying the sea and the fabulous views. James was an excellent steered and guide, giving us specific instructions on paddling and keeping us on our way. I wanted to share a time with my granddaughter that would be unique for us and introduce her to an activity she was not likely to experience elsewhere. Can’t say enough about these good people!! Reception was pleasant, upbeat, and efficient. Way to go Kona Boys

Six of us had a fantastic time on an Outrigger Canoe led by our enthusiastic, capable & knowledgeable guide Tommy. He instructed us how to row in unison & guided the canoe from the rear. We rowed halfway across the bay when we were incredibly fortunate to see a pod of 10 dolphins only 25 feet away from us! They reappeared several times with one coming just a few feet in front of our outrigger. This was our second time going in an outrigger with Kona Boys & we will do it again when we return to Kona.

We did the Outrigger canoe trip with Eden as our guide. Very doable by people who don’t canoe in general. Beautiful views of the bay. Eden is a super cool guide and knows a lot about the area. We also felt safe the entire time. And probably the excursion with the best value for the price we’ve done in Hawaii.

Our family of five (two parents and three teenage boys) had an excellent time on this outrigger canoe experience. Eden, our guide, was great. She was fully of energy and information, both of which were very much appreciated. The one hour experience was perfect. A few minutes on the beach explaining how we should paddle and giving us the history of the location was a great start. Paddling the canoe was tons of fun, and not at all difficult. Once we got out of the bay, we were able to see through the 20-50 feet of crystal blue waters. Eden took us to several interesting spots and explained everything we saw. She also answered all of our questions with accurate and entertaining responses. Take advantage of her offer to get off the canoe. If you have snorkling gear, bring it (or rent it from Kona Boys). Eden was able to locate a large school of bait fish for us, and we swam above them for a few minutes. It was a cool view and a refreshing break from the paddling. This is a short excursion that is a great addition to any day in Kona. They pack a lot of fun into a 1 hour trip, and once you are done you are ready to grab a great lunch and go shopping in the town.

Only the two of us were booked for a morning Outrigger Canoe ride, so Eden took us out in a small 3-4 person Outrigger. Before getting in the water, we got a short history of the Outrigger construction and history in Hawaiian culture. Then we headed out into the open sea to try our hand at paddling. An outrigger canoe is very stable, so no fear of trying to keep our balance. We canoed near some of the interesting pieces of coastline with ties to royal history, when Kailua-Kona was the home of the kings. I guess you could say we got the 'royal tour'. Eden was a friendly and informative guide, and we had a wonderful time.