Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP Adventure

Hilo Bay’s historic waters beckon adventurers to explore its serene depths. Paddle through this picturesque setting, taking in the stunning natural landscapes that surround you. Venture out to the lush Coconut Island, where you’ll discover the area’s rich history and vibrant rainforest. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this SUP tour promises an unforgettable experience. What secrets will these tranquil waters reveal?

This experience made our article of Big Island of Hawaii’s 5 Top Historical Tours.

Key Points

• Guided stand-up paddleboarding tour of Hilo Bay, exploring the rainforest, Mauna Loa volcano, Coconut Island, and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens.
• Adventure lasts up to two hours and is suitable for ages 8 and up with moderate fitness.
• Includes all necessary equipment and provides local juice and snacks during the tour.
• Meeting point is at Hilo Ocean Adventures with optional hotel pickup, and a $1 ocean stewardship fee applies.
• Activity is not wheelchair accessible and has a 250-lb weight limit; participants should disclose any medical concerns.

Overview of the Adventure

The Hilo Bay SUP Adventure offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Hilo’s coastline by stand-up paddleboarding.

Visitors can explore Hilo’s stunning coastline by stand-up paddleboarding during the Hilo Bay SUP Adventure.

Lasting up to two hours, the activity showcases lush rainforest views, sandy coves, volcano peaks, Coconut Island, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, and Mauna Loa Crater.

Led by knowledgeable guides, groups of up to seven participants navigate the calm waters of Hilo Bay.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, the adventure requires a moderate fitness level and has a 250-lb weight limit.

Paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets are provided, along with local refreshments.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Hilo Ocean Adventures, located at 1717 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo, HI 96720, serves as the meeting point for the Hilo Bay SUP Adventure.

Participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour start time for check-in. The experience returns to the meeting point at the end. Hotel pickup is available for convenience.

Upon arrival, guests will be required to pay the $1 Ocean Stewardship Fee per person. The tour accommodates a maximum of seven participants and is suitable for ages 8 and up, with minors needing adult supervision.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the activity.

Inclusions and Fees

The Hilo Bay SUP Adventure includes stand-up paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets for participants.

Local juice and snacks are provided during the tour. An ocean stewardship fee of $1 per guest is collected upon arrival. Gratuity for the guide is recommended.

The tour has a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Participants should be aware of the weight limit of 250 lbs and the moderate physical fitness required for the activity.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Participants should be aware that the Hilo Bay SUP Adventure isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The activity is also not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

There’s a weight limit of 250 lbs. Safety is paramount, and all participants must wear the provided life jackets.

The guides are trained to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Participants should inform the guides of any medical concerns or physical limitations prior to the start of the activity.

Exploring Hilo Bay

Although the Hilo Bay SUP Adventure begins and ends at the Hilo Ocean Adventures shop, the true highlight of the experience lies in the serene and picturesque paddle around the bay.

Guests glide across the calm waters, taking in the breathtaking views:

• The lush, verdant rainforest lining the coast

• The majestic peaks of Mauna Loa volcano

• The iconic Coconut Island, a beloved local landmark

• The tranquil Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, a Japanese-style oasis

The gentle currents and sheltered coves offer a peaceful and immersive exploration of Hilo’s natural wonders, creating an unforgettable SUP adventure.

Paddling to Coconut Island

Paddlers gently steer their stand-up paddleboards away from the shore, gliding across the serene waters of Hilo Bay. They admire the lush, emerald-green rainforest lining the coastline and the majestic peaks of Mauna Loa volcano in the distance.

As they paddle, the iconic Coconut Island comes into view, a tranquil oasis situated just offshore. Participants navigate their boards around the perimeter of the island, marveling at the sandy coves and vibrant coral reefs below.

The guides share insights about the island’s history and environmental significance, fostering a deeper appreciation for this natural gem within Hilo Bay.

Highlights of the Tour

As paddlers circle Coconut Island, they’re treated to breathtaking views that showcase the natural wonders of Hilo Bay. The lush rainforest-clad slopes of Mauna Loa Crater rise majestically in the distance, while the sandy coves and towering volcano peaks along the shoreline captivate the senses.

• Guests marvel at the vibrant green hues of the Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, a serene Japanese garden that lines the waterfront.

• The calm, mirror-like waters of the bay provide an idyllic backdrop for paddling, with the occasional sea turtle or school of fish adding to the tranquil ambiance.

• Paddlers revel in the unique perspective of the island’s rocky coastline and the chance to glimpse Hilo’s bustling harbor from the water.

• Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides share insights about the bay’s rich cultural and environmental significance.

Feedback and Reviews

What do the reviews say about the Hilo Bay SUP Adventure? Based on feedback, the tour receives an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from 6 reviews.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experience. However, some criticize the difficulty of transporting the paddleboards from the shop to the water’s edge, suggesting the use of a wheeled device or having the paddleboards already positioned at the launch site for greater convenience.

The Sum Up

The Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP Adventure offers a captivating journey through Hilo’s serene waters and lush landscapes. Paddlers can enjoy the region’s rich history while enjoying breathtaking views of Mauna Loa and the vibrant rainforest. With knowledgeable instructors leading the way, this outdoor excursion provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore Hilo’s natural beauty.