Fair Wind Cruises

Operating in Kailua-Kona since 1971, Fair Wind Cruises has established itself as a cornerstone of the local tourism industry, specializing in marine excursions. This family-owned and operated tour operator has a long history, born from an unexpected mishap when the founder's vessel drifted onto the rocks near Hulihe'e Palace, leading him to fall in love with the island and start the business. Today, the company runs a fleet of custom vessels, offering a range of snorkeling tours that cater to different interests and experience levels.

The Onboard Experience: Vessels and Crew

Fair Wind operates several boats, most notably the Fair Wind II and the Hula Kai. The Fair Wind II is a 60-foot catamaran specifically designed with families in mind. It features amenities that are consistently praised in customer feedback, such as two 15-foot waterslides, a high-jump platform, easy-access stairways into the water, freshwater showers, and restrooms. For those less comfortable in the water, the company provides flotation devices, including inner tubes and boogie boards with built-in viewing windows. The Hula Kai, a 55-foot hydrofoil catamaran, is geared towards more experienced snorkelers, offering trips to more remote locations along the South Kona coast. There is also a smaller vessel, the Captain Jack, available for private charters for groups of up to six.

A significant highlight mentioned repeatedly by customers is the crew's performance. They are frequently described as professional, attentive, friendly, and particularly helpful for families with children and novice snorkelers. The crew provides instruction, assists with gear, and maintains a strong focus on safety, with lifeguards on duty during water activities. This level of service contributes greatly to the company's high rating and reputation for providing quality Hawaii vacation packages for marine activities.

Food and Amenities

Unlike many day trips that offer basic snacks, Fair Wind provides substantial meals. The popular morning tours include both a tropical breakfast and a full lunch. The company has notably shifted to a plant-based menu, featuring items like banana bread, muesli, and 100% Kona coffee for breakfast, and BBQ jackfruit sliders with various salads for lunch. This focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, some from their own farm, is a distinguishing feature. While meals are included, alcoholic beverages are available from a no-host cash bar during the return trip, a detail for those expecting a fully all-inclusive experience to note.

Destinations and Tour Options

Fair Wind's primary destination for many of its tours is Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine life conservation district and the site of the Captain Cook Monument. Accessible primarily by boat, the bay is renowned for its calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. The company holds a coveted permit to moor directly in the bay, which can provide a less crowded experience compared to operators who cannot.

Key Tour Offerings:

• Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Cruise: A 4.5-hour trip on the Fair Wind II, this is the flagship family-friendly tour. It includes about 2.5 hours of water time, breakfast, and lunch.
• Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: A shorter, 3.5-hour version of the morning cruise, offering 1.5 hours of snorkeling. It's presented as a good value option and a way to see the bay with potentially fewer people.
• Kona Coast Snorkel Tour: A 5-hour trip on the Hula Kai designed for more experienced snorkelers, visiting multiple, more remote spots.
• Manta Ray Night Snorkel: A highly sought-after adventure travel experience. This tour takes guests out at sunset on the Hula Kai to designated sites where lights attract plankton, drawing in majestic manta rays that feed just inches away from snorkelers.

Points for Consideration

While the vast majority of feedback is positive, potential customers should consider a few factors to ensure the experience aligns with their expectations. The tours are a group activity on large vessels, so travelers seeking a solitary or intimate boat trip might find it feels crowded, even on a spacious catamaran. Some past reviews have noted a "party boat" atmosphere, which appeals to many but might not be for everyone looking for a quiet nature trip. The popularity of these Kona boat trips, especially the morning tour, means they often sell out well in advance, so last-minute vacation planning can be difficult.

The price point reflects a premium, all-inclusive day trip. For budget-conscious travelers, the cost may be a significant factor. Furthermore, while the Manta Ray snorkel Hawaii tour is a unique offering, the general activity has faced scrutiny for becoming overcrowded with numerous operators at the viewing sites. This can lead to a chaotic environment in the water at night, which is a broader industry issue rather than a problem specific to one company, but it is a reality of the experience. Finally, as with all ocean activities Kona, trips are dependent on weather and ocean conditions. Cancellations can occur, and wildlife sightings, while frequent, are never guaranteed.

Commitment to Eco-Tourism

A commendable aspect of Fair Wind's operation is its stated commitment to environmental stewardship. The company promotes the use of reef-safe sunscreen, which they provide onboard, and their vessels run on locally produced biodiesel. This dedication to eco-tourism and minimizing their environmental impact is a significant positive for travelers who prioritize sustainable practices. Their long-standing presence and deep roots in the community further solidify their reputation as a responsible and reliable travel agency for marine adventures on the Big Island.