Clear Bottom Kayak Rentals in Kailua-Kona
Badge of Excellence
Big Island of Hawaii, USA
- 1 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
Overview
Kayaking the shores of Hawaii’s Big Island is incredible—doing so in a clear-bottom kayak is next-level. With single and double kayaks available, you’ll hit the island’s warm waters, kayaking at your leisure at whatever public access point you choose. Watch for spinner dolphins, yellow tang, and so many more creatures as you paddle the coastline, getting to see what’s right beneath your feet.
- Easy pickup near the Kona Pier
- Rent by the hour, choosing the length of your self-guided excursion
- Simply wheel your kayak to your desired access point, getting easily into the water
- Witness incredible marine life around and underneath your clear-bottom kayak
What's Included
- Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles.
- All Fees and Taxes
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Saltwater Soul LLC75-5707 Ali‘i Dr Unit B, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Kayaks are picked up at our eco-friendly shop and taken to the public beach of your choice. Easily transported on lightweight folding wheels. We are conveniently located across the street from the Kona Pier.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Maximum Weight Capacity of Passengers combined with gear 375lbs.
- Near public transportation
- Kayaks must be returned by end of business day, 3:30pm
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Chavala_S
Chris was awesome! Gave clear instructions for use, safety and tips. Was very informative on everything from the kayaking to the area as well as gave us great dining places! He also was more than happy to let us get a 2nd Kayak at no everything cost if we were more comfortable with that. Hands down a blast and would highly recommend to anyone!!! The view through the clear bottom was awesome!
Reviews
4.5
based on 34 reviews
Lyn_L, Mar 2026
It should be known that you have to pick up your kayak and take it to the water. If you have hernias or a repaired neck, it might not be such an easy task. We had to walk away from this excursion but no fault of the shops! He was very friendly and polite and offered plus a discount of purchase in his store just so it wasn't a wasted trip. If I could handle the kayak, it would've been a great day.
Andrea_H, Dec 2025
Amazing time! The clear bottom kayak was so cool- we saw so many fish and coral. Would def recommend doing this!
Chris_H, Oct 2025
It was hard to see through the bottom and only saw a few fish. We saw Spinner dolphins which was really cool.
Jocelyn_S, Jul 2025
very friendly and great experience!
this was our first time at the island and we have so much fun!!!
Glenda_K, Jan 2025
We loved it! The person who helped was super friendly and helpful. We rented a 2 person glass bottom kayak and found it pretty easy to get it from the shop to the water. Didn’t see many fish but as we were about to paddle south, we were suddenly surrounded by dolphins. They put on an amazing show! We felt it was such a gift to see them.
BrittAnna_C, Sep 2024
We are adventurous and active travelers. This experience was a disappointment, to say the least. The kayak sat too low in the water, so each wave we hit (not even white caps) came into the boat. The backseat paddler was constantly bilging water out. When we approached closer to shore, the kayak was completely full of water, like a bathtub.
The “glass bottom” felt like a gimmick. Even when it was dry, you could not see through the “glass” because of the glare of the sun. We booked a full day and returned it within one hour, and we were not asked how it went, or what went wrong… the associate only asked for us to recommend them to others. I would not recommend this experience to anyone.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Aloha! We are disappointed to hear you didn't have an enjoyable trip. Most people have a blast and we pride ourselves in our 5 star reviews. A few factors are always out of our control, such as: the run off from the flooding up the road that made the water a little murkier that day, the sun being out that reflected off the sediment in the water, and marine life sightings. Our kayaks do sit low, which keeps them stable. However, they do not fill with water unless you have gone over the recommended weight limit, which is why we state the weight capacity clearly in multiple places. I have gone over your reservation and noted that your combined weight was only 20 lbs under to start. It's very feasible that with wet clothes, gear, and water coming in, that you exceeded the weight capacity which then continued to get worse . If you had addressed your issues with staff immediately, you would have been provided a second kayak free of charge. Rather, you dropped your kayak and walked away without a word and left a bad review. Staff is usually extremely outgoing. But, again, we are all human and occasionally have multiple things going on at our job with other customers, kayakers, phone calls. We all do our best to make sure each visitor has a great experience. I know since I personally took care of you. You did not let anyone know you were experiencing problems. Had you communicated with me, it would have been a very simple fix to bring you a second kayak and I would have been happy to do that.
Jesus_N, Jul 2024
Check in and check out was a breeze. Very friendly business and owner was super helpful. It is a bit of a walk to the boat launch but worth it. Clear bottom kayaking is the way to go!
Tammy_F, Jun 2024
Seeing how beautiful the water is. We had to carry the kayak to the water and they are a bit heavy. We saw nothing below the bottom was very scratched. I would kayak again but maybe choose a closer location where we would not have to carry it.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Mahalo for letting us know you had a less than stellar experience. It is my goal to provide the best experience for every customer. I am curious, we supply wheels so you can easily roll the kayak to the water, why did you decide to carry it?
Amanda_V, Feb 2024
Had a great time, we kayaked for 2 hrs which was the perfect amount of time. The people that helped us were very helpful and gave us great tips.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We loved having you as a guest and look forward to seeing you again! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
Lauren_A, Jan 2024
My boyfriend and I sailed to Kona on a cruise, but opted to do more local-friendly excursions and this was definitely a highlight! Kona itself is fun and awe-inspiring, but getting out on the crystal blue water and getting a view in to the sea life directly below you is next-level. Truly an unforgettable experience, and anyone who complains about having to cart the kayak the short walk it takes to get down to the beach has clearly never ocean kayaked before. Even if you only have a few short hours in port, get it a shot!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your next level review! :-) We hope to see you again soon!
Melody_R, Nov 2023
This was great fun and we could see so many fish near the pier. However I would say that you could see just as many fish by looking over the side of the boat as you could by looking down to the clear bottom because the water was calm and very clear
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Mahalo for trying us out! We are blessed with some of the clearest water in Hawai'i and are so happy other that you enjoyed your adventure!
Cris_M, Sep 2023
Very fun, great equipment! Activity was just as advertised, the shop is great and the owner is super helpful
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Much Aloha an Mahalo for your feedback! So pleased to hear you had a great time and we look forward to seeing you again!
Chavala_S, Aug 2023
Chris was awesome! Gave clear instructions for use, safety and tips. Was very informative on everything from the kayaking to the area as well as gave us great dining places! He also was more than happy to let us get a 2nd Kayak at no everything cost if we were more comfortable with that. Hands down a blast and would highly recommend to anyone!!! The view through the clear bottom was awesome!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Mahalo plenty!
I had such a great time helping you folks have a great experience and look forward to seeing you back again for more fun!
Jennifer_S, Oct 2022
It was cool to have a clear bottom kayak, but it was a little strange. I had to pull the kayak on wheels about a half mile on a small and crowded kayak and when done, put it back on wheels and do the walk again. I went back to the beach I went out of a few days later and easily rented a kayak right on the beach and cheaper for 2 hours. Way easier… you can see in the water anyway because it’s so clear.
Robin_I, Oct 2022
Definitely a “Must-Do” if your on the main island. If your going to rent a kayak, this is the way to go. We paid for 2 hours for a 2 man kayak and they basically rented it to us for the day. We kayaked for about 3 hours. Definitely a good deal! They were very nice and accommodating. It was cool to be able to see the coral and fish below through the bottom of the kayak.
Kelly_P, Sep 2022
The staff was very patient and made sure we were comfortable. I got a little sea sick. It was a bit of a pain walking down busy streets pulling a kayak. It was very cool to be able to see the fish thru the bottom of the kayak.
MarinaBorovok_M, Jul 2022
Clear Bottom Kayak Rentals provided us with unforgettable very positive experience! I would recommend everyone who likes active vacation to check it out.
Melissa_M, May 2022
Fantastic kayak experience! Got to glide alongside dolphins! Perfect place to put in right at rental shop. Owner was super nice!!!!
From $27.50
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Clear Bottom Kayak Rentals in Kailua-Kona
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