Kona Golden Hour Sunset Ocean Rafting Cruise with Dinner - Body Glove Cruises

Sail off into the enchanting sunset of the Big Island of Hawaii as you enjoy a delectable island-style dinner with refreshing drinks and take in incredible scenic vistas. Embark just before golden hour with no destination in mind, letting the beauty of the coastline inspire your journey. You’ll cruise by sandy beaches, hidden coves, majestic mountains, and lush tropical groves, all soaked in the golden rays of the coastal sunset. The knowledgeable crew will point out interesting sights and answer your questions as you sit back, relax, and take in one of the best activities Kailua-Kona has to offer. Book now and don't miss out on one of the best Big Island sunset cruises!

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Why do travelers choose this tour?

This tour has no specific destination and each time you set out you can let the expertise of the captain and crew and the beauty of the sunset and the landscape guide you. Each tour is uniquely tailored to the day, the passengers, the conditions of the ocean…whatever will make the perfect journey! This means that no two tours are exactly alike, which is great if you want to come back and do it again and again!

The Body Glove Super-raft is unlike any other raft you’ve been on. The powerful twin engines and light build mean you can go faster and farther and into more interesting locations than with a regular or non-raft boat; but at 41 feet, it has ample seating and a smooth ride that will make you feel like you’re on a catamaran.

While you’re taking in the unparalleled natural beauty of the Hawaiian sunset off the Kailua-Kona coast, don’t forget to enjoy your delectable dinner! The traditional Hawaiian fare is locally sourced and prepared in-house for your enjoyment.

Watching the sun dip gracefully below the horizon while gently rocking on sparkling golden waves is a quintessential Hawaiian experience, whether you are sharing a romantic evening with a special someone or just looking to unwind in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Book your experience today so you don’t miss it!

How does it work?

The raft departs from Kailua Pier, which is a central location to all resorts in Kona. The captain will guide you along the Kona coast, while the crew provides expert live commentary. Ask them your questions! They love to share their knowledge. As you cruise, keep an eye out for sea life in season, such as humpback whales during the winter, or just enjoy the enchanting scenery in the golden glow of the setting sun. The crew will also serve you a dinner of your choice, plus cocktails, wine, and beer as you wish. As night falls, head back to the Kailua-Kona Pier to complete the journey.

Local expert tips

• Make a day of it! Kailua-Kona is famous for its many historical sites, breweries, restaurants, and of course Kona coffee tastings. So come early and check out Historic Kailua Village, Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, the Kaloko-Honokōhau petroglyphs, or even the startpoint of the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. Then, round out your exciting day with this relaxing sunset cruise.
• Any photographer will tell you that "golden hour", the hour and a half or so just after dawn or before sunset, is a great time to take photos because of the soft, warm, indirect, light. If you are interested in practicing your photography skills, you can’t go wrong with the amazing sights you will likely see on this spectacular tour. Since you are sailing from the West coast of the Big Island, the lighting at sunset will be perfect to capture the intricate landforms in all their beauty.
• Your captain and crew are great resources, and they are there to point out interesting landmarks and make sure your trip is tailored to you and your interests. They love talking about their island home, so ask them your questions and really get to know the Big Island of Hawaii.
• Winter is humpback whale migration season, so if you are visiting between December and April, keep an eye out for these majestic sea creatures! They likely will not approach the boat, but you can still see these gentle giants breeching and playing from a distance.
• Recommend attire: Hawaii is famous for its tropical weather, but it can get a bit chilly out on the water, especially after the sun goes down! Bring a sweater or light jacket, and if you don’t end up using it, the seating on the Super-raft doubles as storage.
• Recommend items to bring: Definitely bring a camera or camera phone as you will want to record your enchanting experience! A phone strap or carrying case is a good idea in case of splashing. Adults 21 years old and above will need a valid photo ID to enjoy the alcoholic beverages available onboard.

Boat information

The Kona Explorer is a 41 ft. super raft. Equipped with comfortable bench seating, tons of shade, and a restroom. Every seat on board doubles as storage for your belongings so you wont have to worry as you pick up speed. The boat is equipped with twin Suzuki 350s for agile steering, and is able to reach farther spots than most vessels.

How to get there?

The Ilima Court Shopping Center is centrally located near Historic Kailua Village in the heart of Kailua-Kona, accessible from Hawaii Belt Road or Route 19. The 201 bus also stops nearby. Rideshare options are also available, and would be most convenient and affordable for guests staying anywhere on the Kona coast. Once you check in at the Ilima Court Shopping Center, it is just a block north or five-minute walk to Kailua-Kona Pier.

Kailua-Kona is about 15 minutes by car from Keauhou, and an hour from the Kohala Coast, depending on traffic conditions. If you are coming from resorts on the other side of the island, such as Hilo or Puna, plan on about 2 hours to across Saddle Road.