Taking a Historical Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Kona Coast with Body Glove Hawaii

Body Glove Hawaii offers a very nice historical sunset dinner cruise that we had a chance to enjoy on our recent visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. The dinner, entertainment and sunset was very good, but what I especially enjoyed was learning the history of the Kona coast and, oh boy, there’s a lot of it!

The Body Glove vessel leaves Kailua Kona harbor then heads south, skimming the coastline while the golden sun rays make the coast glow. As we made our way down to historic Kealakekua Bay, the historian, Boyd, highlighted heiaus, village remains, and stories of struggles and misunderstandings of Captain Cook’s visits to Hawaii Island.

The more I learn of Hawaii’s history, the more I want to learn, which made this sunset sail right up my ally. You don’t need to be a Hawaii nerd like me to enjoy it though. I felt like Boyd shared the history in a way that both new and veteran Hawaii visitors appreciated.

The boat followed the coast as far as Kealakekua Bay where we slowed down inside the bay for smoother water as passengers enjoyed the dinner buffet that included Hawaii favorites like lomi lomi salmon, barbeque beef skewers and lau lau.

While we were in Kealakekua Bay, dolphins came to the boat as if to say hello. They put on a little leaping and spinning show before heading further down shore.

On our way back to Kailua-Kona we listened to songs played by a very talented slack key guitar player and singer. That, of course, added to the romantic setting sun followed by the waning rays of the day. By the time we arrived back in Kailua-Kona, the sky was all dark which made the lights of town reflect on the water.

What to know when you go:

– The cost of this tour starts at $158 for adults. Pricing for children is less and infants are free.

– This historical tour is offered several nights per week. At last check, tours were offered every day except Mondays.

– The staff was very helpful. If they offer to carry your drink or food, it’s a good idea to let them help you.

– One drink coupon is included in the cost of the tour. A cash bar was available with soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails.

– Bring cash for tipping (at the end) and for the cash bar.

– Try to get to the buffet line soon after it opens. Andy and I waited for the rush to die down. Our timing was bad as the boat pulled out of the smooth water of the bay in into the rougher waters.

– You might want to bring a jacket or sweater. After sunset, the wind did have a bit of a chill to it.

– If you have medium to long hair, you might want to bring something to hold your hair back. I have medium length hair and found it difficult to eat with the coastal wind swirling my hair.

– If you are going to Hawaii during whale season (January – March), there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales,. So keep your eyes peeled.

– See all our photos from this tour.

See this link for real-time availability, pricing, details and booking for this Historical Dinner Cruise.

Mahalo to Body Glove Hawaii for sponsoring our tour.