We had a great day on the bay. We paddled with the dolphins and enjoyed the day. Parking is very limited, but the equipment and instructions are good. We'd go back for sure. read more

What a morning. My wife and I took our 3 boys kayaking and snorkeling. We did a lot of research and shopping around. Let me save you some time. Just call Bay Side Adventures and set up an appointment. Best day on the island so far. Thank you! We'll be back. read more

Such a great experience!!! The customer service was awesome!!! Snorkeling was fun ... we saw lots of fish and a few dolphins on our way back... couldn't ask for a better time!!! Sienna and Mike were great!!! read more

Easy to schedule our group of 5 the afternoon prior to our outing. The staff was helpful and gave good directions on where to snorkel and how to find our way back to the correct place after our kayaking trip. read more

Rocky and the rest of the crew at bay side adventures are great. We have rented from them half a dozen times over the last two years and always have a great experience. You can tell it is a family business but everyone as professional as can be. We have used the kayaks to snorkel at captain cook and also to see the dolphins. The free dry bag is a nice addition to the rental as well. The kayaks are always clean, and in good shape. I absolutely love making reservations online and being able to get right in to the kayak when we get there. Be careful of the neighbor on the top of the driveway. He will call the police on you for unloading your stuff near his property. They will give you a ticket. read more

Bayside adventures was just what we needed. An efficient pre-trip rundown so we knew what to expect, a dry bag for our valuables, and directions on where to view the dolphins and what the best snorkelling spots were. Thanks for a great trip! read more

One of the best Kayak experiences we've ever had! Before we even arrived Anela was incredibly helpful, answering all our questions through our phone conversations and texts. Then upon our arrival Rocky and his family warmly greeted us with a smile, directing us where to park (enough available parking with a short walk to the water). Then they insisted on setting up our entire kayak, putting all our gear into waterproof bags, giving details of where to go for the best snorkeling and where to see the spinner dolphins. And the Bay delivered exactly as they promised - beautiful coral reef teaming with so many colorful fish and sleepy spinner dolphins that hung out all day in the bay. Our husband's hopped in the water but were kindly reminded by the locals to keep some distance from the dolphins so as to not wake them as this could affect how alert the dolphins are to shark attacks. Even from a distance though we got some incredible under water pictures with our waterproof Nikon Coolpix. This is definitely an experience worth repeating....thank you! We'll be back for sure! read more

When we showed up with, what we thought was appropriate items for the kayak trip, two staff members(family members) ridiculed us for what we were bringing. Stating that "you're not throwing a party out there, you're supposed to be kayaking". A simple "it is advised that you don't bring those items with you" would have been more professional. Then when we returned to the boat ramp, no one assisted us in bringing our kayaks on to shore even though I saw who appeared to be one of the two family members that mocked our family at the beginning of the kayak trip sitting in his vehicle. It was a great snorkeling adventure but I would recommend using a different company to rent your kayaks. read more

Bay Side Adventures is wonderful! They are one (of 2?) outfits licensed to rent kayaks for Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook Monument, and they are right on the bay so you don't have to carry the kayak at all. All my phone calls to them were met by the warmest, kindest folks, including the morning of when we were a little lost and late. We were beginners, and Rocky was super helpful giving us an orientation, safety tips, and getting us into and out of the water. We had 1 double and 1 single kayak, and they even have some triple kayaks as well. As we were kayaking across the bay to the monument, we saw a whale come up numerous times - one time just 10' in front of my teenage daughter's kayak. When we got closer to the monument there were also spinner dolphins circling around us and leaping in the air. When we got near the monument, there was wonderful snorkeling with a large variety of fish. You can't land your kayak, but holding the rope while snorkeling was easy. In addition to being with so many different kinds of ocean dwellers, just being in a kayak in the ocean was such a peaceful and expansive experience. This was a magical and memorable experience all around, with high praise to Bayside Adventures for facilitating it. read more

The bay side people were excellent: friendly, super helpful, and timely with all the right gear. Their rental rates are great and you get the kayaks for the whole day. We paddled over to the Cook monument, treated by the local spinner dolphins on the way. The water and snorkeling are excellent across the bay. We'd absolutely do this again. read more

I can not recommend these people enough! They made things easy and enjoyable. We will definitely rent with them again and again! Mahalo, Bayside Adventures! read more

5 stars all the way! We first rented kayaks from another local well known company. When we got to the beach to launch Rocky from Bayside was there. Even though we were not his customer he made sure we were all set up and got out safely with the conditions that day. It was a pain to have to undo and strap all the kayaks back into and onto our car. We wished we had used bayside. The kayaks and gear would have been there all ready to go. The next day we called Bayside on the way to two-step and Rocky quickly delivered 2 kayaks all ready to go and picked them up when we were done. Bayside is true to their motto: no time limit, no hauling, no hassles! Don't go anywhere else! Call Bayside!!! read more

I've rented from these guys twice. Both times they were very knowledgeable and definitely extended the aloha spirit. I will use them again when I return to Hawaii. They really are the best! read more

This is the second time we have used Bay Side Adventures. Rocky was so helpful when we went down to ask questions about renting a Kayak and about where the dolphins would be the next day. Rufus was there the next morning and was so helpful and professional. He helped to get our stuff in the kayak and informed us of where we were allowed to go. We went at 7 am as I desperately wanted to see the Dolphins, we were not disappointed and saw a pod with about 50. My husband was able to swim with them and then we went to captain cooks monument to snorkel. For $60 for a 2 person it is fantastic value. we will be back again read more

Highly recommend this place for renting kayaks to visit and snorkel cooks monument. Family owned business where everyone is very friendly and helpful. Rufus was especially helpful. They outfit you with everything you need including dry bags. Good prices and they are located right on the water so you don't have to load up the yaks on your car and carry them down. Also, you rent for the day so you never feel rushed. Can't imagine there being a better way to reach cooks monument for the price and service you receive here. Would definitely go back to this place again! read more

Outstanding operation. Reserved our kayaks and snorkel gear the day before and everything is waiting for you at the launch. All you have to do is show up. Rocky and crew got us set up, gave exact directions on where to go, and gave tips on exiting and boarding the kayaks in open waters (which came in handy...and worked perfectly). Add to this the clearest waters and best reef in Hawaii at Cooks memorial and you can't go wrong. Highlight of our Hawaii trip. Must do!!!! read more

This kayak/snorkel trip was one of the highlights on our vacation! Rocky was super accommodating with my rather last minute reservation request. I believe this is a family-run business, and they are the nicest people! True aloha spirit is alive & well here! We drove up and the kayak was ready to launch. They provided clear and precise instructions for our self-guided trip to a prime snorkeling location near the Captain Cook Monument. This is a fantastic company because you rent for a flat fee and keep the kayaks as long as you want for the day! Holy cow, the snorkeling was AMAZING! Such a huge variety of fish and coral...even saw a 4+ foot red zebra striped moray eel. Unfortunately the spinner dolphins weren't around that day, but we'll find 'em next time. Tips: go early (7:30 AM) because the big boats and tours groups start showing up later in the morning and it gets crowded out there. read more

We loved our day on the bay with the kayaks we rented from Bayside Adventures. Nice, easy and convenient. Thanks!

These guys were awesome. By the way they were very awesome. Helpful, calming and cool. Dustin was a great guy and a terrific coach to get me out of the harbor. Only downside is you cannot land on the capt cook site with them which is much needed for the seasick and history buffs. Overall I would recommend to anyone read more

Highly recommend Bay Side Adventures if you want to see Captain Cook Monument!!! There are two rental companies when you drive to the location so be sure to mention that you are looking for Bay Side Adventures. Seani was there to help us and she was AWESOME! Very informative and helpful. Be sure to check out their company when you visit - they are locally owned and care very much about their visitors. read more

Great experience all around, starting with the phone call to make inquiries. Anela answered all our questions and when we arrived, Cilani took great care of us, loading our gear, giving is pointers and launching us out. We took two double kayaks over to the monument to snorkel. We spent about 3 hours and saw the spinner dolphins in the bay too. This is a great deal, no time limit unlike the big tour boats that you will encounter in the bay. This was a definite highlight for my family and Bayside was wonderful, ask for local lunch ideas too! read more

Great place to rent kayaks for Kealakekua Bay! They have permits so you can snorkel near the Captain Cook monument, which is some of the best snorkeling. They also tell you about where you're most likely to see dolphins. They are really chill about how long you're out. They just told us to take our time, and whenever was fine. We rented 3 double kayaks and had a blast! read more

What a great experience! Cienna was amazing! Directions were on point. Pricing was great. She offered dry bags, had the permits and kayaks ready, tied our bags to the kayak, and then helped us launch. Kayaking over to Captain Cook Monument was a piece of cake. Saw spinner dolphins along the way and an abundance of beautiful fish while we were there. Will definitely recommend Bay Side to friends! Mahalo nui loa! read more

My kayaking and snorkeling trip to Captain Cook through Bay Side Adventures was the best thing I've done in Hawaii! First, my experience with Bay Side Adventures itself was first-rate. We had a lot of questions to make sure we were prepared for the trip, and the young woman on the phone was both kind and patient. Then, we had to change the date of our trip at the last minute, but again, the Bay Side Adventures agent was accommodating and friendly. Once at the site, all of the Bay Side staff were helpful and professional. I think they are a local family business, which showed in their degree of care, and which also made me happy to support them. They have the procedures down to a science and make everything convenient for the customer, down to packing up our kayak with our gear, dragging it into the water, and assisting us in getting in. Make sure you get out of your car to ask them where to park (for us, parking was a less than 1 minute walk down the the street that ends at the bay). I was so grateful not to have had to install kayak racks on our car and lift kayaks up and down from it. Having owned kayaks before, we knew we did not want this hassle. Bay Side Adventure's kayaks are right there on a tiny beach on the water from which you launch, so launching is a matter of a couple of minutes from when you arrive. While you sign papers, the staff gives you a dry sac and loads up your boat, tying everything down. My husband and I went early in the morning - 7:45 kayak launch. Halfway to Captain Cook, we encountered so many dolphins. They were majestic and came so close, on their own. Snorkeling at Captain Cook was also fantastic. The variety and number of fish was impressive, and we were astounded by the depth to which you can see. On the way back, we decided that if we encountered more dolphins, we would snorkel so we could see them underwater. I highly recommend that! Seeing them under the water, where they spend most of their time, is an entirely different experience than seeing their fins pop out above water or seeing them jump. At one point we counted at least 40 dolphins swimming in a number of different pods under water. We had to stop counting at 40. We were so glad we were not on those big tour boats that make a lot of noise and scare the wildlife away. There were a couple of big boats present while we were there. Being in a kayak was the perfect way to enjoy the dolphins up close when they approached. That said, if you are not comfortable or fit enough to jump in and out of an ocean kayak, this may not be the way for you. You may need to be on a tour boat where they have ladders. The experience was awe-inspiring, and it affirmed our understanding that we are in their playground. While some people in boats were chasing the dolphins, most people were respectful. And while it limits our enjoyment that there are only a number of permits out there, we did not have a problem obtaining one through Bay Side Adventures, so the state's permit numbers must be pretty reasonable. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It's hard to believe that $60 bought us the best experience we've had in Hawaii, when we spent hundreds more on others. Do not miss this, and book through Bay Side Adventures! read more

Wow! We went snorkeling and kayaking with Bay Side Adventures yesterday. We kayaked almost all the way to the Captain Cook Monument, when we saw about 100 dolphins playing, spinning, and flipping in the air and water. It was INCREDIBLE. It was such a memorable day that my boyfriend and I will never forget. We were actually swimming with dolphins in the wild?! So amazing. They were so close you could reach out and touch them. My expectations were exceeded 110%. Also the staff both with Bay Side Adventures and Pineapple Park (Annie) so helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this place. Mahalo read more

Rocky was awesome!! Very patient with us. It was my daughters 15th birthday and what a great experience it was. Rocky shared history from the island and helped my daughter with her GoPro pictures in order to get some great pictures for us. Great memories for us! Thank you again! I would definitely recommend bayside!! read more

Great experience for the whole family! We rented 2 kayaks and with our expert guide Rocky, we paddled among spinner dolphins and got to experience amazing snorkeling by Cook's Monument. Highly recommend paying extra for the guide as Rocky knew where to take us for unforgettable experiences and told us about the history and legends of Hawaii. Great value for the experience. read more

This was an outstanding trip! We rented 5 tandem kayaks for our 10-person group comprising 3 generations... from adventurous young adults (late-teens) to their cautious grandparents (mid-70's). We were greeted warmly by the staff, who did a great job shuffling around kayaks to fit our group and get us on our way. The snorkeling was outstanding, and we enjoyed a self-packed picnic lunch on (and in) the water! The staff again greeted us as we completed the tour and got us on our way. There were no bathroom facilities at the launch site, but the staff directed us to a nearby park with bathrooms and showers. All around great adventure! read more

My husband and I had a great experience with Bay Side. They had good prices and quality rentals. The woman who was helping us was very kind and provided clear directions. Easy to find and access. Dry bags are included which is a must. Exceptional place to snorkel and dolphin watch. read more

Awesome experience with Bay Side Adventures. Highly recommend Rocky and his team to rent a kayak and see the captain cook monument and snorkeling. Best prices to rent a kayak and most importantly, his kayaks are at the water. Just put your stuff in the dry sacks, step into the kayak and away you go. This is my fifth time snorkeling the bay and this was by far the best way to see the fish. I have taken the cruises and they were all great fun experiences. But renting a kayak and paddling out there was super fun. It took about a 20 minute paddle. It should be noted that you cannot dock the boat on the island and you must have the kayak tie line in your hand and attached. It was no big deal and still worth it. I recommend this outfitter thanks for a great time read more

Bayside Adventures was great! Friendly locals and beautiful views made for the perfect kayak experience. If you love snorkeling in crystal blue waters, this is the place for you. read more

At first we were considering a guided kayak tour with other people, but ended up with Bay Side Adventures and decided to rent our own kayak and pace ourself in the bay. It was a great decision. The host lady was extremely helpful and kind. We started around 8:30 and snorkeled for about one and half hour before other snorkelers from the big boat showed up. We then started to kayak on the way back and run into a few spinner dolphins including a very active baby! Advises are: ask the host about the dolphins before depart, be good and confident with water as you are not allowed to breach the boat so you have to pull the boat with you during the entire snorkel. And also right outside the departure spot, there were some very shallow reefs for snorkel as well but the tides are much rougher than at the monument. If the monument is not enough snorkeling you can try snorkeling in this area as well, but be super cautious not to touch the reefs as they are right beneath you. And also watch out the tides as they can push you into the rocks really fast. This alternative snorkeling spot is only recommended for experienced and confident swimmers. read more

This was a great experience and I haven't seen any other company offering something similar. We rented kayaks to go to the snorkelling place near the Captain Cook Monument - it was a really cool journey. It's a bit unfortunate that you can't dock on the shore but not Bayside's fault! Sam was helpful and informative about how to get there and back read more

A must-do for any of you looking for a good experience here on the big island! Bay Side Adventures took excellent care of us. We called around 9am on a Saturday and were able to reserve three kayaks for 11am the same day. The staff was super friendly and helpful, providing us with dry bags right away to put all of our stuff in, and loading up the kayaks for us. We were able to rent snorkel gear for pretty cheap as well. This was the cheapest kayak rental for captain cook bay, which I was a little nervous about, but they exceeded my expectations and I couldn't have been more impressed. We kayaked less than a mile to captain cook bay, which was some of the best snorkeling we have experienced on this trip. We saw an incredible amount of fish, moray eels, puffer fish, and even a couple dolphins, thanks to Rocky's advice on where to view them. Incase you didn't hear me the first time, the snorkeling was absolutely amazing!! The staff is extremely laid back and make everything as relaxing and enjoyable of an experience as possible. I wouldn't choose any other place to go, Rocky and his staff give you the royal treatment for an incredibly low price. read more

My wife and I used Bay Side to book a two person kayak to go out to snorkel around the Captain Cook monument. We booked online the night before and even though we showed up early Rocky was totally accommodating and set us up. He supplied the kayak, two paddles, life jackets, but most importantly a dry bag to keep our phones and other 'necessities' protected. He also had the proper permit to access the monument too. Moreover he recognized that we're tourists and he gave us great pointers to make our day awesome: like how to get out to the monument, how to recognize our way back (this was more invaluable than we realized), where to find the spinner Dolphins, and how to respect the environment we were visiting. I highly recommend Bay Side, no carting kayaks around the island, just jump in and start paddling. The online booking tool worked great. Mahalo Rocky for helping a couple of mainland tourists feel the island love. read more

This company was outstanding! We rented a double kayak from them to paddle out to Capt Cook monument and to snorkel. They were excellent from start to finish! I had emailed inquiring about availability late on the afternoon of the day before we wanted to go out. They responded to my email within just a few minutes (some of the other companies I had also contacted never even returned my inquiries!). I confirmed an approximate time that we wanted to pick up the kayak. They texted me excellent directions to the pick-up spot, which was easy to get to. We got there, and Ruffus was awesome at helping us get situated, giving us directions and tips on where to go, and then helping us launch the kayak. They provided a dry bag for us, and would have provided snorkel gear as well(had we needed it). We had a great time! We saw dolphins in the bay and snorkeled around the area by the monument. Seemed to work well to have one of us stay in the kayak, and the other snorkeling. This way we could get the kayak out of the way of other snorkelers and it was easier to stay balanced getting in/out of the boat. Overall this was a fabulous experience, and I would highly recommend this company! Don't pay for the guided tours! This was an easy DIY with their help!!! read more

so this so called legit company bayside adventures is a fraud!their permits and paper work that you sign are passed dated two years back with another persons name on it!it's not even their permits because they can't get their own permits cause they already got into trouble with the law for illegally soliciting kayaks their for aren't able to get their own legal documents so had to take another persons permits that he they paid for with their own money not bayside's money.people are being sent out when the waves are very dangerous so people do capsize and can't get back in,so while swimming their own self back to shore getting hit by every wave that comes their way they also have to drag the kayak in so they can get on land!they also say that they only work by reservations only but every person that walks in the area gets mauled by bayside adventures or anela who is the ceo of conpany to rent out kayaks but they say that their just checking if reservations but while checking also still illegally soliciting!they give you already broken snorkel gear and holes all in the kayaks but only covered by duck tape which doesn't hold water back when the swells are constantly hitting the kayak and than kayak starts to fill with water all inside,they give you already broken oars to paddle with and the catch with all their equipment is they make you pay the full price when it brakes on you but only go shopping for their equipment at garrage sales so you are walking in to a trap and get caught paying more than you bargain for!yes they do load up the boats and unload and give you life jackets and dry bags and oars and kayaks to use so you don't have to practically do anything but no one their are certified lifeguards at all thats a lie!whenever you go to bayside ask them all these details for yourself and you will see people that this is all true and although all you see is good reviews thats because they don't want you to see all the bad things people talk like people slipping and falling down on the ramp and getting cut wind or broken elbows or even broken knees cause the area where you launch is slippery and the rocks are very loose their! so ask around apnd you'll find out that not everyone who goes to bayside adventures goes home happy and next time read all fine print before you sign that liability paper and permit and you will all see that it's expired with another persons name on it so none of it's true at all and you're signing away your life to them so when you get hurt it's your fault not theirs so I URGE ALL OF YOU TO PLEASE READ CAREFULLY WHEN YOU GO TO THEM AND EVEN ASK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT I'VE MENTIONED AND YOU'LL FIND OUT WHEN THEY TRY TO MAKE UP A STORY!I KNOW ALL THESE ARE FACTS CAUSE THEY DO THIS EVERY MORNING IN MY BACK YARD AND I GOT THEM ON FILM and even go down where thy launch boats myself and see people getting hurt or being sent out when it's not safe cause tour life does not matter to anel only your money in your pocket and thats why you don't hete nycg of them at all read more