A 3-Hour Luxury Private Custom Charter on the Big Island of Hawaii

Imagine cruising along the sparkling coast of Hawaii’s Big Island in your own private boat, with the freedom to choose your favorite activities. Priced at $1,750 for up to six people, this tour offers a personalized experience that can include snorkeling, whale watching, dolphin encounters, turtle sightings, sunset cruises, or fishing. Starting at the scenic Kawaihae harbor around 9:00 am, it’s a flexible, three-hour adventure designed around your interests.

Two things we love about this experience are its customizability and the intimate setting. You won’t be herded with strangers — instead, you have a private vessel and the ability to tailor your day to what excites you most, whether that’s spotting whales or trolling for a big fish. Plus, the reviews highlight how engaging and accommodating the crew is, making even last-minute bookings feel seamless.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency. Like all ocean activities, bad weather can cause cancellations, but the provider offers full refunds or rescheduling if conditions aren’t right. This tour suits travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience that covers multiple interests in just a few hours — especially families or groups who enjoy crafting their own adventure.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Choose at least two activities for a custom Hawaiian boat tour.
Private Group: Only your group participates, ensuring privacy and tailored attention.
Flexible Itinerary: Activities like snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and sunset cruises can be combined.
Cost & Value: At $1,750 for up to six people, it offers a private, flexible adventure at a reasonable per-person rate.
Highly Rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from six reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice.
Weather Cancellations: Full refunds or rescheduling if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

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A Detailed Look at the 3-Hour Private Boat Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

This is a fully customizable private charter operated by Captain Chad’s crew, with the start point at 61-3527 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela. The tour’s biggest selling point is its flexibility — you can decide whether to snorkel amidst coral reefs, look for migrating whales, or enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise. It’s a private vessel, so the experience is intimate and tailored, perfect for families, couples, or small groups.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the exact schedule depends on your preferences, reviews suggest that many travelers enjoy a mix of fishing, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters. For example, one reviewer mentioned trolling for Ono fish on their way to coral reefs, where they discovered sea turtles, lipstick urchins, and starfish. The crew is described as patient and engaging, helping even children feel safe and included.

Another review highlights a birthday trip where the crew managed to customize the day with fishing, snorkeling, and dolphin sightings — all within the three-hour window. The flexibility means you can focus on what’s most important, whether that’s spotting whales, relaxing with a sunset, or trying your hand at fishing.

The Boat and Crew Experience

From the reviews, Captain Chad’s crew is seen as professional, courteous, and experienced. The boat itself is maintained well and described as immaculate, which adds to a sense of comfort and safety. Many reviewers comment on how friendly and engaging the crew is, making the experience feel both relaxing and fun.

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Snorkeling and Wildlife

Expect to see vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Sea turtles seem to be a common sighting, and some reviews mention discovering starfish and lipstick urchins. If whale watching is in season, you might spot humpbacks, which is often a highlight of Hawaii ocean tours.

Fishing and Other Activities

Fishing is available, and some guests have caught fish like Ono, adding an authentic, hands-on element to their excursion. If fishing isn’t your main goal, you can opt for sightseeing or reef exploration instead. The crew is flexible enough to accommodate your wishes.

The Experience Based on Traveler Reviews

The glowing reviews paint a picture of a memorable, personalized adventure. One reviewer raved, “Captain Chad is the man,” appreciating the customizable tour and how he tailored it to their preferences — from fishing to snorkeling and dolphin watching. Others appreciated how patient and kind the crew was, especially with children.

Many travelers highlight how easy it was to book last-minute and how the crew made everyone feel safe and included. The boat’s cleanliness and professionalism also stand out as important factors, making the experience feel luxurious but approachable.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Weather can be unpredictable on the ocean, but the company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private charter is perfect for those who value customization and privacy. Families with children will appreciate the engaging crew and flexible activities, while couples or small groups seeking a personalized day on the water will find it ideal. It’s also great for travelers who want to combine multiple interests — from fishing to wildlife watching — all in a compact, well-organized trip.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour luxury private ocean charter is a fantastic way to experience the Big Island’s marine environment on your own terms. The ability to tailor your activities makes it especially appealing for those who want an authentic, personalized adventure. The high praise from past guests underscores its quality — friendly crew, clean boat, and memorable wildlife encounters.

While weather can be unpredictable, the flexibility offered by the operator ensures you’ll have options if conditions aren’t perfect. It’s a value-packed experience when you consider the exclusivity and customization involved. If you’re looking for a small-group, flexible, and fun-filled day on the water, this tour will likely check all your boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which activities to do during the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, and you can select at least two activities such as snorkeling, whale watching, fishing, or sunset cruising to fit your interests.

How many people can join this private charter?
Up to six guests can participate, making it a cozy, private experience ideal for family or small friend groups.

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at 61-3527 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI, and your experience ends back at the same location.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and reviews mention how crew members are patient and engaging with children, making it family-friendly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour has a full refund policy if canceled due to poor weather, or you can reschedule for a future date.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 17 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your preferred date.

In summary, this private, customizable boat tour offers a unique way to see Hawaii’s marine wonders with comfort and privacy. Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, fishing, or simply enjoying the ocean views, it provides a flexible, intimate adventure perfect for small groups or families seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience.