Are you looking for the best things to do on the Big Island with kids? Keep scrolling to read my honest review of the Kona Glass Bottom Boat tour to see if it’s right for your family.
This Kona Glass Bottom Tour Review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know how some vacation activities look amazing online but turn out to be total duds?
I get suspicious of anything labeled “glass bottom” after seeing one too many murky windows at tourist traps.
But the Kona Glass Bottom Boat? This one actually lives up to the hype.
We took our 9-year-old on this tour, and he kept geeking out over every fish we spotted. That’s coming from a kid who usually gives Hawaii activities a solid “it was fine, Mom.”
So here’s everything you need to know about whether the Kona Glass Bottom Boat tour is right for your family.
Why This Boat Tour Works for Families
Look, I know people love snorkeling.
But sometimes you’ve got a toddler who won’t keep their face in the water, or a kid who’s nervous about the ocean, or maybe you just don’t feel like dealing with all that gear.
The glass bottom boat solves that problem.
You get to see Hawaii’s reef, tropical fish, and sometimes even sea turtles without anyone getting wet.
The whole thing takes 50 minutes, which is perfect because your kids won’t get bored and you’re not stuck on a boat all afternoon.
If you’re planning your Big Island trip and want more than just this one activity mapped out, grab my complete Big Island Travel Guide with daily itineraries and all my favorite family spots.
A Bit of Background on the “Marian”
The boat you’ll ride on is called the Marian. Captain Ralph and Jeannie Jewell built it back in the ’90s right here on the Big Island, on the slopes of Hualalai mountain.
The whole thing was custom-designed to cruise super close to the reef without damaging anything.
Now their daughter Amy and her husband Dustin run the company. It’s still family-owned, which I always appreciate.
The boat only draws about 4.5 feet of water, so you can literally get within inches of the coral. That’s why you see SO much more than on those big tour boats.
What to Expect When You Arrive
The tour leaves from the pier right in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.
We were already staying there, so we just walked out to the pier. Super convenient.
You’ll see a line of people waiting to board. Don’t panic. It moves pretty quick. We only waited a couple minutes before getting on.
Fair warning: if you go on a day when the water’s choppy, the boat can rock quite a bit.
The crew hands out ginger chews and ginger ale, which honestly saved us. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take something before you board.
The good news is the tour’s only 50 minutes, so even if you feel a little queasy, it’s not an all-day ordeal.
The Actual Boat Ride
Once you’re on board, the captain moves pretty efficiently between different fish-feeding spots around Kailua Bay.
These are areas where tons of tropical fish hang out, so you’re basically guaranteed to see butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish, and if you’re lucky, green sea turtles.
The guide on our tour was fantastic. She shared Hawaiian history, pointed out different fish species, and dropped random fun facts.
Like did you know you can see the exact beach where boogie boarding was invented from the boat? I had no idea.
There are several viewing windows set up around the boat, and you’ll be sitting in pods with other families.
Pro tip: if you arrive early, you’ll have more room and better viewing spots.
We were some of the last people to board and ended up squished in with two other families. Not terrible, but a little cramped.
What You’ll Actually See
Okay, the whole point is the fish, right? We saw SO many. Hundreds of tropical fish swimming around the coral reef.
The water off Kona is crazy clear when it’s calm, so you get this incredible view of the ocean floor.
We spotted:
- Tons of yellow tang (those bright yellow fish you see everywhere)
- Butterflyfish with their distinctive patterns
- Triggerfish
- Parrotfish munching on coral
- Schools of smaller reef fish
And sea turtles. We saw several green sea turtles just cruising along the reef. My son completely lost it when we spotted the first one.
Here’s an insider tip: look out the regular windows when the boat is moving between stops.
Staring down at the water through the glass bottom while the boat’s rocking? That’s a one-way ticket to feeling gross.
Wait until you’re stopped over a good viewing spot, then peer down through the glass.
Tips for Families
Dress comfortably. We went in the cooler season and wore long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sweatshirts. You might want lighter clothes in summer, but bring a layer because it can get breezy on the water.
Bring sunscreen. Even though the viewing areas are covered, you’ll spend some time in the sun.
Pack a camera or make sure your phone’s charged. The marine life is spectacular. I ended up taking tons of video and nearly killed my battery. A portable charger is smart.
Listen to your guide. Ours was incredibly knowledgeable and answered every question the kids asked. If you’ve been snorkeling elsewhere on the Big Island, ask them to help identify what you saw.
Arrive early. Seriously. We should’ve gotten there 15 minutes earlier. Better viewing spots, more space, less stress.
If you’re still planning your Big Island trip and want help figuring out what else to do in Kona, I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll map out your whole itinerary based on your family’s interests.
As a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert, I can save you hours of research.
Current Pricing (2026)
Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Adults (12 and older): $60
- Kids (under 12): $30
- Babies (24 months and under): $5
Plus taxes (about 7.71%) and a 6% booking fee if you book online.
This is honestly one of the more affordable boat tours in Kona for families. Check current availability and book here.
And tip your guide! They work hard and really know their stuff.
FAQs
Where should we park?
Park at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. If you eat somewhere on the property, they’ll validate your parking.
Honestly? Stop by Ululani’s Shave Ice after your tour. Best shave ice on the island, and you’ll get your parking validated.
Where does the tour leave from?
Right at the end of the pier. Look for the Kona Glass Bottom Boat sign and you’ll find it.
Can we bring babies and toddlers?
Yep! All ages are welcome. The boat is safe for little kids.
Will we get seasick?
Most people don’t, but it’s possible, especially if the water’s choppy. The tour’s only 50 minutes though, so even if you feel a little off, it’s manageable. Take motion sickness meds beforehand if you’re worried.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, there are steps. People who use canes or walkers are usually fine though.
So… Is It Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: if you get seasick easily, skip this and do the Atlantis Submarine instead.
You’ll be looking straight ahead rather than down, which helps with nausea. The submarine’s pricier but might be worth it for you.
But if boats don’t usually bother you, absolutely do this tour.
We loved that it was under an hour and we got to see tons of tropical fish without dealing with snorkel gear. My kid won’t stop talking about it.
It’s perfect for families with young kids, anyone who doesn’t want to snorkel, or if you just want a quick marine life experience without committing your whole day.
Want more Kona activity ideas? Check out my posts on finding an affordable Big Island photographer, the Aloha Adventure Farm ATV tour, visiting a macadamia nut factory, swimming with dolphins in Kona, and the best Big Island luaus.
Planning your Big Island trip and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Download my complete Big Island Travel Guide with day-by-day itineraries, kid-friendly restaurant recommendations, and insider tips I’ve collected from 40+ trips to Hawaii.
Or sign up for my free Big Island email course where I’ll walk you through planning your trip step-by-step.
Book your Kona Glass Bottom Boat tour here and get ready to see some amazing underwater life!
