Keauhou Harbor

Under Hawaii’s operating rules, a person must be 16 to operate a power driven vessel without the special supervision required for younger operators. Under Hawaii Administrative Rule 13-244-15.5, anyone under 16 must possess the required boating safety course certificate and be accompanied on board and directly supervised by a person age 21 or older who also holds the certificate. Approved boating safety education is generally required for motorized vessels over 10 horsepower. Personal watercraft, called thrill craft, have a separate minimum age of 15 and require basic boating safety and thrill craft certification. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (dlnr.hawaii.gov)

Most operators in Hawaii need boating education credentials rather than a boating license. Operators of motorized vessels over 10 horsepower must carry proof of a NASBLA and state approved course; there is no birth date cutoff. Those under 16 must be certified and supervised by a certified adult 21 or older. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 15 and hold thrill craft certification, and Hawaii does not accept out of state certification for thrill craft. Renters qualify after a state approved safety briefing. Exemptions include engines of 10 horsepower or less, Merchant Mariner Credentials, and out of state visitors on a voyage originating elsewhere who stay under 60 calendar days. Certificates are valid for life and need no renewal. DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation administers it.

Source: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (dlnr.hawaii.gov)

From Kailua-Kona, you can boat Kailua Bay, Honokohau Bay, Pawai Bay, Keauhou Bay and Kealakekua Bay, connected by the open Kona coast. Honokohau Small Boat Harbor has three ramps and harbor basins reached through a marked channel.

Kailua Bay is exposed but has a ramp at Kailua Pier and direct access to open water. Pawai Bay is a coastal stop with state day-use moorings. Keauhou Bay is notably protected, though coral heads and breakers at its mouth require care. Kealakekua Bay is broad, free of obstructions and offers good anchorage except in strong southwest winds.

Source: Hawaii DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (dlnr.hawaii.gov)

Good day-trip targets from Kailua-Kona include Kaʻawaloa Cove in Kealakekua Bay, accessible by boat and known for exceptional coral and fish near the Cook Monument; Keauhou Manta, where state moorings serve manta-viewing operations; Pawai Bay, with moorings at Kaiwi Wash Rock, Kaiwi Arch Cave and Kaiwi Sand Channel; Kaloko Arches, where two state-listed mooring sites highlight arches and ledges; and Garden Eel Cove, another established day-use mooring stop. Together, they give boaters a mix of coral snorkeling, manta viewing, caves, arches and moored reef stops.

Source: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (dlnr.hawaii.gov)