LightSUP Hawaii
LightSUP Hawaii
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursEco ToursNight ToursGear RentalsPrivate ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingStand Up PaddleboardingDay Trips
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Full view
About
Snorkeling views and Stand Up Paddle stoke is the perfect combination to explore the coral reef's of Kailua Bay and Puako and all the marine life that calls them home! Paddle power powers nature and LightSUP Hawaii contributes to the Change The Fate Fund with every tour and rental, being the change we want to see in our world. Come experience the evolution of SUP and our world famous ALOHA!
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
161 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mohoer12
3 contributions
Aug 2021
Kelly and Leo were so great! We signed up for a morning tour at Puako beach. It was quite windy when we got there, Kelly and Leo took extra care to make sure that the wind had died down before launching the groups into water as there were some beginner SUP paddlers. Once in the water Kelly made sure to stay connected with us while also taking care the beginners and showed us a really good time. The board is specifically designed, it is stable and is super fun for examining the lives under the sea. Kelly is super knowledgeable and helped us identify various types of fish. She also took amazing pictures and even put together a short video for us shortly after the tour. Kelly surprised us with pastry, fresh fruit, and fresh juice once we got out of the water, talking about ending the tour on a high note! Highly recommend this tour and we would be excited to try the sunset tour next time we visit the Big Island!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for sharing such a kind and generous review. We are so grateful for so many guests like you that take the time to share a bit of what we do at LSUPHI! We can't wait til you return to paradise to get you out with the lights on!! A hui hou
Written August 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber R.
15 contributions
Aug 2021
You have not LIVED until you’ve paddled out on one of these boards with Kelly or Ray. We recently travelled to the Big Island to celebrate the end of my 8-year-old son’s 3-year chemotherapy treatment. I researched and researched and RESEARCHED the most unique, memorable experiences on the island. It was so important to me have the perfect trip planned for my little boy, and LightSUP did not disappoint!
We paddled out on our own and toured. I paddle several days a week back home in CA, but no trip out has ever come close to these experiences. The sunset tour is pure magic. Magic. Just being on the water at dusk/nightfall is a super tranquil experience…the reefs lit up below, the solitude, the sounds. It’s an incredible experience. I’ll never forget the moon beams glistening all across a completely empty bay in Puako. During one of our daytime paddles in Kona we were also surrounded by too many dolphins to count! We didn’t have to chase them down by boat or interfere with them (or the environment) in any way. We just paddled and watched as they swam around, jumped in the air, and just did their thing, and it was everything.
On top of offering these wonderful tours, Kelly and Ray, and their boy, are just awesome humans. They went to great lengths to make sure our experiences with LightSUP were all that they could possibly be. We are so grateful to them for those experiences, their kindness, and all the aloha!
And if you have an evening to share after the sunset tour, I cannot recommend the luau and fire dance highly enough. You will be blown away!
We paddled out on our own and toured. I paddle several days a week back home in CA, but no trip out has ever come close to these experiences. The sunset tour is pure magic. Magic. Just being on the water at dusk/nightfall is a super tranquil experience…the reefs lit up below, the solitude, the sounds. It’s an incredible experience. I’ll never forget the moon beams glistening all across a completely empty bay in Puako. During one of our daytime paddles in Kona we were also surrounded by too many dolphins to count! We didn’t have to chase them down by boat or interfere with them (or the environment) in any way. We just paddled and watched as they swam around, jumped in the air, and just did their thing, and it was everything.
On top of offering these wonderful tours, Kelly and Ray, and their boy, are just awesome humans. They went to great lengths to make sure our experiences with LightSUP were all that they could possibly be. We are so grateful to them for those experiences, their kindness, and all the aloha!
And if you have an evening to share after the sunset tour, I cannot recommend the luau and fire dance highly enough. You will be blown away!
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are blown away by this review!! Omgosh how can we thank you for your enormous aloha and sharing these very generous words? Mahalo nui loa from our ohana to yours and allowing us the opportunity to celebrate a special human achieving special milestones. May the next phase bring more of the peace and beauty we shared together. A hui hou
Written August 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew J
San Leandro, CA13 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We had the best time on the sunset tour with Kelly from LightSUP.
Kelly was amazing the entire time, keeping an eye on weather so we could maximize our fun on the tour.
Kelly guided us around Puako Bay, gave us local recommendations and made the entire experience fantastic.
The boards are incredibly cool, much more stable than ours back home and the lights are an awesome way to end the ride.
Ending the day on the paddle board, watching sunset on the ocean was truly magical.
We will be back!
Andy & Diana
Kelly was amazing the entire time, keeping an eye on weather so we could maximize our fun on the tour.
Kelly guided us around Puako Bay, gave us local recommendations and made the entire experience fantastic.
The boards are incredibly cool, much more stable than ours back home and the lights are an awesome way to end the ride.
Ending the day on the paddle board, watching sunset on the ocean was truly magical.
We will be back!
Andy & Diana
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for your kind review! We very much look forward to your return to Big Island and can't wait to get you back out on the water with us!!!
A hui ho!
LightSUP Ohana
Written April 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert H
3 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Ray and Kelly were amazing. They made us feel like family. We did the week long rental and went out every day. They made it stress free getting in and out of the water every time.
The rental rates were the best we found in the area and allow you ample time to explore and just enjoy being out on the water.
The boards are very stable and easy to paddle for both beginners and seasoned pros. The boards have a window that allows you to see what is below you.
The area where you paddle is beautiful with lots marine life to see, as well as views of the island.
The best part was the guided sunset/night tour. We went out with Mark and Maria and had an awesome time. The boards have lights that illuminated the water beneath the boards. A truly one of a kind of experience.
I would definitely recommend these guys for SUP rentals. Wether you have never paddle boarded before or have been doing it for a while, this is the place to go in Kona. Great people, great location great price.
The rental rates were the best we found in the area and allow you ample time to explore and just enjoy being out on the water.
The boards are very stable and easy to paddle for both beginners and seasoned pros. The boards have a window that allows you to see what is below you.
The area where you paddle is beautiful with lots marine life to see, as well as views of the island.
The best part was the guided sunset/night tour. We went out with Mark and Maria and had an awesome time. The boards have lights that illuminated the water beneath the boards. A truly one of a kind of experience.
I would definitely recommend these guys for SUP rentals. Wether you have never paddle boarded before or have been doing it for a while, this is the place to go in Kona. Great people, great location great price.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for your very generous words and for sharing the details of all of your experiences. We could not have said it better ourselves and need to hire you to do our marketing!! First day you were our guest, next day you're ohana and we look forward to your return to paradise soon! A hui hou
Written September 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WanderlustWife
Milton, GA1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
We booked the morning tour for myself, my husband, and our two boys (6 & 9), but the day before our tour Kelly texted me letting me know the weather may not be ideal for our original location and offered a different location. We decided to wait until the morning and try for the original location as it was closer to our hotel. Unfortunately, it was too windy to go out the morning of the tour, but Kelly and Ray were so accommodating in finding us a different location and a time that would work for us. Their communication with us the entire time, was greatly appreciated!
We ended up going out mid day, and my kids had a blast! The glass viewing area is so unique and the kids loved looking for fish. Kelly was an excellent guide.
This was such a fun experience and I am so glad that I chose LightSUP for our adventure. I only wish we would have had time to go out again at night and try the lights on the board.
We ended up going out mid day, and my kids had a blast! The glass viewing area is so unique and the kids loved looking for fish. Kelly was an excellent guide.
This was such a fun experience and I am so glad that I chose LightSUP for our adventure. I only wish we would have had time to go out again at night and try the lights on the board.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to share your aloha! We keep saying it bc it is so true!! We have the best guests that come out with us! You all were amazing and stoked it all worked out as it did. We can't wait to get you out with lights on!! A hui hou!!
Written July 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracie D
9 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
I’ve been on a SUP tour with LightSUP Hawaii 4x now.It’s always a must do when I visit the island. Every experience has been wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about Kelly, Ray and their team. The SUP boards they developed are top notch and they make safety a priority. This is a great experience for 1st time and experienced paddlers and people of all ages- truly the spirit of Ohana .
They also do a great job of educating visitors about the coral reefs and their inhabitants. The lovely organic juices, fruit and banana bread served post-ride are just icing in the cake. I highly recommend you check out LightSUP for a once in a lifetime experience.
They also do a great job of educating visitors about the coral reefs and their inhabitants. The lovely organic juices, fruit and banana bread served post-ride are just icing in the cake. I highly recommend you check out LightSUP for a once in a lifetime experience.
Written January 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to share your aloha!! We are so grateful for the very generous words but most importantly, helping us be the change we want to see on our reef!
Written January 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Faheed
3 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
If you’re into paddle-boarding (standing/knees/sitting etc.) or want a unique experience on the water I would definitely recommend giving lightsup a shot. Run by an incredibly nice couple who were super accommodating. We had a smaller group and I’m a bit anxious about the water but Kelly and Ray did a great job calming nerves and taking time to talk with us. Kelly has a calming demeanor that really made the night awesome for us. We saw fish swimming but just seeing the reefs coming back to life was well worth it. If you get out on a clear night the lack of light pollution + stars + sunset + being on the water is an otherworldly experience. Highly recommend.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for taking the time to share your aloha! We are stoked we were able to share an epic ocean adventure with you. Again, thank you for your generous words and can't wait to have you out again soon! A hui hou!!
Written October 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dierdre b
6 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Amazing paddle boarding experience. Great guide. I booked a sunrise tour and we were the only ones on Puako Bay. Watched turtles and reef fish swim under me and turtles surface at the turtle cleaning station. Will do this again. I highly recommend the sunrise tour watching the sun come up over the mountains was beautiful. Most relaxing easily accessible tour on the island. Was appropriate for any experience level!
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing morning, great guest! Mahalo nui loa again for getting up extra early for a spectacular sunrise on the water and the best way to start a day in Paradise! We wish you all the best back home and look forward to paddling with you again next visit to Big Island! Keep keepin it real!
A hui ho,
Kelly @ LightSUP Hawaii
Written May 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hyh
Indianapolis, Indiana6 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a wonderful evening activity. Besides the fun of trying something new, it's lovely to have your feet in the warm water and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, with just the sound of the waves and nearby luau drums around you. Our family's group ranged in age from 48 to 78, all first-timers. The staff was so chill and encouraging with absolutely no pressure, just keeping you safe and sharing info about the wonderful place you're seeing in a whole new way. You watch all kinds of coral and small sea life through the board window and you can sit and float the whole time or stand up and dig in to get around the bay a bit. A very cool, professional, friendly experience. Memorable and recommended.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for your very generous review! We remain so grateful for our guests who thought enough of our experience together that they take time to share with a review! We can't wait to get you out again soon! A hui hou!!
Written March 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shaun O
7 contributions
Apr 2022
As a first time paddleboarder, the team at Lightsup Hawaii was exceptional. Easy to request the booking, chose the location (they have northwest and southwest) and learn the fundamentals.
We chose early morning to enjoy calmer seas and hopefully experience the early morning sea life while Mark (our very patient instructor) took us out on the water. Lots of fish and sea urchins plus a special visit by what we believe is our spirit animal, the protected green sea turtle who swam right up to say ‘good morning’!
An exceptional 90 minutes on the water, tons of laughs as i tried to master the stand up portion of paddle boarding and the team at Lightsup provided us video and pictures of our day.
Highly recommended experience for someone who wants a more active day than sitting beachside.
We chose early morning to enjoy calmer seas and hopefully experience the early morning sea life while Mark (our very patient instructor) took us out on the water. Lots of fish and sea urchins plus a special visit by what we believe is our spirit animal, the protected green sea turtle who swam right up to say ‘good morning’!
An exceptional 90 minutes on the water, tons of laughs as i tried to master the stand up portion of paddle boarding and the team at Lightsup provided us video and pictures of our day.
Highly recommended experience for someone who wants a more active day than sitting beachside.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo nui loa for taking a moment to share these very kind and generous words! We owe our success to folks like you who are helping us be the change we want to see in the world. A hui hou!!
Written April 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.