A love letter to the ocean, powered by paddles
Founded by Mike and Carol Dennis in 1994. Owned and operated by their longtime lead guide, Winfield Brown, since February 2026.
Built to leave only ripples
Mike and Carol built Ocean Safaris from a lifelong passion for the water and a desire to share Kona’s coastline in a more personal, responsible way. Instead of engines, gasoline, exhaust and oil, they chose kayaks: quiet, human-powered travel that lets guests move with the ocean rather than roar across it.
For more than three decades, they welcomed families, first-time paddlers and seasoned adventurers into a world of clear water, lava coastline, sea caves and marine life. Small groups, careful guidance and respect for this place became the heart of the company.
Eventually, Mike and Carol were ready to retire their paddles and find someone who would care for Ocean Safaris as much as they did. Their longtime lead guide, Winfield Brown, shared that passion and was ready to take the helm.
From desert daydreams to the Kona coast
Winfield grew up surrounded by dirt and cacti, daydreaming about places like Kona: snorkeling in warm water, exploring sea caves and setting out in a kayak beneath volcanic cliffs.
Years later, those childhood dreams became his everyday life. After more than three years as Ocean Safaris’ main guide, Winfield found that sharing his love of the ocean was just as rewarding as exploring it himself. When the chance came to carry Ocean Safaris forward, it felt like a natural next chapter.
In February 2026, Winfield bought Ocean Safaris from Mike and Carol. Today he brings the same enthusiasm that first drew him to guiding into running the business, keeping its small-group spirit alive and helping guests discover the coastline he fell in love with.
Paddle with us