Top Day Trips from Kona

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Join no more than 28 guests for a pre-trip picnic at a historic Hawaiian ranch, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, you’ll experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

In terms of history, scenery, and marine life, there isn’t anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaii that compares to Kealakekua Bay. This protected cove on the island’s west shore is where Captain Cook met his end, and today a memorial stands at the bay to honor the famous explorer. On this guided Big Island kayaking tour, hear the history of Captain Cook as well as surrounding temples, and, after paddling past rugged sea cliffs and caves, you'll snorkel and swim in the clear waters of this Marine Life Conservation District.

This Big Island circle tour hits all the highlights of the stunning Big Island of Hawaii.  While riding in a comfortable minibus, watch out the window as the landscape changes with every bend in the road, from tropical, misty valleys full of ferns to a barren, black lava coast. This Grand Circle island tour includes round-trip transport from Kona, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Casually cruise the Kona coastline and snorkel with tropical marine life, as you splash in the waters of Kealakekua Bay on this deluxe Kona snorkeling cruise. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and professional instruction makes this Big Island snorkeling cruise a fun-filled family adventure. On the cruise between shore and the snorkeling site, keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, turtles or even manta rays, and enjoy views of volcanic formations along the Kona coast.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is famous for its ever-flowing lava and the planet’s most massive active volcano. This tour journeys to top natural landmarks in and around the park. You’ll visit Rainbow Falls, Richardson black sand beach, Historic Banyan Drive, Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo Bay Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Akatsuka Orchid Nursery, and the active volcano of Kilauea. You will also have the opportunity to walk through a lava tube.

Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of the Big Island of Hawaii on this guided tour that takes you to the rainforests and waterfalls along Mauna Kea's Hamakua Coast and to the summit of the active volcano Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Choose between a small-group tour limited to six people or a private tour exclusively for your party and get insights into the geology, history, and culture of the island. Finish your tour watching Kilauea's lava lake glowing after sunset.

On this 3.5-hour Big Island snorkeling cruise, experience the beauty of the Kohala coast from its colorful reefs to its beaches, as you scan the horizon for splashing dolphins or, in winter, humpback whales. In addition to colorful reef fish, there’s always the chance you could find Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling the pristine coves. Enjoy the attentive, personalized service from your professional captain and crew, who also help serve you breakfast and lunch, and run the boat’s open bar.

On this Kealakekua Bay snorkeling adventure, experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins in the crystal-clear waters off Kona. You’ll head to one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots to swim with tropical fish above colorful corals in a protected turquoise cove. Later as you cruise along the volcanic shoreline, look for lava tubes and sea caves, turtles. Throughout the 5-hour excursion, expect to see wildlife splashing in the water — in the winter months, you could even spot breaching Humpback whales. Groups are limited to 14 people, ensuring a personalized experience. 

Get up close with Hawaii’s graceful manta rays during this 4-hour nighttime snorkel experience along the Kona coast with a small group. Watch these gentle giants as they swoop and dive for plankton just below the surface during their evening feeding. An on-board manta naturalist from the University of Hawaii, along with a Red Cross-certified lifeguard, ensure an informative and safe experience.

Beat the Heat! with a relaxed afternoon of snorkeling at Cook's Monument / Kealakekua BayView sea caves and lava tubes while exploring the scenic Kona coast enroute to Kealakekua Bay enjoy up to 2 hours of in the water snorkeling time! Watch for dolphins and whales along the way!

From the moment you see their silvery backs appear in the cobalt waters, to the moment you're swimming right alongside and hearing their high pitched clicks, there's an enchanting rush of tropical adrenaline that accompanies swimming with dolphins. Here off the Kona coast of the Big Island, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are year round residents that ply the volcanic shore, and this tour offers local, professional captains who know where to look to find them. In addition to watching and swimming with dolphins, you'll also snorkel with tropical fish in some of Hawaii's clearest water, before returning back to shore in Kona with an experience you'll never forget.

Take a Kealakekua Bay snorkeling cruise, and depart from the waters of Keauhou Bay to scour the Kona coastline for dolphins, turtles or, even, whales in the winter months. Upon arrival in Kealakekua Bay, peer overboard at the crystal clear waters that teem with colorful reef fish. After receiving expert instruction and snorkeling equipment onboard, you'll jump in the water to experience some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island.

Limited to a maximum of six people, this guided snorkeling adventure by catamaran provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins, coral reefs, lava tubes, and sea caves and trenches are typically on the itinerary. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.

On this day trip from the Big Island to Oahu and Pearl Harbor, experience the site of the Japanese attack that shook an entire nation, and stand in the spot on the USS 'Missouri' where the Japanese eventually surrendered. You’ll later experience historic sites in downtown Honolulu, from the gorgeous Westminster Abbey of the Pacific to America’s only royal palace. This moving Pearl Harbor tour from Kona concludes with a visit to Punchbowl Cemetery before heading back to the Big Island that night.

Embark on an unforgettable Adventure with us and explore the protected marine wildlife such as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, green sea turtles, exotic tropical reef fish and delicate corals along the beautiful Kona Coast.   As we journey through the clear sapphire waters of the Pacific, we watch for the many pods of spinner dolphins that rest and play in areas such as Keahole Bay, Makalawena, Ho'ona Bay and Kiholo Bay. Dolphin behavior is very predictable in these areas, and our friendly and professional snorkel guides provide you with the best information and education as to how to protect and interact with these marine mammals.  Imagine being in the water surrounded by as many as 300 wild and free dolphins while they mingle with the marine life and coral reef that surrounds them.

Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.

Embark on an epic adventure with this Volcanoes National Park tour from Kona. You'll journey into the largest and most active volcano on earth with your friendly, professional guide, and pay a visit to the Richardson Blacksand Beach. You'll learn about the incredible landscapes that roll out before you and gain insight into the geological and ecological implications of Mother Nature on this stunning park. See the Akatsuke Orchid Nursery, Rainbow Falls, the Maunaloa Macadamia Nut Factory and so much more on this memorable tour that hits so many of Hawaii's hot spots.

Take the ultimate snorkeling and sailing trip along the Kona Coast during this 4-hour luxury yacht trip with a small group. Explore the stunning beaches and bays of the Big Island aboard a high-end boat, stopping at top snorkel sites and spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and whales. Unlimited refreshments, plus snorkel gear and a tasty picnic- or bento-style lunch are also included.