Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Kona Snorkel Trips is a family-owned and operated boat tour company based in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a strong reputation reflected in five-star ratings on TripAdvisor and Google, the company offers expertly guided snorkeling and whale watching adventures. Departing from their private dock at Honokohau Marina, guests benefit from convenient parking and a comfortable boarding experience aboard the Orca, a 28-foot vessel formerly used by U.S. Navy Seals. The crew is lifeguard certified and committed to safety and environmental stewardship, including the use of propeller guards and providing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the local marine ecosystem. The company specializes in a variety of tours including daytime snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay’s marine sanctuary, manta ray night snorkels at Garden Eel Cove, and seasonal whale watching excursions. Their tours cater to a wide range of guests, from first-time snorkelers to experienced swimmers, with flotation devices and wetsuits provided as needed. Private charters are also available, accommodating up to 19 passengers for a personalized experience. Throughout each trip, guides share insights on the island’s history and marine life, ensuring an educational and memorable outing in the pristine waters off Kona’s coastline.

Located on the picturesque shores of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Royal Kona Resort offers an oceanfront retreat that combines natural beauty with authentic island culture. This award-winning resort is recognized for its exceptional value and family-friendly atmosphere, boasting rooms furnished with natural teak and vibrant fabrics that reflect the tropical surroundings. Guests enjoy stunning views of Kailua Bay and the Pacific Ocean from private lanais, while the resort’s lush gardens and proximity to the quaint seaside village of Kailua-Kona enhance its unique appeal. With over three consecutive years of accolades from TripAdvisor and Hawaii Magazine, the resort stands out as a premier destination on the Big Island. Royal Kona Resort provides a wide range of amenities and activities designed to immerse visitors in the Hawaiian experience. Its oceanfront Don the Beachcomber Restaurant & Mai Tai Bar serves fresh seafood and island-inspired cuisine alongside handcrafted cocktails, complemented by live Hawaiian music performances. Guests can relax in cabanas by the saltwater lagoon pool, indulge in spa treatments, or attend the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau to explore Polynesian culture through music, dance, and cuisine. Adventure seekers have easy access to snorkeling with manta rays, exploring active volcanoes, and hiking nearby trails. The resort also offers tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, and convenient tour planning services, catering to families, couples, and solo travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii in Kona, Kona Honu Divers is a premier scuba diving and snorkeling company renowned for its exceptional safety standards, experienced staff, and high-quality equipment. With over 200 years of combined industry experience, the team offers personalized service and operates custom-built dive boats equipped with modern amenities such as hot showers and shaded decks. The company is distinguished by its commitment to eco-friendly practices and ocean stewardship, actively supporting conservation efforts and maintaining two adopted dive sites. Kona Honu Divers is recognized as Hawaii’s top-rated dive operator, providing a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable underwater experience along the Kona Coast’s unique volcanic reefs and clear waters. The company offers a wide range of diving and snorkeling adventures suitable for all skill levels, including the world-famous manta ray night dive, blackwater night dives, and premium advanced two-tank trips. Certified divers can take advantage of comprehensive PADI certification courses, refresher programs, and specialty dives, while non-divers can enjoy guided snorkeling tours such as the Captain Cook Snorkel and manta ray night snorkel. Additional offerings include freediving classes, spearfishing instruction, whale watching tours, and private charters tailored for families and small groups. With a focus on safety, luxury, and expert guidance, guests can expect a professional and engaging experience that highlights the vibrant marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes of the Big Island.

Perched on the lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is a reimagined oceanfront resort offering newly renovated rooms with ocean views, cultural activities at the Aloha Center, manta ray viewing, hula and ukulele lessons, Feast & Fire Luau, pools, spa, dining options like Piko Coffee & Wine Bar and Holua Poolside Bar, and wedding facilities.

Located on the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, this dive charter company offers expert-led underwater EcoAdventures that highlight the region’s vibrant marine life. With over 5,000 five-star reviews, the experienced team provides safe and memorable snorkeling and scuba diving tours, specializing in night dives with the famous Kona manta rays. Operating from Honokohau Harbor, their fleet includes the Newton 46-foot dive boat, The Mantalorian, and the luxurious Remora, ensuring comfortable access to remote reefs and protected marine habitats. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and personalized service distinguishes them as a premier choice for ocean exploration in Hawaii. The company offers a variety of tours catering to divers and snorkelers of all skill levels, including 3-hour manta ray snorkel and dive tours available nightly, longer 5-hour eco-adventures with sunset cruises, and daytime two-tank scuba diving excursions exploring lava tubes and marine preserves. Private charters provide customizable experiences for small groups, while seasonal whale watching tours feature expert narration and hydrophone listening. Family-friendly options and courses for beginners are also available, making these tours accessible to guests aged six and older. Each trip combines expert guidance, quality equipment, and stunning coastal views to create an immersive and educational ocean adventure.

Located in Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island, this company specializes in nighttime manta ray snorkeling and diving tours, offering a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most renowned underwater spectacles. With lifeguard-certified guides and a focus on safety and education, the tours provide an intimate encounter with manta rays attracted by high-powered underwater lights. The operation uses a 28-foot Coast Guard-rated zodiac vessel, limiting passengers to ensure ample space and comfort. This professional approach, combined with expert knowledge of manta ray behavior and biology, sets the experience apart as both safe and deeply immersive. The company offers a variety of tours including group night snorkels, private charters, and two-tank night dives with Kona Honu Divers, catering to certified divers and snorkelers aged five and older who are confident swimmers. Guests are equipped with high-quality wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, and guided through the process from an educational briefing to the mesmerizing underwater ballet of manta rays feeding on plankton attracted to the light boards. The tours emphasize responsible interaction with the rays, ensuring the protection of these gentle giants while delivering a memorable, awe-inspiring adventure in the clear tropical waters of Kona.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Managed by the National Park Service, the park preserves significant archaeological sites and coastal ecosystems that reflect the traditional Hawaiian way of life. Its location on the Big Island provides access to ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and native wildlife habitats, making it a distinctive destination for those interested in history and nature. The park’s well-maintained trails and informative exhibits enhance the visitor experience, showcasing the blend of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. The park provides a variety of activities suited for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking educational outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore coastal trails, observe native species, and learn about Hawaiian traditions through interpretive programs and displays. The Hale Hookipa Visitor Contact Station offers resources and information to help guests navigate the park’s features. With its focus on both cultural and natural resources, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park serves as an engaging destination for those looking to connect with Hawaii’s past and its natural environment.

Located in Holualoa on Hawaii’s Big Island, Heavenly Hawaiian has been cultivating and roasting 100% Kona Coffee since 1994. Founded by Dave and Trudy Bateman, the farm combines decades of experience with a commitment to quality, producing world-class coffee grown on the hills of Kona. The farm’s unique setting and dedication to authentic Kona coffee make it a distinguished destination for coffee enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience. Alongside their expert roasting process, the farm is home to seven resident cats, adding a charming touch to the visit. Heavenly Hawaiian offers a variety of tours and activities designed for true coffee connoisseurs, including guided coffee farm tours, Paniolo roasting sessions, and brew-your-best-cup classes. Visitors can also participate in creative events like paint and sip classes, enhancing their connection to the farm and its products. The farm caters to travelers looking to deepen their appreciation of Kona coffee through hands-on experiences, complemented by an online store featuring coffee, sweets, chocolates, and accessories. Guests consistently praise the personalized tours and the opportunity to explore an authentic Kona coffee farm firsthand.

Body Glove Hawaii is a locally owned and operated tour company based in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering ocean adventures since 1988. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and respect for Hawaiian culture and wildlife, the company provides expertly guided experiences with a warm and knowledgeable crew. Guests can choose between two distinct vessels: the luxurious 65-foot Kanoa II catamaran, ideal for families and larger groups seeking comfort and amenities, and the agile 41-foot Kona Explorer super-raft, perfect for smaller parties and thrill-seekers. Both boats are equipped with safety-certified staff and high-quality gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for all ages and experience levels. The company’s offerings include snorkeling tours, dolphin and whale watching excursions, and historical dinner cruises along the Kona coast. Each trip features carefully curated amenities such as reef-safe sunscreen, on-board meals, and full-service bars, with options for private charters and special accommodations like prescription masks and wheelchair accessibility on the catamaran. Guests can expect personalized service, educational narration from marine naturalists, and opportunities to explore pristine snorkeling sites and marine life habitats. Whether seeking a family-friendly day on the water or an adventurous ride to remote reefs, Body Glove Hawaii delivers memorable experiences that highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island.

Located in Kona, Hawaii, Kona Manta Rays Snorkel Tours offers a unique underwater experience centered around the majestic manta rays native to the area. With years of expertise in marine tours, the company specializes in night snorkeling excursions that provide close encounters with these gentle giants. Their knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and educational adventure, using high-quality snorkeling equipment to enhance visibility and comfort. The tours take place in carefully selected locations known for frequent manta ray sightings, making each trip both exciting and memorable. The company caters to a wide range of customers, from first-time snorkelers to experienced divers seeking an extraordinary marine experience. Guests are guided through calm waters illuminated by underwater lights that attract plankton, drawing manta rays into view. This immersive experience allows participants to observe the graceful movements of manta rays in their natural habitat. The tours emphasize environmental respect and safety, offering an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Hawaii’s vibrant ocean life.

Located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, this dive operator specializes in providing exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling experiences along the renowned Kona coast. With a reputation as Hawaii’s top dive operator and a five-star rating, the company offers a wide range of charters including day dives, night dives, and private scuba and snorkeling charters. Their experienced crew and well-equipped fleet of boats ensure safety and comfort while exploring over 40 local dive sites, including unique environments such as caves, lava tubes, and coral reefs. The operator is particularly noted for its world-famous manta ray night dives, which attract divers and snorkelers eager to witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. The business caters to divers of all skill levels, from beginners seeking open water certification to advanced divers looking for challenging underwater adventures. Daytime options include local two-tank dives, advanced two-tank dives, and long-range excursions, while night offerings feature manta ray dives, blackwater dives, and reef dives. Snorkeling tours highlight secluded coral reefs and seasonal whale watching, with private charters available for personalized group experiences. Equipment rentals and a comprehensive dive shop support guests’ needs, and the knowledgeable staff provides attentive service without over-guiding, creating a balanced and memorable underwater experience for both individuals and groups.

Fair Wind Cruises is a family-owned and operated snorkel tour company based in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i Island, with a history dating back to 1971. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and ocean stewardship, the company operates first-class vessels such as the Fair Wind II and the Hula Kai, which feature amenities including shade canopies, restrooms, freshwater showers, and water slides. Their tours focus on exploring the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay and the remote South Kona coastline, areas celebrated for their abundant marine life and historical significance, including the Captain Cook Monument. Fair Wind Cruises is distinguished by its eco-friendly practices, such as using biodiesel fuel, solar energy, reef-safe sunscreen, and offering plant-based meals sourced from local farms, all designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a high-quality experience. The company offers a variety of snorkeling tours suitable for all skill levels, from family-friendly morning and afternoon excursions to more advanced adventures like the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Guests can choose from group tours or private charters aboard vessels equipped with flotation devices, snorkel classes, and prescription masks to enhance comfort and safety. The tours include island-inspired meals and opportunities to see diverse sea life, including dolphins and manta rays, in calm, protected waters. With a focus on education and guest enjoyment, Fair Wind Cruises combines expert guidance with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a premier choice for visitors seeking an immersive and responsible ocean experience on Hawai‘i Island.