Kealakekua, 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 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.

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.

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.

Sea Quest Hawaii, located on the South Kona Coast of the Big Island, has been a leading small-group ocean adventure operator for over 35 years. Renowned for its personalized and high-quality rafting and snorkeling tours, the company is staffed by US Coast Guard-licensed captains and expert local guides who provide rich cultural insights and marine knowledge. What sets this operator apart is its commitment to intimate, small-group experiences that allow guests to explore hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and spinner dolphins. The company’s deep roots in sustainable tourism and ecosystem stewardship ensure that these unique marine environments are preserved for future generations. The business offers a variety of snorkeling tours tailored to different interests and ages, including the popular Night Manta Ray Snorkel, which features illuminated flotation devices to attract manta rays for close encounters in a safe, relaxed setting. Daytime tours explore multiple snorkeling locations such as Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau, providing opportunities to see diverse marine life and experience the Kona Coast’s natural beauty. Private and customizable tours enhance the experience by allowing guests to avoid crowds and focus on their specific adventure goals, whether that involves marine life observation or exploring lesser-known spots. Throughout each journey, knowledgeable captains and crew share stories about local culture and marine ecosystems, creating an engaging and educational experience for visitors.

Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER is a condominium resort set on a dramatic lava rock bluff overlooking the Kona coast, offering spacious condos with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and panoramic ocean views. Amenities include two swimming pools, tennis court, barbecue areas, jacuzzi, sauna, and concierge services.

My Kona Adventures is a premier tour operator based in Kona, Hawaii, specializing in unique marine wildlife experiences on the Big Island. With a strong reputation supported by over 1,000 five-star reviews, the company offers expertly guided boat and snorkeling tours that highlight the natural beauty and distinctive marine life of the region. What sets this business apart is its focus on intimate, small-group excursions that provide personalized attention and ensure the safety and comfort of both guests and wildlife. Their signature offering, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel, allows visitors to witness the graceful manta rays feeding at night, creating a memorable and immersive Hawaiian adventure. The company’s flagship tour departs from Kailua and Keauhou Bay piers, providing all necessary snorkeling gear, with wetsuit rentals available for added comfort. Guests embark on a boat ride timed to catch the Kona sunset before entering the water, where underwater lights attract plankton and, subsequently, manta rays. The tours are designed for up to 12 participants, fostering a close-up and safe encounter with these gentle giants as they perform acrobatic barrel rolls and feed just beneath the surface. Knowledgeable guides accompany swimmers throughout the experience, offering insights about the manta rays and Hawaiian marine ecology, making the adventure both educational and exhilarating for visitors of varying experience levels.