Welcome to Kona Coast
The main access point to the Big Island presents visitors with multiple destinations possessed of very distinct identities. Kailua-Kona is the urban heart of the west side, although you're free to place air quotes around 'urban.' Here you'll find tour offices, shopping centers and some very fine restaurants. Up the mountain, Holualoa is a breezy artists' enclave.
Top experiences in Kona Coast
Kona Coast activities
Night Manta Ray Snorkel
Begin your day with check-in on the north side of Honokohau Marina, where you'll meet your guide who will instruct you on general snorkeling safety and snorkel gear fitting. Once everyone has properly fitted their equipment, it's time for departure out into the waters.It will be a short 20 to 30 minute cruise out into the open ocean off of the Kona coast before you get to the manta site. During your journey, you will be able to view the beautiful Hawaiian sunset. Once you arrive at the site, your guide and Captain will prepare you to go into the water to snorkel with the manta rays.Once you have completely immersed yourself in the experience of having swam with manta rays, it will be an easy climb back onto the boat for a ride back to the harbor. During this tour all of the required equipment is provided. The vessel you will be riding on is equipped with bathroom on board, and drinks & snacks are complimentary as well.
Zodiac Raft and Snorkel Adventure
Departing from Honokohau Marina located 3 miles (4.8km) north of Kailua-Kona, your captain will entertain you with Hawaiian folklore and Kona history as your Big Island Zodiac tour takes you along the scenic Kona coast. Keep a lookout for spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, manta rays, humpback whales (during the winter months) and other marine life that are often encountered on the expedition.Explore lava tubes and sea caves as you travel the inaccessible shores with spectacular views of the remote coastline. Marvel at the incredible geology as your captain entertains you with narration and excites you with skillful driving in rafts used by the Navy seals and the U.S. Coast Guard. Snorkel among beautiful tropical fish living in the coral gardens (approx. 1.5 hours) before snacking on a tasty Hawaiian snack in the marine sanctuary. Learn about the geology of the island as you venture into sea caves and past lava tubes.The Rigid Hull Inflatable Zodiac vessels used are 24 feet (7 meters) in length, powered by twin outboard motors to produce a quick moving and highly maneuverable ride. The rafts are perfect for exploring the shallow coves, sea caves and lava tubes located along this coastline. Each boat can hold up to 16 passengers.Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, the Big Island Zodiac tour is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, or pregnant women. The Kona Coast has the calmest water and the fast-moving Zodiac is the least likely vessel to cause seasickness.
Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
Departing from Honokohau Marina located 3 miles (4.8km) north of Kailua-Kona, your captain will entertain you with Hawaiian folklore and Kona history as you travel along the scenic Kona coast. Every winter, the humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth in the warm waters. Your naturalist captain will provide narration on the whale's behavior and the hydrophones onboard allow you to listen for the whale song. There are also frequent sightings of dolphins, manta rays, turtles and other marine life during the expedition.Time allowing, you'll get close to many lava tubes, sea caves, sea grottos and wave powered blow holes. Learn how the island of Hawaii was formed as your captain shares their knowledge about the geology of the island's lava flows.The Rigid Hull Inflatable Zodiac vessels used are 24 feet (7 meters) in length, powered by twin outboard motors to produce a quick moving and highly maneuverable ride. The rafts are perfect for exploring the shallow coves, sea caves and lava tubes located along this coastline. Each boat can hold up to 16 passengers.Due to the bouncy nature of the ride, the Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure is not recommended for those with back or neck problems, or pregnant women. The Kona Coast has the calmest water and the fast moving Zodiac is the least likely vessel to cause seasickness.
Luxury Dolphin Sail and Kona Snorkel
An unparalleled 4-hour yacht experience takes you to the beauty and grandeur of the Kona coast and its most bejeweled underwater treasures at stunning snorkeling bays along the historic coast. Snorkel location will be chosen based on the day's best conditions and with guest input, and can include such marvelous sites as Pawai Bay noted for its caves, arches, and swimthroughs; or Makalawena offshore of what is often referred to as the Big Island's best beach, accessible only by boat, hiking or rugged 4x4. Maximum of 6 guests aboard makes for an uncrowded, intimate experience aboard a spacious and luxurious yacht.After snorkeling, enjoy a catered bento or picnic lunch aboard. For dessert, enjoy fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. (Catering upgrades available for an extra charge). See dolphins and turtles year round. During whale season (December-April) also see humpback whales. Every guest is provided with use of an inflatable snorkel safety vest and snorkel gear including prescription masks if needed. Cabins for rest and rejuvenation and private changing areas, plus in-cabin restrooms and fresh-water showers for comfort and convenience. Make it a private charter by purchasing all 6 available tickets.Certified Dolphin Smart SupplierViewing wild dolphins in their natural habitat can be a thrilling experience. However, we can disturb dolphins’ natural behaviors, such as migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, and sheltering by approaching wild dolphins too closely in vessels; moving vessels too quickly, or making too much noise. The Dolphin SMART program is a voluntary education program that encourages responsible advertising and viewing of wild dolphins; thereby, minimizing the risk of disrupting their natural behaviors. You are a steward for wild dolphin conservation by being a Proud Supporter of Dolphin SMART!
Big Island Manta Ray Night Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
Swim alongside some of the most amazing creatures of the ocean on a nighttime snorkeling adventure in Kona! Explore the world of elegant manta rays on this 1.5-hour evening tour. When you check in, you will be provided with all kayaking and snorkeling equipment, instruction and safety orientation. With your local guide, kayak along the Kona coast to the snorkeling spot of the night. Dive into the clear blue waters and enjoy the sight of these lovable manta rays swimming peacefully by you. Manta rays feed most actively at night when plankton rises toward the water's surface. Your guide will use powerful diving lights to attract plankton and enable you to get close to the rays. As you will be in a kayak, you will have the freedom during your 45 minutes in the water to move to different snorkeling spots to look for manta rays. When the tour is over, you will kayak back to the Keauhou Bay with your guide.
Kailua-Kona, Historic Kona Town Guided 2-Hour Segway Tour
HISTORIC KONA TOWN TOUR (120 Minutes - Rating: EASY to MODERATE - due to duration)The Kona Historical Tour offers the beginner and novice alike a chance to glide through Kona experiencing the history and the mana that created Old Kona Town. The tour starts at The Kona Inn and glides down Alii Drive to Hulihe’e Palace, Moku’aikaua Church, Kamakahonu, White Sands Beach, and Ku’emanu Heiau, which was dedicated to the sport of surfing. Visit ancient stone walls erected by ancient residents of Hawaii who were known for their overnight feats of architectural engineering called Menehunes. As we glide down Kona coast line, you will have a chance to take in the breath taking vistas that make Hawaii’s beaches world famous. This tour is 2 hours. Experience the fun of gliding on a Segway PT (personal transporter) gliding into tomorrow... today! This Segway Authorized Tour is an experience you must have when you visit Kona. On this 60 minute glide your certified guide will teach you how to ride a Segway and offer a historic tour of Kailua-Kona. Note - All our tours start with friendly professional training to get you comfortable on your Segway. Beginners to experienced Segwaynians will have a wonderful experience touring through historic Kona Town with our fun and knowledgeable guides.