Without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Big Island is on the water. Dolphins, whales, and manta-rays, oh my! Experience all types of marine life during your ride along the Kona Coast. No matter your pace and preferred activity, chances are Big Island has a boat tour for you. Looking for high-adventure and a breathtaking view of the coast? Check out a parasail experience. If heights aren’t for you – maybe a ride in a submarine is more your style. Check out the different types of tours below.
Dinner Cruise
Are you craving a sunset Hawaiian style dinner experience on water? With live music, local buffet-style dinner, and a stunning ocean sunset backdrop, the Body Glove Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay is an event that should not be missed. Learn Hawaiian history as you cruise to Captain Cook’s monument as your local guide points out historic sites along the way. Book your tour and find out more on their website below.
Dolphin Snorkel
Swimming with dolphins is high on the to-do list for many people traveling to the Big Island. Pods of friendly spinner dolphins can often be seen from Kealakekua Bay all the way up to Hapuna Beach on the Kohala Coast. Most boat tours leave from the Keauhou or Honokohau Harbors for a 3- or 4-hour trip where you will have a chance to snorkel with the dolphins. Big Island Divers, Sea Quest, Hang Loose, Hawaii Oceanic, and Sunlight on Water all offer both memorable manta ray and dolphin snorkel boat tours on the Kona Coast!
Manta Ray Snorkel
Kona is one of the only places in the world that you can swim with the peaceful water giant, the manta ray. Typically, the tour starts from either the Honokohau or Keauhou Pier around sunset and heads towards one of the two “feeding stations” where manta rays can usually be found. While on a guided snorkel tour, you will hold onto a board that is lit to lure plankton close. Then you will wait for manta rays to come and eat the plankton. Big Island Divers, Ocean Encounters, Hang Loose, Hawaii Oceanic, and Sunlight on Water all offer both memorable manta ray and dolphin snorkel boat tours.
Parasail Tour
Parasailing in Hawai’i is a top-rated activity and it’s easy to see why. UFO Parasail offers an excellent tour of the Kona Coast from 800 – 1200 feet above the ocean. Depending on weight limits, you have the option to ride by yourself or in tandem with a buddy or two. The panoramic views of the Kona coastline as you sail over the tropical ocean blues. The UFO Parasail boats take off right at the end of Ali’I Drive in Kailua-Kona.
Whale Watching
From late November to early May, you have a chance to see humpback whales in the waters off of the Kohala and Kona Coast as they migrate from Alaska to Hawaii for warmer waters so that the mother whales can give birth. Cruise the blue waters on the lookout for the kohola (whale in Hawaiian) who are, on average, about 45 feet long aboard a catamaran like the Body Glove. Or you can opt to join Captain Dan, an avid and experienced whale researcher for an informative, fun and exciting tour! Most boat tours that offer dolphin excursions also offer whale watching trips.