Page 11) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Kailua-Kona in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.54 4.54 / 5

Reviews

2828 reviews

Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Manta Rays! In YOUR FACE!

Reviewed by: P Burke

This is a great outfit to take you to see Manta Rays. The boat is a medium size so the group size is much smaller than the big boats. Crew are very professional and knowledgeable in the Manta Ray habits and behaviors. The boat ride to the site is short (<15 min) then it's into the water.

On our trip a single manta showed up after about 5 minutes in the water. As the sky darkened the plankton seemed to multiply and the show really began. The single ray made several passes within inches of our masks. Then another showed up and it was like a graceful dance being performed right beneath you. Another two rays showed up and things really got interesting. What fun watching that ballet!

Afterward, hot soup and warm drinks helped fuel the conversation with the other participants. A most delightful and memorable experience.

P. Burke

  • Sunset departure on the Hula 'Kai

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Rating:
Packages: Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/05/15
Activity Date: 2023/05/10

マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>

Manta Tour マンタツアー

Reviewed by: ぼたん

I was able to see a manta ray just at the last moment. Since I easily get seasick, I took some medicine before joining, and I was fine, but others were unfortunately getting sick. Also, it was colder than I expected. It's essential to have measures for warmth after coming out of the sea.

最後ギリギリにマンタに会えました。
船酔いしやすいので薬を飲んで参加したら、大丈夫でしたが、他の方はどうにももどしてらっしゃいました。
後、想像以上に寒いです。海からあがったあとの防寒対策必須です。

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for the advice.
Even in warm Hawaii, the temperature drops significantly at night after the sun sets.
Especially after coming out of the ocean, the wind can make your body feel cold, so please bring a large bath towel or a jacket that you can throw on.

アドバイスありがとうございます。
一年中暖かいハワイも、夜、日が落ちた後はぐっと体感が下がります。
特に海から上がった後に風にあたると体が冷えますので、大きめのバスタオルや上から羽織れるジャケットなどをお持ちください。

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Rating:
Packages: 1便プラン(送迎付き)
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/05/06
Activity Date: 2023/05/04

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Wonderful experiences with great hospitality

Reviewed by: Nobu

I joined the tour with my wife, and we were a bit nervous as we worried about altitude sickness before we joined. However, we did not need to worry too much. The guide was so professional, and he made us relax in the large van of Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the distributed dinner, hot lasagna and chocolate cake helped us get adjusted in the rest area before we were elevated to the summit. In astronomical observation, I was able to see two shooting stars. I strongly recommend this amazing tour if you come to the big island.

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/05/04
Activity Date: 2023/05/02

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Saw lots of incredible Manta Rays!

Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie

Diego, Trevor, and Tamae were incredible! They were fun and upbeat and super helpful. We got in the water and we say more than a half dozen different manta rays swimming around right beneath us! It was an experience we’ll never forget!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Brian! We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such kind feedback! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/29
Activity Date: 2023/04/27

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Truly fantastic tour!

Reviewed by: Joe

This tour was worth every penny. We loved the ride to the summit, the star gazing, and the wealth of knowledge provided by our tour guide, Maka.

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/29
Activity Date: 2023/04/26

4.5-Hour Sea Paradise Premium Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour with Breakfast & Lunch

Sea Paradise Morning Sail / Snorkel

Reviewed by: G-Rex

Great experience! This was a fun time on a very nice, new catamaran with a crew was friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Tho food was great and the snorkelling at the stop by Captain Cooks monument was awesome!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha G-Rex,

Mahalo Nui Loa for joining us and sharing your lovely photo. We hope to see you soon!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/27
Activity Date: 2023/04/25

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Best thing we did in Hawaii!

Reviewed by: Daniel

The tour guide was inviting and very knowledgeable. The food was actually quite decent. The views of the sunset from the top were sensational, and it was near seeing all the giant telescopes.

But the highlight for me by far was the stargazing after sunset. It was only 80% visibility and the moon was quite bright but I've never seen so many stars so clearly in my life. It was really a sight to behold. Maka (the tour guide) brought a telescope with him and we saw a number of cool things close up, such as a globular cluster, a star in portions
Orions belt, Venus, and the Moon.

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/27
Activity Date: 2023/04/25

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Wonderful experience going to Manua Kea summit stargazing

Reviewed by: Lil

Fernando was a great guide for our tour! We really enjoyed his commentaries and learned a lot from this trip. The sunset was amazing. The night sky was impressive, but cold. Bring winter clothes and layers if you can! They do provide a very warm parka. The dinner was yummy. Highly recommended!

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/23
Activity Date: 2023/04/21

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

SO MANY MANTAS

Reviewed by: Big Bertha

This trip was great. Outstanding crew constantly catering to our every need and ensuring the best experience. Captain Trevor, first mate Diego and Joe and everyone else were so accommodating to all. Would love to come back and visit the mantas again!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our Manta Ray tour. We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such positive feedback. Come back soon! Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/23
Activity Date: 2023/04/21

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Top 5 Experience of my life

Reviewed by: hq66

One of the top 5 experiences of my life! A must do on the big island. Captains Trevor and Diego were helpful. Storm was coming in so water was choppy. Climbing out of the water was the hardest part.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! We are so thrilled that you had such a great time on our Manta Ray tour! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. We hope we have a chance to welcome you back on our boat soon. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/04/20
Activity Date: 2023/04/18

Oceanfront Royal Kona Resort Luau Voyagers of the Pacific Show - Dinner, Drinks & Fire Knife Dance

Great food & performance

Reviewed by: Deanna

Great food & performance. View of ocean nice. Validated parking. Food line went quick.

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/20
Activity Date: 2023/04/17

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Incredible, not to be missed, experience!!!

Reviewed by: JLC

This was such a great adventure! The crew was super nice, friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all the important information ahead of time. I am glad we rented wetsuits (the long sleeve, short legs version - $10), because the amount of time we stay in the water and specially at sunset, made it for a very cold attraction.
Nonetheless, we saw at least 4 manta rays, they were swimming around and under us for the entire time and it was such an incredible experience!!!
When we got back to the boat, we were treated to some really yummy hot chocolate.
Tamae, one of our guides, also had some pictures and videos that she shared with us!!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you so much for joining our sunset Manta Ray tour. We are so glad you had a great time and were able to see the mantas. We hope you have a chance to come back soon for more fun. Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/17
Activity Date: 2023/04/13

Deluxe Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Cruise from Keauhou Bay - Hula Kai

Excellent adventure

Reviewed by: Johanne

Excellent adventure, was very well organized. We enjoyed it alot and definitely recommend this excursion. The excursion was on time the staff was super friendly and informative.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/15
Activity Date: 2023/03/22

Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Worth every penny!

Reviewed by: Michelle

We are typically do-it-yourselfers and were initially skeptical about going on a guided tour. This tour turned out to be so worth it! Captain Brendan and crewmember Tuliz were very knowledgeable, competent, and friendly. We happened to see whales at close range along the way, and our guides made the most of it. The snorkeling at Captain Cook is magnificent. A fantastic experience all around!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop)
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/04/14
Activity Date: 2023/04/12

Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Highly recommended!!

Reviewed by: Or Peretz

Great crew, beautiful bay. The cruise ship was super equipped with everything you need to have a great time. The food was delicious, the snorkeling gear was great and the restrooms were clean. We highly recommend this tour!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/04/13
Activity Date: 2023/04/08

Sea Paradise 3-Hour Afternoon Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Great morning snorkeling tour on a catamaran

Reviewed by: CGB

Delightful crew. Simple food always available. very well organized. Had reef-safe sunscreen available. Even had prescription goggles for me. Captain told great stories. A great morning's adventure.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to leave us a review. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs]
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/12
Activity Date: 2023/04/09

Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay with Live Entertainment | Body Glove

Lovely Evening

Reviewed by: Kara

The food was good, the DJ and our tour guide was excellent.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Kara!
We are thrilled to learn that you had lovely evening! Best to you and yours! We hope that you'll be able to join us again someday soon!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Dinner Cruise
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/04/09
Activity Date: 2023/03/25

Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel with Show, Dinner & Drinks Included

Amazing

Reviewed by: Kara

Delicious food paired with amazing local Hawaiian talent. This was one of our favorite luaus on Big Island after a few past years of trying around.

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Rating:
Packages: Ohana Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/04/08
Activity Date: 2023/03/23

Kailua-Kona Sunset Cocktail with Free Drinks - Honi Olani Catamaran

Absolutely amazing!!

Reviewed by: Todd

Fantastic crew, tasty food, comfortable cruise, playful dolphins, and a beautiful sunset!

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Rating:
Packages: Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/08
Activity Date: 2023/03/16

マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>

A manta ray right in front of me. 目の前にマンタ

Reviewed by: スミレ

Departure in the rain
By the time we arrived at the manta sea, the rain had stopped.
Underwater, the mantas spun around several times, and we couldn't help but cheer.
It was amazing to see them glide through the water as if they were flying.
It was just cold; we had two towels with us.
The guides were very kind, and it was reassuring to participate with Japanese support.

雨の中出航
マンタの海に着いたら 雨はあがっていた。
海の中では マンタが何度か回転して 思わず 歓声があがります。
海の中をまるで 飛んでいるかのように去っていくのもすごかったです。
ただ寒かった タオルは2枚入りました。
ガイドさんたちはとても親切で 日本語対応で安心して参加できました。

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for joining us.
The sight of swimming while flipping in the water is breathtaking!
After the night tour, your body may get cold after coming out of the water, so please bring a larger towel or warm clothing when you participate.
Mahalo.

Thank you for joining us.
水中を翻って泳ぐ様は圧巻です!
夜のツアーは水から上がった後に体が冷えますので、ご参加の際は大きめのタオルや防寒着をお持ちください。
Mahalo.

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Rating:
Packages: 送迎付きプラン
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/06
Activity Date: 2023/04/02

Luxury Private Boat Charters from Kona - Daytime & Sunset Cruises aboard No Wiki

Honokahau Harbor Private Sail Experience

Reviewed by: Deena H

Our experience could not have been any better! The water was calm, weather was perfect, even with the clouds, which made it more beautiful! The captain and crew, Jack, Ian, and Taiyo were so attentive, gracious, and kind towards us, as we scattered our mother's ashes. It was a day we will always treasure. We highly recommend it and look forward to another sail in the future (just for fun!). Mahalo and blessings from our Ohana to yours!

  • Sisters are forever.

  • Magnificent!

  • Captain and Crew

  • Spectacular sky, calm water.

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Rating:
Packages: Private Charter: Sunset Sail Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/04/05
Activity Date: 2023/03/19

Luxury Private Boat Charters from Kona - Daytime & Sunset Cruises aboard No Wiki

Sunset Cruise

Reviewed by: Jack

Dolphins and whales plus a beautiful sunset with excellent service and guidance by crew.

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Rating:
Packages: Private Charter: Sunset Sail Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/04/05
Activity Date: 2023/04/03

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience..I'd enjoy again and again!

Reviewed by: reneec

The crew made the cruise fun and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Snacks were included, but you may not want to est if you get seasick easily.

As part of the experience, they even took some pictures during so we could just enjoy the experience ourselves.


Note: If it's the right season, you may even be able to see other wildlife on the Sunset cruise like we did!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray tour. We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you had a great time. Come back soon, Mahalo

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/04/01
Activity Date: 2023/03/09

Deluxe Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour at Kealakekua Bay - Fair Wind Cruises

Great experience!

Reviewed by: Megan

We had the best experience with our two five-year olds! They were both got a little nervous about the snorkeling and the crew patiently offered different options until they agreed to the kick boards with lenses. A big hit!! We saw a variety of fish and enjoyed the beauty (and history) of Cooke Cove The slides were also entertaining as the kids watched different people (including mom and dad) zoom down!! If you are concerned about the all veg breakfast and lunch, don’t be. As meat eaters, we all agreed the food was outstanding. To top it off, the Captain’s historical knowledge and witty comments made the ride to and from the coral reefs a lot of fun. We highly recommend tour!

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Rating:
Packages: Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours]
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/03/31
Activity Date: 2023/03/29

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

So so so worth it!

Reviewed by: Eric

I get anxious snorkeling and this was a fantastic alternative. The guide was super knowledgeable and funny. My 5 year old son loved it too and we could chat about what we were seeing in real time, which I loved.

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Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/30
Activity Date: 2023/03/17

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Amazing experience. Great crew!

Reviewed by: Steve712

If you do one thing on the west side of the big island this is it. Words and pictures don't do the experience justice. The crew of the boat was safety conscious and the captain ran a tight ship. As a passenger we felt in good hands. Do your homework about what this tour involves. If you cannot swim and/or are afraid of the water this is NOT FOR YOU!!!. This tour had 1/2 a dozen non-swimmers on the tour. They were miserable and the crew had to spend an inordinate time catering to them.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/25
Activity Date: 2023/03/22

Sea Paradise 3-Hour Afternoon Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Amazing

Reviewed by: Coartney

Great Capitan + crew! Beautiful views! Very clean and organized! Loved the history given by crew members! Would definitely recommend!!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Courtney,

Mahalo for sharing your beautiful pictures and for your wonderful recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in the near future!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/21
Activity Date: 2023/03/16

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Big Island Waikoloa Whale watching

Reviewed by: Lindsay B

The crew was amazing and qued a mother and baby, possibly 2 to the surface for play time!

  • Play time!

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Rating:
Packages: Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran]
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/03/21
Activity Date: 2023/03/15

伝統ルアウ&フラ・ハワイアンショー ボイジャーズ・オブ・ザ・パシフィック(ロイヤルコナリゾート内)<月・火・水・金催行/ブッフェ夕食/飲み放題/シェルレイ付>

I had a great time. 楽しめました。

Reviewed by: HILO

The Hawaiian show with the sunset over the ocean was wonderful. Since it was outdoors, I was worried about the rain, but it was fine.

海をバックに夕陽が落ちてのハワイアンショーは素敵でした。
屋外なので雨も心配しましたが大丈夫でした。

  • ハワイアンショー

  • 夕陽

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Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/03/18
Activity Date: 2023/02/20

Ocean Encounters Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Sunset & Moonlight Cruise from Kona

Outstanding trip out, small group and great crew!

Reviewed by: Jenny

We arrived slightly late and the crew kindly waited a bit for us. There was only 4 of us which made the experience felt a lot more enjoyable - it was not crowded or noisy! No jostling of people.

Once out there, we got in the water smoothly and saw 2 rays, 3 times. Unfortunately, the ray sightings have reduced in recent years so we considered ourselves lucky! Highly recommend it all round!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/03/18
Activity Date: 2023/02/24
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