Page 21) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities

Captain Zodiac Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour & South Kona Sea Cave Expedition

The highlight of our Big Island trip!

Reviewed by: MJUm

We stumbled upon Zodiac Rafting after getting declined at two other places but everyone in our group said they would have regretted going with anyone else!

First of all, they have all COVID safety measures in place. Temp check, all staff with masks, smaller groups so we felt comfortable and safe.

Second, the staff! Jennifer at reception was so sweet and accommodating. And Captain Collen, he’s the best! Knowledgeable and experienced without being overbearing or too chatty. Made sure we had the best ride, safe snorkeling trip, took us to special locations to see the Big Island in all it’s beauty and kept checking that we were having a good time and no one was uncomfortable. And they even provided reef safe sunscreen which we thought ours was but Captain explained it was not. They’re really passionate not only but people having a good time but that the natural life on the Big Island is protected and safe. We really appreciated that.

And let’s not forget, we had a private boat because it was just our family on the trip. So it was even extra special!

So don’t waste your time elsewhere. Just go straight to Zodiac people!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

Thank you for such kind words. Our employees really do love the jobs they do. We are glad the private tour fit your families needs and made you feel comfortable as we come out of such a long pandemic period. I'm sure your captain and crew really enjoyed your family and sharing just how special our island is. Hope to have you all out again as there are more places on our island to see and snorkel.

Mahalo,
CZ Ohana

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Rating:
Packages:	4-Hour Deluxe Morning Tour (8:00 AM)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/07/08
Activity Date:	2021/07/06

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Amazing!

Reviewed by: Shalini Banerjee

This was the perfect ending to our Hawaii trip. It was awesome and the trip exceeded all our expectations. New even got to see Saturn and the entire thing was on time and perfect.

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Rating:
Packages:	Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/07/08
Activity Date:	2021/07/04

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

Awesome experience!

Reviewed by: Wendy

We went on the sunset cruise and had a great experience. The crew/guides were knowledgeable, fun and helpful. When we got in the water, they knew where to take us for the best viewing.
The Manta Ray's were so cool to see. This should be on your must do activity list. I would recommend it over a regular day time snorkel trip. However, next time I would do the later night time trip. The Manta Rays seem to be more active the later it gets.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/07/03
Activity Date:	2021/07/01

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

Best way to enjoy sunset in big island !!!

Reviewed by: Shankar

Great friendly staff. They took customer satisfaction to heart and made sure everyone had a great time. Loved it!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/30
Activity Date:	2021/06/27

Atlantis Kona Submarine Tour & Undersea Adventure - Descend up to 100 feet

Great family activity!!!

Reviewed by: Shankar

Staff are super friendly and funny. Loved the experience of going to 150 ft inside the ocean and see the marine life !!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Kona Submarine
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/30
Activity Date:	2021/06/28

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Daniel

Awesome crew, it's actually an advantage to go on a smaller boat with fewer people, highly recommended.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/29
Activity Date:	2021/06/27

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

What a great experience!!!

Reviewed by: Brian My

Our crew was awesome and made the experience just totally rad.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal)
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/29
Activity Date:	2021/06/27

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

Manta dive

Reviewed by: Dude

Was lots of fun! Saw manta rays and enjoyed the sunset!

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/28
Activity Date:	2021/06/25

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

Great review

Reviewed by: S. Ely

Wonderful experience! The captain and crew was amazing!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/26
Activity Date:	2021/06/24

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Awesome!

Reviewed by: Haven

I would totally do this again! Such beautiful creatures!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/06/26
Activity Date:	2021/06/24

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

Great tour!

Reviewed by: jrd

We booked this sort of last minute and were so pleased with the tour! The crew was great and had some very funny and entertaining jokes/stories. The manta rays were indescribable and it was such a unique experience. One major thing to note - we went in the middle of June and it was still very cold in the water, wetsuits are a must in my opinion!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha, Thank you for joining our Manta Ray snorkeling tour! We are grad that you had a great time with Mantas. Yes, since Manta Ray tour stars after Sunset, we highly recommend to wear wet suits during snorkeling. Thank you for your advice!
A Hui Hou.

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/06/26
Activity Date:	2021/06/24

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

Incredible

Reviewed by: Mel

Never done anything like this. Is like a must do in Kona.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/25
Activity Date:	2021/06/20

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

Memories for lifetime

Reviewed by: Phani V

We traveled with our 7 and 10 year old boys. The 7 year old snorkeled for the first time that morning and didn't really like it. The staff on this tour were very friendly and knowledgeable. They helped us get the way suits and pick snorkeling gear. By the end of the day, our kids were raving about the trip and wanted to go back and spend more time. Keep in mind, this adventure happens after sundown! You don't actually snorkel freely in the dark. You are holding on to a floating structure alongside other passengers while the crew circle around checking on everyone and helping them float. Watching the manta rays was very very cool... More cool than my words can describe. The waters were choppier than I thought they would be.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/24
Activity Date:	2021/06/22

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

Snorkeling of my dreams

Reviewed by: Erika

Awesome and respectful Hawaiian crew members did chants, offerings and storytelling as we entered and left the bay. The sail was wonderful, and the crew was super helpful, watching my young son who decided last minute not to go into the water, so I had a chance to enjoy the activity.

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo for the wonderful review! We hope to have the pleasure of you joining us again on your next visit!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Afternoon Snorkel Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/23
Activity Date:	2021/06/11

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

Awesome company and great experience!

Reviewed by: Quinn

Very pleased with our mantra dive experience. The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and took charge to make sure everyone had the best experience possible. At one point a few children refused to stop kicking their legs in the water after being asked numerous times to keep still (or else they scare the plankton away and therefore mantas don’t come), after the children repeatedly showed they could not follow directions they were asked to leave the water, as to ensure a good experience for the other people on the excursion. Very much appreciated that. Also great snacks, and fun music!

Seemed to be a very special experience and we were surprised it is marketed as family friendly. In our opinion, only well-behaved kids over ~9 should come on this... otherwise there runs a risk of ruining it for everyone, or even hurting the mantas.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/23
Activity Date:	2021/06/21

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Safe and reasonable

Reviewed by: Devin

The crew met us on time and were reasonably friendly, the boat looked well kept, and the wetsuits were clean. Everything felt safe and there were free sodas and snacks on the way back to the harbor. It's about 30 minutes from the harbor to the site where the mantas feed, and we got there pretty early so the crew was able to secure a good anchor spot amongst the dozens of other boats. Once it was dark enough we jumped in the water and held on to the raft attached to the boat. A light was shone and a few mantas swam up to feed on plankton near the light. We felt lucky to have them come to our boat because I'm sure with so many boats, other tourists may have struck out. After 30 minutes the captain told us we were leaving which was disappointing because we were still enjoying the show, and our boat was the first to leave. It felt like the crew was tired from a long day and wanted to get home, so our tour was shortened for their convenience. Overall I'm glad we did it but it could have been better.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/19
Activity Date:	2021/05/28

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Great way to see the sunset atop Mauna Kea and stargaze next to the welcome center!

Reviewed by: Nicole W

Gabe, our tour guide, was funny, patient and very knowledgeable! It’s a long drive there picking up all attendees and up the mountain. He did a great job sharing interesting facts and keeping us engaged throughout the tour! Plus he was a very safe driver given the rough terrain (4-wheel drive required to get to the top). At the very top Mauna Kea looks like Mars since no life can survive and was a surreal experience for this reason. Plus viewing the sunset over the clouds at the very top was breathtaking! Note we did not stargaze at the very top, since the altitude is too high and actually prohibits ideal stargazing because of prolonged altitude sickness and the fact it’s insanely cold after sundown (FYI it’s windy and cold up there, so wear layers - you’ll thank me!!). Instead we stargazed near the welcome center enjoying hot coco or hot coffee! We learned about the different constellations, etc. Overall it was a great tour and we’re glad to we did it!

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Rating:
Packages:	Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/13
Activity Date:	2021/05/19

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

The best tour!

Reviewed by: Alyssahsieh

Our family of 4, with twin 11 yos thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Trevor and Tamae went above and beyond making sure everyone was taken care of. We saw Manta Rays galore!! It was the most unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Alyssahsieh,

Thank you for joining our Manta Ray sunset Tour!
Yes, it is very exciting that Manta Ray flies so close!!
Please come again with your friends and families.
Mahalo

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/12
Activity Date:	2021/06/11

4.5-Hour Deluxe Kona Snorkel Tour & Dolphin Watch with Lunch - Body Glove Cruise

Excellent Experience

Reviewed by: April from Dallas Tx

I really enjoyed my experience. It’s not just snorkeling but they had paddle boats, water tube, a mat that allowed you to lay out in the ocean. The lunch cruise had grilled hornet burgers with soft buns. The drinks were tasty! Crew was friendly but very strict when it came to the rules, however, everyone made it back home safely. Great experience with my family!

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Rating:
Packages:	Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/12
Activity Date:	2021/06/10

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

Fantastic time seeing the Mantas!

Reviewed by: Ray

I really loved the snorkel session and so did my mom. At first he was a little nervous about getting in at night but the staff were very nice and accommodating to help her in.

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Rating:
Packages:	Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel
Attended as:	Families
Posted on:	2021/06/12
Activity Date:	2021/06/09

Sea Quest Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour & Rafting Sea Cave Expedition

Great Experience

Reviewed by: Mnm

One of the best experiences that my wife and i have had!!!

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Rating:
Packages:	4-hour Deluxe Morning Adventure (2 Snorkel Stops)
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/10
Activity Date:	2021/06/04

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

Highly Recommend

Reviewed by: Vera

Trevor, Kaimani, Alex, and Captain Wayne were amazing. Our five year old was a little scared, and Trevor took such good care of him. The manta rays are incredible and the crew made it that much better.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you for your review.
We are happy that we could help you and your family fun snorkel with Manta Ray!

Helpful

Rating:
Packages:	Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/06/09
Activity Date:	2021/06/07

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

Outstanding!!!

Reviewed by: Kristen Dressel

The best sunset cruise I’ve been on!
Great food and drinks! The staff was amazing! Sunset was awesome! We saw dolphins! I would totally recommend that cruise!!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/06/04
Activity Date:	2021/06/02

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

Amazing!!! Best Hawaii experience yet!

Reviewed by: Bill

Best dinner cruise ever. It was magical! More than 5 stars!

Highly recommend. Capitan and crew were amazing!

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Rating:
Packages:	Private Charter: Sunset Sail Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/05/29
Activity Date:	2021/05/27

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

Good luau show!

Reviewed by: Marlin

The luau was good, we enjoyed the show. Food was okay, could have been better. Limited vegetarian options, desserts and alcoholic beverages.

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Rating:
Packages:	Ohana Package
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/05/26
Activity Date:	2021/05/20

Kona Sunset & Moonlight Wild Manta Ray Snorkel Tour - Wahine Charters

Unforgettable memories

Reviewed by: MaiD

I love the crew and the service. My friends and I had a very wonderful time enjoying the sunset as well as seeing many manta rays yesterday. We would love to come back for a dolphin/whale trip in the future with you guys! Thank you!

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours]
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/05/25
Activity Date:	2021/05/23

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Unique and wonderful experience!!

Reviewed by: Debbie

The Mauna Kea summit tour was a definite highlight of our trip to Hawaii. The ride up the mountain in the van was beautiful and rugged. Our guide was very thorough and attentive to the needs of the group. He was exceptionally knowledgeable of the history and cultural significance of this mountain. The view from the summit was amazing. The telescopes look like something out of Star wars. It is a most unique and unusual place. The star gazing was just phenomenal. We had a beautiful clear night with an awesome view of the moon from the telescope, as well as many other unique stars and constellations and night sky features. We were able to see the Southern Cross which I am told is very rare. On a negative note I was very unimpressed with the lasagna meal. Mine was not very hot, and the noodles were slightly dry and crusty on the bottom. However the hot chocolate and snack during the stargazing was a very nice touch. All in all the entire experience will stay with us forever. It is one of those things you will talk about for years to come.

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Rating:
Packages:	Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/05/24
Activity Date:	2021/05/17

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

Beautiful - Location on Website is Wrong.

Reviewed by: CEC

Beautiful catamaran run by a family. We saw some dolphins while on the sunset cruise. They offered canned beers and hard seltzers, and and a boxed teriyaki meal with salad. The meeting location was difficult to find; they said one of the booking sites (HawaiiActivities.com) has the location listed incorrectly. It is NOT next to the Harbor House restaurant on the north side of the harbor. Instead , once you get to Honokohau Harbor, you follow the road on the south side of the harbor all the way to the yellow gates. The parking lot is no longer paved. Then walk through the gates all the way to the end of the pier.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as:	Friends
Posted on:	2021/05/24
Activity Date:	2021/05/01

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

Well done show, good food

Reviewed by: jpimsler

On the specific date we went it rained, so that's a lost star that's in no way their fault! If we had wanted to leave and not stay in the rain they would have given us a refund or moved the tickets to a different date.

The show as very educational and the dancing was great! Our one year old was in a trance! Such awesome culture across the Pacific islands. The food was really good and big portions/as much as you want since it's a buffet. Before you leave check out the Hawaiian/Polynesian exhibit inside the hotel.

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Rating:
Packages:	Ohana Package
Attended as:	Families with Young Children
Posted on:	2021/05/22
Activity Date:	2021/05/20

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

Sunset cruise

Reviewed by: Cody

I cannot recommend this sunset cruise enough. The crew of Captain Kirk and staff were exceptional. During this cruise the vessel encored some mechanical issues, which promoted a slightly longer cruise. The crew were nothing short of professional and comforting in managing this issue, as well as utilizing exceptional skills in retuning the vessel to port. My only regret in not asking to crew what music we were listing to.

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Rating:
Packages:	Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Attended as:	Couples
Posted on:	2021/05/19
Activity Date:	2021/05/13

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

All Reviews for Kailua-Kona in Big Island

Overall Rating

Reviews

The highlight of our Big Island trip!

Amazing!

Awesome experience!

Best way to enjoy sunset in big island !!!

Great family activity!!!

Amazing experience

What a great experience!!!

Manta dive

Great review

Awesome!

Great tour!

Incredible

Memories for lifetime

Snorkeling of my dreams

Awesome company and great experience!

Safe and reasonable

Great way to see the sunset atop Mauna Kea and stargaze next to the welcome center!

The best tour!

Excellent Experience

Fantastic time seeing the Mantas!

Great Experience

Highly Recommend

Outstanding!!!

Amazing!!! Best Hawaii experience yet!

Good luau show!

Unforgettable memories

Unique and wonderful experience!!

Beautiful - Location on Website is Wrong.

Well done show, good food

Sunset cruise

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