Keauhou Bay Tours Big Island 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

Keauhou Bay

4.60
Keauhou Bay on the Big Island’s Kona Coast is located just 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona and is known for calm waters, ocean tours, and cultural significance. It’s the launch point for manta ray night snorkels, dolphin cruises, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visit historic sites like the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. With scenic views and marine adventures, Keauhou Bay is a must-visit for families and ocean lovers.

Top-Rated Activities for Big Island

Latest reviews of Keauhou Bay

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Gentle Giants!

2025/11/23 Couples Kara

Floating in the water with the lights attracting plankton which guides the the manta rays to glide gracefully just beneath us, it is truly magical.

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

Snorkeling

2025/10/15 Families Joe

Nice cruise with excellent staff, especially the captain

Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Magical must do experience!

2025/10/06 Couples Holli

If you'e going to Kona, you HAVE to night snorkel with the manta rays! It was such a magical experience that felt once in a lifetime. Initially, I was scared to get into the ocean at night, but once you're in the water, ... more

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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Mesmerizing experience

2025/09/02 Couples Shenyi & Yan

It doesn't take much time for the Manta rays to show up, swimming with these giant peaceful fish is amazing experience.

We have limited snorkeling experience so it is tiring to float 45 minutes. We are exhausted when r... more

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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Disorganized Disaster--But we did see Manta Rays

2025/08/20 Couples Julie

The two star review is because we did get to see Manta Rays, and they were amazing. But the company itself only deserves one star. They were a disorganized mess from start to finish and it seemed like they had never led ... more

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Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour - Small-Group Adventure from Keauhou Bay

Night manta ray

2025/08/05 Families In your face manta experience

Really cool experience for the family. Adult kids of 23,21,18 really enjoyed it as well. Very friendly staff, manta rays got within inches of your face and even brushed up against you on occasion. Definitely an excursi... more

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Keauhou Bay Tours & Activities

Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Witness 8 to 12-foot manta rays feeding in the bays blue-water plankton plume after sunset. Snorkel or dive operations depart from Keauhou Bay Marina nightly, weather permitting. The top-rated marine wildlife encounter on the Big Island; sightings are most predictable December through March.
Snorkel & Dolphin Cruises
Calm bay waters and reef visibility make Keauhou ideal for half-day snorkel cruises. Spinner dolphins frequent the area in early mornings. Cruises typically include gear, snacks, and one or two snorkel stops along the Kona coast en route to Kealakekua Bay.
Kayak & SUP Rentals
Glass-clear water and a protected harbor make Keauhou a safe spot for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Self-guided routes hug the coast to Kahaluu Beach. Equipment is available at marina vendors with daily and hourly pricing options.

About Keauhou Bay

Location
Keauhou Bay sits on the Kona west coast, 7 miles south of Kailua-Kona town and 25 miles north of Captain Cook Monument. The bay is a registered wildlife refuge with the marina at its south end. Easy access via Highway 11 and Alii Drive.
History & Significance
King Kamehameha III was born here in 1814; the bay still holds historical Hawaiian royal sites. Ancient temple platforms remain along the shoreline. Today the bay is best known for nighttime manta ray feeding and is a Hawaii Ocean Safety Marine Protected Area.
Resort Access
Sheraton Kona Resort and Outrigger Kona Resort overlook the bay, with bay-facing restaurants, pools, and direct snorkel access. Day passes are sometimes available for non-guests. Public parking is at Keauhou Bay Beach Park near the marina.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Go
Year-round daylight tours run; manta night swims are most reliable December through March when feeding patterns peak. Calmest seas are 6am to 10am. Whale watching season is December through April with humpbacks visible from shore and during boat tours.
What to Bring
Snorkel gear is supplied by tour operators. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, towel, and a dry bag for valuables. For night manta tours bring a hooded long-sleeve rashguard for water that drops to about 75 degrees after dark.
Parking & Logistics
Beach Park lot has 30 free spaces; arrive early or weekday mornings. Tour operators have separate marina parking with check-in at the dock. Bay access is steps from the parking lot. Restrooms and showers are on site at the marina.
Keauhou Bay Tours Big Island 2026 | Book Big Island Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Keauhou Bay on the Big Island’s Kona Coast is located just 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona and is known for calm waters, ocean tours, and cultural significance. It’s the launch point for manta ray night snorkels, dolphin cruises, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visit historic sites like the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. With scenic views and marine adventures, Keauhou Bay is a must-visit for families and ocean lovers.