Top Big Island of Hawaii Outdoor Activities

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunset before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to the bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

See the Big Island from a different angle on this 9-line zipline adventure that takes you over tree tops, waterfalls, and rivers. With four dual lines, you can even race a friend. With views of the Pacific Ocean from every platform, it’s the most scenic zipline experience on the island.

View dolphins in their natural environment with guides who respect these intelligent creatures’ boundaries. After feeding in deeper waters at night, spinner dolphins come close to the Kona shore where they often interact with boats, playing in their wake. Slip into the water and swim alongside these playful mammals, then enjoy a snorkeling excursion in Kealakekua Bay.

Limited to minimum of 6 & maximum of 14 people, this guided snorkeling adventure by speedboat provides a more intimate experience of Hawaii’s marine life and coral reefs than is possible on a larger group tour. The schedule is customizable, but swimming near wild dolphins. All snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are provided.

Fly across the lush forest of the Big Island’s northern Kohala region on a zipline adventure near Kapaau. Trek through the treetops in a canopy park featuring a series of suspension bridges, platforms, and thrilling ziplines. Expert instructors are on-hand to ensure everyone’s safety while cruising across the customizable, whisper-quiet course.

Swim alongside manta rays and under the moonlight on this night snorkel tour in Kona. A boat with an eco-friendly engine takes you out to the snorkeling location, where you can descend into the water on a step ladder or choose to stay dry on on board. Extra amenities such as a warm shower, snacks, and beverages make this tour as comfortable as it is memorable.

Go swimming with dolphins on a tour that ensures the charismatic mammals are treated with the utmost respect. While in harbor, your guides brief your small group on how to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat before allowing you into the water to meet and play with them. Afterward, snorkel a pristine reef with exotic fish, turtles, and rays. Includes all equipment, as well as snacks, beverages, and photographs.

Call before purchasing, seats are limited. You may be asked to move time or date if you have not confirmed availability. Online calendar may not reflect seats available to online bookings. Snorkeling with our beautiful Kona manta rays is an experience you don't want to miss. You will never forget having these gentle giants swim so graceful before your eyes. Small groups ensuring personal attention and a short boat ride to the viewing site, set our company apart. We are family run business that takes pride in sharing the importance of taking care or our land, ocean, animals, and each other.

Enjoy an aquatic adventure on the Big Island during this 4-hour small-group excursion combining sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian Spinner dolphins. You’ll also have time for snorkeling, allow you to view more than 50 species of fish and join in for adventurous activities like cliff jumping.

The city of Hilo is surrounded by some of Hawaii’s most scenic wonders, and on this 7-line Hilo ziplining tour, you can literally soar past thundering falls as you zip through a tropical rainforest. Learn about traditional Hawaiian agriculture as you zip by Akaka Falls State Park, and once you’re comfortable sitting in the harness and feeling the exhilarating rush, prepare for the dramatic crossing that’s one of the longest zipines in Hawaii, and feel the rush of wind on your face as the forest opens up beneath you.

Get up close with Hawaii’s graceful manta rays during this nighttime snorkel experience along the Kona coast with a small group. Watch these gentle giants as they swoop and dive for plankton just below the surface during their evening feeding. An on-board manta naturalist from the University of Hawaii, along with a Red Cross-certified lifeguard, ensure an informative and safe experience.

Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

Swim near a manta ray natural habitat on this 1.5-hour night snorkeling tour from Kona. Led by an expert guide, journey five minutes off the Big Island’s west coast where the mantas come to feast on plankton. Dive in the water, and swim in an area known for manta ray sightings. The area is lit by your vessels diving lights, so you can get a clear view even in dark waters. Afterward, dry off, and enjoy warm soup, bread rolls, and hot drinks as you recount your underwater adventures.

Swim among manta rays in a feeding frenzy during this unique nighttime activity in Kona. Slip into the dark water with your snorkeling guides and watch the 'manta ray ballet' as the giants appear out of the darkness to feast on the abundant plankton. Let chills run down your spine as these gentle, docile creatures, which can weigh up to 1000 lbs (450kg) and measure 16 feet (5 meters) across, swim just an arm's reach away. Use of all snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices is included.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

Combine two must-do experiences to enhance your vacation in Hawaii. First, board a spacious catamaran for a sunset cruise along the Kona coast. Then slip into the ocean for a snorkel adventure with manta rays. Guides provide instruction and ensure your comfort with included snorkel gear, swim noodle, and a wetsuit. Afterward, enjoy juice, soft drinks, or hot cocoa with cookies; beer, wine, and cocktails are available to purchase.

From the moment you see their silvery backs appear in the cobalt waters, to the moment you're swimming right alongside and hearing their high pitched clicks, there's an enchanting rush of tropical adrenaline that accompanies swimming with dolphins. Here off the Kona coast of the Big Island, Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are year round residents that ply the volcanic shore, and this tour offers local, professional captains who know where to look to find them. In addition to watching and swimming with dolphins, you'll also snorkel with tropical fish in some of Hawaii's clearest water, before returning back to shore in Kona with an experience you'll never forget.

Make the most of your time in port on this Kona shore excursion timed to your cruise's arrival and departure. Get picked up from the port and head out on a sailing adventure to the Captain Cook Monument and Kealkeaua Bay where you can snorkel, swim, and explore caves and lava tubes. Expect to see spinner dolphins, sea turtles, colorful fish, and ancient reefs. Lunch, snacks, and use of snorkeling gear are all included.

Soar through the air with nothing between you and the radiating heat of an active volcano on a doors-off helicopter tour from Hilo. A must-do for adrenaline junkies, this aerial adventure takes you over the island’s volcanic landscape, so you can peer into craters and spot lava. Plus enjoy views of waterfalls and other natural features of the Big Island while aboard.

Experience big skies and incredible nighttime views on this Mauna Kea stargazing trip with a small group. Join no more than 28 guests for a pre-trip picnic at a historic Hawaiian ranch, proceeded by a ride in a 4x4 luxury van to the summit of the Big Island's tallest peak. After admiring a sunset view, continue down to 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) for a stargazing session, complete with a telescope, hot chocolate, and dessert. The trip also includes a guide and a hooded parka to keep you warm.

There’s simply no feeling that compares to seeing enormous manta rays up close, as their graceful wings seem to fly underwater and turn in rolls all around you. On this Big Island kayaking and snorkeling tour, experience the thrill of paddling to a cove in search of wild manta rays, and then watching the beautiful, graceful rays as they feed and flip through the water. While watching the rays from the kayak is great, it’s even better when you grab a snorkel and slink off the edge of your boat — joining the wild rays for a swim and an unforgettable snorkel.

Soar through a Hawaiian rainforest with a 2-hour zipline experience in a lushly preserved setting. Enjoy the security of the Big Island’s longest-operating zipline destination, and follow a series of seven exciting ziplines from tree to tree. Travel through the jungle with knowledgeable guides, and learn about the plants and animals that thrive in this unique environment. After finishing the zipline experience, explore the scenic property at your own pace, from the delicate Kamaee Falls to a rainforest trail and living maze.

Kealakekua Bay is a culturally sacred place to the Hawaiian people, rich with history and not without controversy. We are lucky to be allowed to provide tours in Kealakekua Bay and feel that it is our responsibility to share some of that history while enjoying the Bay's majestic beauty. Know for it's marine diversity and coral cliff, the snorkeling is some of the best on the planet. When you aren't looking down at the display of colorful reef fish, you'll gaze over the surface of the most protected deep water bay in the Hawaiian Islands, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coco palms. We are one of only three companies that provide kayak tours to this amazing destination and we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service, equipment, and knowledge to ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your time in the Bay.