For families seeking fun and adventure, snorkel or scuba dive among coral gardens teeming with colorful tropical fish. Explore a less-touristy part of the town at the 1,000-square-foot H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, or visit Puako Petroglyph Park to view ancient Hawaiian carvings.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for a chance to reel in marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and more in calm warm waters. Alternatively, take a night Manta Ray Snorkel and experience the enchantment of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters of Kailua-Kona are home to a vibrant marine life and stunning underwater volcanic geographic features, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. The ocean’s depths reveal a kaleidoscope of colors, a multitude of fish species and enthralling seascapes, all of which are best explored on a guided tour.
If you’re a beginner and new to the sport, be sure to enroll in a guided snorkeling tour to ensure you don’t accidentally disturb marine creatures or put yourself in danger. Also, consider investing in a waterproof camera to capture the vivid marine life and stunning underwater landscapes that you’ll experience on your snorkeling adventure.
A cherished treasure among Kona’s beaches, Two Step Beach is an incredible snorkeling destination with spectacular coral seabeds, large groups of native Hawaiian fish and regular sightings of sea turtles and dolphins. However, the beach’s location on a relatively open stretch of coastline makes it susceptible to rough surf. As such, swimmers are advised to postpone their swim if the waves are too choppy.
Another popular snorkeling spot on the west side of the island is Pawai Bay, a shallow area in a protected cove. Known for its calm water and abundance of marine life, this beach is an excellent choice for first-time snorkelers as it’s easily accessible from shore and doesn’t require any swimming skills.
For a truly awe-inspiring experience, book a Big Island snorkel tour to visit Kealakekua Bay with a professional snorkeling tour guide — we recommend konasnorkeling.tours. This beach beckons visitors to explore the azure depths and pay homage to Hawaii’s rich history. It is here that Captain Cook tragically met his untimely end, and his legacy lives on to this day at the historic Captain Cook Monument. A snorkeling tour at this site is sure to leave guests with a lifelong memory of awe-inspiring beauty and profound significance.
Scuba Diving
The warm, crystal clear waters surrounding Kona are brimming with marine life. Regardless of your experience level, there are incredible snorkeling locations for you to explore. Just be sure to research the weather and ocean conditions before going on a tour, as rough seas can be dangerous for beginners. Also, avoid touching coral reefs, as they are delicate and easily damaged.
For those interested in a more in-depth underwater adventure, there are scuba diving opportunities available as well. There are many companies that offer guided tours and certification for beginner scuba divers. These guided tours allow you to learn the basics of scuba diving, while enjoying a safe and exciting adventure with expert guides.
If you’re looking for an underwater experience that is truly unforgettable, consider a nighttime manta ray dive. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to see the enchanting beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
This unique scuba diving destination is a must-see for all visitors to the island. It is a marine sanctuary that is home to stunning coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life.
You can find this spectacular location near the Captain Cook monument along the Kealakekua Bay. It is one of the most visited sites in the area due to its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life.
One of the most popular snorkeling destinations on the island, this coastal enclave consistently ranks as top ten beaches in Hawaii for both its gorgeous shoreline and calm waters. It is the perfect spot for families, as it offers a wide array of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. This beach also lies along a whale migration path, so it is possible to witness these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
This scuba diving site is located on the south side of the island and provides a great option for those who are looking to avoid crowds. It is a great place to see large pelagic species such as manta rays and tuna. This spot is also known for its shallow reef channels and great critter potential.
Manta Ray Night Dives
While you can swim with manta rays during the day on any number of snorkel and dive trips in Hawaii, seeing these magnificent creatures while they feed at night is a truly unique experience. As the sun goes down, the underwater light on a manta ray night dive begins to attract plankton, and reef mantas come in great numbers to feast on this abundant food source.
The best time of year to see manta rays in Kona is from mid-August through November when the sea surface temperatures are warmest and most plankton is in abundance. However, many manta ray night dives are possible year-round, and there is always something special to see.
If you want to make the most of your opportunity to see manta rays at their feeding stations around Kona, it’s a good idea to book your tour in advance. This will give you the best chance of securing a space on a specific date and time. However, most local dive shops have a contingency plan in case the mantas don’t show up on a particular evening and will take you to another diving spot where you’ll likely have just as much fun.
Swimming with manta rays at night is easy and accessible to almost anyone, even if you are not an expert swimmer. Upon boarding the boat, you are given a quick safety and instructional briefing and then guided into the water. You will be placed on a floating light raft and helped to hold onto it while you are supported by the water, and you can float face down on your stomach as you breathe through your snorkel.
Depending on the time of year and location, your guide may also place you in the water near other marine life such as dolphins or sea turtles. The guides are well-versed in the natural behavior of each marine creature and will place you in the right position to witness their amazing displays without disturbing them.
Regardless of the time of year you choose to visit Hawaii, it is important to practice safe and responsible diving, which means maintaining a distance from marine life and not touching or disturbing coral reefs. This is in addition to avoiding the use of sunscreen and scented lotions and sprays that can affect the chemical composition of the water. If you do need to use these products, make sure to rinse off your equipment before and after each dive. You should also refrain from feeding marine animals, as doing so can disrupt their natural behaviors and cause unnecessary harm.
Private Charters
Located along the western side of the Big Island, Kona’s crystal clear waters offer world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. The islands’ geography shields the western shore from ocean swell, making for exceptional marine conditions. In addition to its pristine beaches, Kona is also famous for its underwater treasures and natural wonders that include colorful coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish.
Explore the enchanting marine life that calls Hawaii’s coral reefs home with this snorkeling and scuba diving tour. The excursion takes you to Kealakekua Bay, a stunning marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant marine life. Learn about the flora and fauna of this awe-inspiring ocean habitat from expert guides who provide fascinating insights into its ecological and historical significance.
The highlight of this tour is the chance to encounter majestic marine creatures like sea turtles and dolphins during their nighttime ballet in the azure ocean waters. The dolphins swim, dive, flip, and spin in a mesmerizing display of athleticism and grace. During this experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling in the crystalline waters of Kealakekua Bay and take a delectable plant-based breakfast and lunch on board the boat.
Guests who select the private option for this tour can customize their experience with Torpedo Tours, as the itinerary can be tailored to suit individual preferences. You can choose to focus on snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply explore the many hidden coves and sites in the bay. The personalized experience ensures you have a memorable and exciting excursion, while also enjoying the benefits of having the entire boat to yourself!
As you enjoy a deluxe cruise on the calm blue water of Maniniowali Beach, you’ll discover why this beautiful open water swimming venue is referred to as “The Caribbean of Hawaii.” Its fine white-sand beach gently slopes into crystal clear water and offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving conditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to witness a mesmerizing sunset and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors that erupt as the sun sets over the ocean. This unforgettable experience is ideal for families with children and people of all ages.
