Top Big Island of Hawaii Unique Experiences

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.

On this exciting Kona submarine tour, dive deep below the cobalt waters just off the Kona coast, where an entire world of fish and marine creatures is waiting just below the surface. As the submarine descends towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes at fish that swim to within inches of the submarine windows, and experience the sense of peace and calm in this world beneath the waves. This is a great way to explore underwater without even getting your hair wet, and, if you’re very lucky, there’s even the chance you could see a passing shark.

Look down on the varied landscape of the Big Island from the air on a helicopter tour from Kona. This flight is longer than typical heli tours and provides the opportunity to be wowed by Hawaii’s amazing natural features, from waterfalls to volcanoes to rainforests. Fly along the coast and over Waimanu and Waipio valleys, and spot island industry like macadamia nut orchards. Upgrade to guarantee a window seat.

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.

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.

Hawaii’s natural wonders aren’t only on land and in the sea—the Big Island is also a prime spot from which to admire the wonders of the solar system. This tour is the only one that includes both afternoon solar viewing and nighttime stargazing, accompanied by astronomy experts. Visit Rainbow Falls and the Kaumana lava caves, then explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and use a state-of-the-art solar telescope and Dobsonian telescope to spot solar flares, galaxies, star clusters, and planets.

Explore the Big Island of Hawaii in your own VW Manx-style buggy with this independent 4- or 8-hour rental. Drive yourself around the island, stopping wherever you like for as long as you like (with the exception of off-road destinations). Stop by historical sites, volcanic sand beaches, and coffee farms; take the soft top off the buggy for unobstructed views and photo ops.

Summon your courage and plunge into the waters off Kailua-Kona to swim with manta rays. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on the provided wet suit and snorkel gear and follow your expert instructor into the water. Watch as the enormous vegetarian animals, some with wingspans of 20 feet (6 meters), swim in graceful loops around you, taking in clouds of plankton for their evening meal. All gear and light snacks and refreshments are provided. Choose between sunset and evening snorkel tours; manta ray sightings are guaranteed or you can do a second outing for free.

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.

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.

Hawaii’s natural wonders aren’t only on land and in the sea—the Big Island is also a prime spot from which to admire the wonders of the solar system. This tour is the only one that includes both afternoon solar viewing and nighttime stargazing, accompanied by astronomy experts. Visit different destinations and use a state-of-the-art solar telescope and Dobsonian telescope to spot solar flares, galaxies, star clusters, and planets.

There’s much more to the Big Island of Hawaii than volcanoes, waterfalls and luaus, and on this informative tour of the South Kona region, you’ll learn the sacred history of this shoreline and sample the local honey and famous Kona coffee. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit petroglyphs, look for green sea turtles and visit sacred Hawaiian temples. Even better: you'll hear the legends, mythology and lore of ancient Hawaii through today. This tour is capped at 15 people, so you’re ensured a personalized experience.

It’s widely believed that the sport of surfing was invented here in Hawaii, and the calm waters of Kahalu’u Bay are the perfect spot to learn. During this private Kona surf lesson, you’ll learn from an expert, local instructor how to paddle and balance on the board, and how to stand up, ride the wave, and paddle back out for more. This tour is perfect for novice surfers or those with little experience, and by the end of this 2-hour surf lesson in Kona, you’ll have the skills to ride the waves like Hawaiian surfers of old. 

You’ll never forget the thrill of standing up and riding your very first wave, and the entire experience is made even better when shared with family or friends. With the small-group surf lesson on the Big Island of Hawaii, allow an expert, local instructor to teach you the basics of surfing, from the proper method of paddling out to how to stand up on the wave. Here in the waters of Kahalu’u Bay, your instructor will be there right by your side with tips and helpful suggestions — and may even assist with a little push to get you up and riding. 

On this Big Island snorkel and submarine experience, combine two Hawaii marine adventures into one hassle-free trip. Begin with a boat ride out into the open sea to spot dolphins with the help of a guide and enjoy a snorkel in the clear waters. Next, board the Atlantis submarine and descend up to 100 feet (30 meters) for a unique perspective on Hawaii's tropical underwater life and coral gardens.

Get breathtaking views of Hawaii from the air! On this deluxe, two-hour helicopter tour of the Big Island, you’ll take off from Kona and fly above newly created black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls, along the coastline and over the Waipio and Waimanu valleys. Soar above rainforests, macadamia nut orchards and live volcanoes. Enjoy executive seating in a Bell 407 helicopter. For a guaranteed window seat, make sure to upgrade to the preferred seating option.

Kona and surfing go hand in hand, and with this semi-private lesson, you can learn the tricks to riding the waves from a professional instructor at the most beginner-friendly surf spot on the Big Island. Dive in safely at any age with first-aid-certified, lifeguard instructors; lessons are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Use of a surfboard, reef shoes, and an SPF rashguard is included for extra safety.

While in Hawaii, snorkel at a site known for its nightly gathering of manta rays. Watch as these curious creatures eat the plankton attracted to lights shining in the water. Your boat departs from Kona at sunset and a guide escorts your group into the ocean. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and floatation devices are provided for safety and comfort. This 2-hour adventure is ideal for couples, friends, or families.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. Make the most of your opportunity by joining this small-group boat tour. After watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them, you can enjoy a warm beverage and snack back on board.

Flytographer 120 Minute Vacation Photoshoot Connect with a local professional photographer in Kona and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Kona, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer.  Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos. The best souvenir ever.

Flytographer 60 Minute Vacation Photoshoot Connect with a local professional photographer in Kona and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Kona, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer.  Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos. The best souvenir ever.

Flytographer 90 Minute Vacation Photoshoot Connect with a local professional photographer in Kona and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Kona, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer.  Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos. The best souvenir ever.