We LOVE the Big IslandYou’ll notice that we don’t offer every Big Island activity out there. We can sell almost all the activities, but we chose to share the ones we love the most. We want you to have the best time possible. It’s worked so far!
Located on the water fronting the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, this luau is held adjacent to one of Hawaii’s most historic sites- Ahu’ena Heiau, the estate of Kamehameha the Great. As you arrive you will have an opportunity to meet the performers, learn hula, and even get a Hawaiian tattoo. Watch as the royal court arrives by outrigger canoe, and witness the unveiling of the roasted pig from the imu (underground oven). Enjoy a stunning Polynesian show, live music, Hawaiian style buffet dinner, and open bar. This event runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings, as well as Wednesday evenings during select season.
Situated on the Kohala Coast, this area is known as Kalahuipua’a, and was once reserved for royalty and special guests. Today, the tradition of Hawaiian hospitality lives on through this evening of song, dance, food, and culture. Held every Saturday evening at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, this luau tells the story of ancient Polynesian voyagers that made the journey from Tahiti to Hawaii, as well as the rich history of the Island of Hawaii.
Join in the celebration of Polynesian culture, tradition, and food during a special night of mele and hula (song and dance). As soon as the gates open, guests are immersed in Hawaiian hospitality, greeted with a shell lei and invited to join in cultural practices such as lei making and hula lessons. The show highlights both stories of the South Pacific and Hawaii through song and dance and even features a Samoan fire knife ritual, one of Polynesia’s most dangerous dances. Enjoy island flavors from the buffet dinner and open bar as you watch the sun sink into Kailua Bay.
Calling all adventurous souls! Are you ready to check something off your bucket list? This night manta ray snorkel tour is one of the easiest ways to view manta rays up close in Kona and is one of the most popular visitor activities on the Big Island. After dark is feeding time for the rays, and this two-hour tour seeks out the best spots for manta ray viewing. Take the plunge into the nighttime seas with an experienced guide, and simply hold on to a custom-built boat and watch the manta rays do their thing.
Home to one of the most healthy reefs in the world, Kealakekua Bay is a must-see snorkeling destination for visitors to the Big Island. Aboard the 28-foot “Orca” this half-day tour explores the coastal waters from Kona south to the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay. Guests will take in the stunning scenery of the Big Island as they zip through the calm Kona waters, looking for dolphins and whales. After some time exploring the reef at Kealakekua Bay, this tour checks out sea caves formed by old lava flows.
This fun-filled, kid-friendly snorkel tour highlights the abundance of dolphins in the calm waters off of Kona. Running 4.5 hours, guests spend the day aboard a spacious 65’ catamaran, watching for energetic spinner dolphins and snorkeling some of the Big Island’s most vibrant reefs. The vessel comes equipped with snorkel gear, Go-Pros for rent, plenty of water toys, and kids will love the 20’ waterslide and high diving board. Breakfast and lunch are included, and adult guests can sample local brews and other beverages from the onboard premium bar. What’s more, dolphin sightings are guaranteed or you come again for free!
Journey to the top of one of the tallest peaks in the world: the summit of Mauna Kea. This tour traverses the 4×4 roads to the 13,800 foot summit to catch a spectacular sunset. As the sun begins to sink, you’ll be presented with one of the best stargazing experiences on earth. Gaze into the heavens through a professional grade telescope, and you’ll understand why Mauna Kea is celebrated by astronomers across the globe.
Explore the upper slopes of Hualalai in Kona, one of the five volcanoes on the Big Island. This tour has gained special access to a trail located on private land behind three locked gates. This 3-4 mile trail travels through volcanic landscapes littered with craters, fissures, and cinder cones, and travels through a mystical native forest. Along the way, a trained forest guide will detail the volcanic history of the area, and be quick to point out an array of native species you will encounter. The hike concludes with a descent into a large lava tube.
This hiking tour takes guests through a private nature reserve through the lush, rain forested Kohala area. Take in the stunning views of precipitous sea cliffs, jungly valleys, and swim in one of seven flowing waterfalls. This tour also includes a picnic lunch from a local deli.
Immerse yourself into the wild world of Hawaii Island’s active volcanos. Spend a full day exploring Volcano National Park and even access a unique private lava tube. Enjoy some moderate hiking through Kilauea and receive in-depth knowledge about the natural and cultural history of the area, what the park looked like before the 2018 eruption, and the native plant and animal life in the area. Expect a full day of hiking, sightseeing, and learning about the area from a passionate guide.
A trip to Hawaii is not complete without learning about the rich history of the islands. Aboard this sunset cruise, guests will feast on locally sourced Hawaiian-inspired dishes and take in the beauty of the Kona coast on a 12-mile cruise from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian narrates the journey, identifying over 50 historical sites along the way, including locations of epic battles to the birthplaces of powerful kings. The tour concludes at Captain Cooks memorial in Kealakekua Bay, one of the most significant places in Hawaiian history. On the cruise back to Kona, guests will enjoy a Hawaiian sunset and live entertainment.
West Maui Surf Lessons
