Things to do in Big Island of Hawaii
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55-Minute Helicopter Tour: Volcanoes National ParkA 55-minute helicopter tour departing from Hilo Airport that flies directly over Volcanoes National Park, passing orchid farms and native forest en route. The flight includes a live English-speaking guide, safety briefing and all taxes and fees; you arrive at the airport an hour before departure. Safari Helicopters has operated on Big Island for over 35 years.Is it for me?The flight is 55 minutes in the air with no walking or water entry, so it suits travelers who want the volcano views without physical exertion. Arrive an hour early and bring only what fits on your lap, since there is no baggage space and the helicopter loads quickly.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Kona & KeauhouYou'll snorkel at night with manta rays off the Big Island's Kona coast, floating on a light board while these gentle giants feed around you. Your guide stays in the water, your gear is included, and the boat ride out is 15–20 minutes from Honokohau Harbor. If mantas don't show, you can return free (if booked at full price). Confirm your check-in time with the operator when you book.Is it for me?Book this if you're a confident snorkeler who wants to see manta rays in their natural habitat at night without arranging your own boat or guide—the operator's experience and safety setup are what make the difference between a memorable encounter and a risky one.
Kona whale and dolphin watching tour: Guaranteed sightingsA whale and dolphin watching tour departing from Honokohau Harbor on the Kona Coast, where a US Coast Guard-certified crew searches both near-shore and pelagic zones for over a dozen species year-round. The tour includes a professional guide, soft drinks and bottled water; if you don't see a whale or dolphin, you get a promotion code for 50% off another tour.Is it for me?The three- to four-hour window leaves room for a morning or afternoon in Kailua-Kona before or after the tour, but not for a full second activity the same day. Book the early departure if you want the rest of your day free; the offshore certification and pelagic access mean you're searching deeper waters than standard Kona tours, so the sightings here are what you're paying for—not the convenience of a quick harbor loop.
Big Island Kealakekua Bay: Snorkel & Captain Cook Monument SailYou sail the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay's marine sanctuary, snorkel around the Captain Cook Monument, and watch for spinner dolphins in water that locals call the best in the state. The boat provides breakfast, lunch, all gear, and in-water support. You need to be a confident swimmer, and the half-day timing means you're back by early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to snorkel one of Hawaii's best reefs without arranging your own boat, gear, or timing—the morning schedule and included meals mean you're handling nothing except showing up as a confident swimmer.
Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Tour & Sea CavesYou’ll glide over clear water at Kealakekua Bay, snorkel above bright fish near Captain Cook Monument, listen to local stories as you explore sea caves, and snack on fresh fruit after swimming. It’s a gentle day for beginners or families — just enough adventure to linger in your mind after you’re dry again.
Kailua-Kona farm tour: Coffee, chocolate and soap productionA 3-hour guided farm tour in Kailua-Kona covers coffee roasting, chocolate production from cacao pods, and a soap factory using farm-grown botanicals. The tour starts at 9am, sits at 1,200 feet above the coast with views of the Pacific and Hualālai volcano, and includes tastings of fresh coffee and gourmet chocolate. Children under 12 must be ticketed and supervised; the soap factory has a small step but is otherwise wheelchair accessible.Is it for me?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without translation. This works for anyone comfortable with a standard pace through three working factories and their production lines—not a hike or a hands-on class, but a walk-through with stops to taste and learn.
Big Island Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour & DolphinsYou board a custom glass-bottom boat at Kailua Pier and spend 50 minutes drifting over the coral reef with a marine naturalist explaining what you're seeing below. The tour includes water and ginger ale, works for all ages including infants, and gives you a chance at spotting dolphins or seasonal whales. Arrive ten minutes early at the pier, park at the adjacent Marriott lot, and look for the blue and yellow flags on the boat's mast.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Kona's coral reef and tropical fish without snorkeling or diving — the glass-bottom boat gets you close to the underwater world while you stay dry and comfortable, and the naturalist guide explains what you're seeing so you understand what matters about it.
Big Island Waterfalls & Swimming: Akaka Falls, Kulaniapia, Botanical GardenYou visit four major waterfalls and swim at a private 120-foot cascade, walk through a tropical botanical garden with 2,000+ plant species, and see Waipio Valley's sea cliffs — all in one full day with hotel pickup, lunch, and a professional guide in a small group. The swimming stop at Kulaniapia is the standout, and the Hamakua Coast drive alone justifies the time.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see multiple waterfalls, actually swim at one, and explore the botanical garden without arranging your own transport and timing — the van pickup and fixed itinerary handle all of that, leaving you to focus on the water and the views.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, Big Island: Small group, 12 maxSmall-group snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park on the Big Island, departing from Keauhou harbor with a maximum of 12 passengers, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments included. The bay is a protected marine sanctuary with abundant coral and fish; the boat stops to watch for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and humpback whales (winter months) along the Kona coastline on the way out and back. Children 7 and older are welcome if they can swim 25 yards in the ocean without assistance.Is it for me?A small group of 12 maximum suits anyone who wants to avoid the large cattle boats in Kona and spend more time actually snorkeling instead of managing crowds—faster entry and exit means more time on the reef.
Big Island: Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling & Zodiac Caves TourYou’ll bounce along Kona’s rugged shoreline by Zodiac boat with a local guide, then snorkel Kealakekua Bay’s vibrant reefs—where tropical fish swirl beneath you. Taste fresh fruit after swimming and hear stories of Captain Cook at his monument. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments that linger quietly after you’re back on shore.
Kona: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Small Group & Fast BoatYou’ll slip into Kona’s Keauhou Bay after dark for a small-group manta ray night snorkel led by local guides—just a short boat ride away. Float above glowing blue lights as giant mantas sweep inches below you, then share laughs with your crew back on deck. It’s raw, thrilling, and feels strangely peaceful—something you’ll remember long after your hair dries.
Big Island Kealakekua Bay: Snorkel & Captain Cook Monument SailYou board a boat on Kona's west shore and sail to Kealakekua Bay, where you snorkel twice—once near the Captain Cook Monument in a marine sanctuary, and once at Red Hill if weather allows. The crew provides all gear, in-water support, breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You need to be a confident swimmer, and the tour runs in the morning when the water is calmest.Is it for me?Book this if you're a confident swimmer who wants the best snorkeling on Big Island without renting gear separately or timing the tides yourself—the morning departure and crew support handle both, leaving you to focus on the reef and the fish.
Zodiac Whale Watching Hawaii: Humpback Whales from 100 YardsA three-hour whale-watching tour in Hawaii aboard a twin-powered Zodiac raft, departing the harbor to find migrating humpback whales during winter months. Your captain provides live narration about the whales while you photograph from 100 yards away, the legal distance that lets you see them clearly without disturbing them. Beverages and snacks are included; children from age 4 are welcome.Is it for me?The three-hour duration leaves your morning or afternoon free for other activities, making this a good fit if you want to see humpback whales without committing to a full-day tour. The Zodiac's speed and maneuverability let you cover ground quickly to find the whales, so you spend less time traveling and more time watching.
Big Island Parasailing: Fly 800 or 1200 feet over Kona CoastParasailing on the Big Island takes you up to 1,200 feet or 800 feet over the Kona Coast in your choice of solo, tandem or triple flight, with all equipment included and dry takeoff and landing safe for ages 5 and up. The activity runs up to an hour on a shared charter with a maximum of 8 passengers, and weather cancellations get a full refund or rescheduled date. Weight minimums apply: 160 pounds to fly alone, up to 450–550 pounds for tandem or triple flights, with the captain able to adjust based on conditions.Is it for me?Book the 800-foot option if you want a quick, affordable introduction to parasailing with solid views; choose 1,200 feet if you have the time and want to climb higher and stay airborne longer. Either way, the small group size (8 passengers max) and dry landing mean you're not fighting crowds or struggling with a water entry, so the focus stays on the flight itself.
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Kailua-Kona LightsYou'll float on a raft in the dark while giant manta rays feed on plankton beneath underwater lights, sometimes gliding within inches of you. The boat provides snorkel gear, hot cocoa on the return, and a crew that keeps you safe and steady. If mantas don't show, you're invited back free. Hotel pickup is available for a small fee if you're staying in the Waikoloa or Mauna Lani resorts.Is it for me?Right for anyone who wants to see giant manta rays in their natural habitat without the logistics of finding the site yourself or timing the boat departure — the operator handles the boat, the raft, the lights, and the crew, so you just show up and float.
Kona: Sea Turtles, Painted Church & Kona Coffee Shore ExcursionYou’ll wander volcanic beaches near Kona with a local guide who actually knows every shortcut and story—spotting green sea turtles up close, tasting fresh Kona coffee right where it’s grown (it really is better here), stepping inside St. Benedict’s Painted Church with its wild colors, and grabbing lunch from wherever locals eat that day. Expect small surprises—and maybe sand in your shoes.
Kona Walking Food Tour: 7 Restaurant Stops with Local GuideA walking food tour through Kona with stops at seven restaurants along Ali'i Drive, featuring small tastings and drink pairings at each. The guide shares stories about the Kona food scene, local history and the islands' royal past. Minimum age is 12; the tour runs about three hours and covers fresh fish, local ingredients and Hawaiian cocktails, wine and beer. Gratuities for the guide are optional at checkout.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to try the restaurants locals actually eat at without spending a full evening at each one — the guide handles the route and the tastings, so you get a real sense of the Kona food scene in an afternoon.
Hilo: Volcano, Lava Tube & Waterfall Small Group Day TripYou’ll stand at the edge of Kilauea’s steaming caldera, wander through ancient rainforests into a real lava tube, watch Rainbow Falls shimmer in sunlight, and sample Hilo’s handmade chocolates and fresh coffee—all with a local guide who knows every story behind what you see.
Big Island ATV Tour: Southpoint Lava Flows & Green Sea TurtlesYou ride a top-of-the-line CF MOTO quad through lava tubes, Kiawe forest, and coastal cliffs over three hours, with lunch at Paakea Bay and a hike to see green sea turtles at Pulehua Island. Helmets, gloves, goggles, and dust masks are provided. The route covers roughly two and a half hours in direct sun, so sun protection matters.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the Big Island's untouched southern coastline and don't want to navigate the terrain yourself — the guide handles the route and the history, and the quads do the work on the lava and forest trails.
Hilo: Volcano Safari, Lava Caves & Black Sand Beach TourYou’ll feel Hawaii’s volcanic heart as you step into real lava caves near Hilo with a local guide, wander peaceful Japanese gardens, witness Rainbow Falls’ misty colors, walk on brand-new black sand beaches formed by Kilauea’s eruption—and share stories over lunch in a quirky town touched by lava flows.
