OVERVIEW

Discover the remarkable diversity of Hawaiʻi Island on this full-day small-group journey from the Kona coast to the summit area of Kīlauea. Travel through the changing landscapes of the Kona and Kaʻū districts to Paradise Meadows, where a tour and tasting showcase locally grown coffee, honey, macadamia nuts and island treats. Continue along the southern coast to Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach for a photo stop along its striking dark shoreline. Enter Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park next, where natural steam vents and sweeping views from Steaming Bluff offer a glimpse of the volcanic forces that continue to shape the island. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by native rainforest at Nāhuku, also known as Thurston Lava Tube, then stroll the lush trail and explore this fascinating tunnel formed by a past eruption. Settle in for the scenic return to Kona via Saddle Road, traveling between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea as the landscape changes before arriving back at the pier. Your local driver/guide accompanies the group throughout the day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample locally grown coffee, honey and macadamia nuts at Paradise Meadows
• Capture the dark shoreline of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
• See natural steam vents and take in views from Steaming Bluff
• Savor a picnic lunch in the rainforest and explore Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as conditions can differ between the coast and the volcano area
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes suitable for sand, gravel and wet surfaces; high heels are not recommended

Submerge yourself in a magnificent underwater world aboard an Atlantis Submarine. Investigate the reef through your personal viewport and come face-to-face with masses of exotic tropical fish and other marine creatures amidst colorful coral gardens.

Your adventure begins with a short boat ride along the scenic coast to the boarding dock, where you'll transfer to the submarine to begin your undersea adventure. Atlantis operates the world's most technologically advanced passenger submarines, with spacious air-conditioned interiors, large viewports and comfortable seating.

In crystal clear waters, you will descend 100 feet to explore 25 acres of coral gardens and their inhabitants. The reef was formed on lava that flowed into the ocean 18,000 years ago. Inhabited by hundreds of species of tropical fish, coral and other sea life, it’s a popular site to see Hawaii's marine life.

OVERVIEW

Discover Kona's rich history, stunning scenery and coastal beauty by both land and sea on this memorable island adventure. Travel along the picturesque Kona coastline, passing black lava landscapes, white-sand beaches, coffee farms and charming island communities while your guide shares stories of Hawaii's culture and heritage. Browse local artisan shops at Aliʻi Gardens before visiting the famous Painted Church, celebrated for its colorful hand-painted biblical murals. Continue to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, the sacred Place of Refuge, where ancient Hawaiians once found sanctuary. Explore this beautifully preserved cultural site featuring historic temples, carved kiʻi, royal fishponds and peaceful oceanfront views. Return to Kailua Pier to board a spacious catamaran for a narrated historical cruise along Kona's spectacular coastline. Enjoy fascinating stories of Hawaiian royalty and legendary landmarks while taking in panoramic ocean views. A deli-style lunch and live Hawaiian-style music enhance the experience, while a premium cash bar is available for purchase. Keep watch for dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic narrated drive through Kona's beautiful coastline and volcanic landscapes.
• Visit Aliʻi Gardens, the Painted Church and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
• Historical catamaran cruise with deli-style lunch, beverages and live Hawaiian music.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore Hawaii’s underwater paradise without getting wet. Ride aboard the Marian, a 36-foot glass-bottom boat specially designed to cruise within inches of the reef. Throughout your adventure, an onboard narrator will share fun and interesting facts of the sea, historic points of interest, Hawaiian history, and other fascinating information about the area.

Have your camera ready to capture pictures of the stunning coral reef, colorful tropical fish, and fascinating marine life. Take in the breathtaking vistas of the island's rugged shoreline as the boat cruses along the historic Kona coast. Sometimes spinner dolphins or seasonal humpback whales (December to April) visit the bay near enough to view. The Marian is designed for comfort, with shaded seating as well as an open-air bow to catch some sun. The boat departs directly from the Kailua Pier, allowing you time to enjoy other excursions or a stroll through the village.

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes, you may be able to stop to interact with marine life. There are 17 species of dolphins in Hawaii that may be seen on any given day. You may encounter the Hawaiian Spinner, Pacific Bottlenose or Spotted dolphins. As well as the seasonal Humpback whales that migrate yearly from Alaska (Jan-Apr), you may also find pilot whales, false killer whales and other rare, elusive whales that live here year-round. When you are in the Zodiac, you are just 2 feet above the water line, so you have a great vantage point from which to view the marine life.

Your ultimate destination is Kealakekua Bay marine preserve, site of the Captain Cook monument. Kealakekua Bay is known around the world for its abundance of coral and tropical fish - over 220 varieties of marine life in total. You will spend 1 ½ hours snorkeling the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the bay. All the snorkel gear is provided, including masks (RX if needed), snorkels, fins, and flotation devices. Non-swimmers and first-time snorkelers will be provided with flotation devices and instruction. There is a 3-4 rung ladder that is lowered from the Zodiac and you must be able to get up the ladder and back into the raft on your own. There is no access to land on this tour, the Zodiac is your "island" where you can get in and out of the water as often as you like at the snorkel spot.

While enjoying your tropical snacks and refreshments, you’ll hear all about the history of the bay and the story of Captain Cook. You will get up close to explore the rugged coastline and see natural blowholes, exposed giant lava tubes and your Zodiac will poke its' nose into sea caves. See beautiful colors and striations of the lava up close. Your captain is a naturalist, geologist, historian and some like to think that they are comedians. It is guaranteed that you'll be laughing from the minute you step off the dock into the Zodiac.

Enjoy tastings of two classic Hawaiian products – coffee and chocolate – and see how both are produced to maximize their unique flavors. At Kona Joe Coffee, you will learn about the patented cultivation process that allows the trellised Arabica coffee trees to grow upright like grapevines, which ensures uniform sun exposure. The result is a superior organic coffee bean with an enhanced taste and body, as you will discover by sampling a fresh-brewed cup. You will be treated to another sampling at Kokoleka Lani Farms, an actual working farm where you will view cacao (chocolate) on the tree and see the raw beans utilized in the making of their award-winning chocolate. After touring this biodiverse farm, you will enjoy the best part--a chocolate tasting! In addition to coffee and cacao, learn how farm products are integrated into Kona Natural Soap which is also made here. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse their chocolate selections, Kona coffee and vegan soaps in the gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how a patented process for growing coffee produces a uniquely flavored cup of coffee.
• Tour a cacao farm and watch each step of the cacao bean production.
• Sample a selection of coffees and chocolates that are pure Hawaiian..

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sail on a sleek catamaran to beautiful Kealakekua Bay and snorkel its sheltered waters, which are teeming with colorful marine life. The bay lies off the western shore and holds the Big Island’s only underwater state park, a marine sanctuary renowned for the clarity of its waters. The cruise will be immensely pleasurable as the 50-foot catamaran offers plenty of room to stretch out in the sun and relax in the shaded but open-air cabin. On the way, you will enjoy a light lunch of turkey with Havarti on Hawaiian rolls, served with pasta salad and chips. Hear about the island’s history, especially while passing the spot where legendary British explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779. Still, the underwater wonders are the star attractions, including marine life found nowhere else in Hawaii such as lizardfish and flame angelfish, a flashy species often seen grazing on coral reef algae. Feel free to enjoy the open bar on the return cruise.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to Kealakekua Bay on a 50-foot catamaran with spacious sunny and shaded areas.
• Snorkel the bay’s crystal-clear waters, which are teeming with brightly colored marine life.
• Look for species of fish not found anywhere else in Hawaii.
• Enjoy a picnic style lunch and an open bar onboard.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and reef safe sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the beauty of Hawaii's Kona Coast aboard a spacious double-deck catamaran as you cruise to Red Hill, one of the island's premier snorkeling destinations known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs and abundant tropical marine life. After boarding, the crew will provide a comprehensive safety briefing before serving a light continental breakfast as you sail along the scenic coastline. Keep watch for marine life during the cruise, as dolphins are occasionally spotted in the area; however, sightings are not guaranteed. Upon arrival at Red Hill, receive snorkeling instruction and equipment before enjoying ample time exploring the vibrant underwater world or simply relaxing in the water with the provided flotation gear. After your snorkeling adventure, enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ lunch while taking in the coastal scenery during the return cruise to Kailua Pier, with another opportunity to watch for marine life along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Snorkel in crystal-clear Hawaiian waters.
• Enjoy breakfast, BBQ lunch and coastal views.
• Relax with recreational flotation gear, shaded seating areas and onboard amenities.
• Watch for marine life, including possible dolphin sightings during the cruise

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
• Flotation devices available: swim noodles, recreational life vests, inner tubes and even stand-up paddle boards.
• Complimentary reef safe sunscreen is provided
• Bring a form of payment for optional onboard purchases, including beverages, souvenirs and available equipment rentals.

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. Afterwards, enjoy a short visit to Ali’i Gardens on the Kona coast where you will find local artisans, handcrafted goods, and the authentic spirit of Hawaii all in one place. Experience the heart of the local community as vendors share their passion, craft, and story.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Visit Ali’i Gardens Marketplace where you will find local artisans and experience the authentic spirit of the Big Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the history, culture and flavors of South Kona on this relaxed half-day tour along the Kona coast. Accompanied by a local guide raised on Hawaiʻi Island, travel south through scenic Kona countryside to Kealakekua Bay, also known as Kaʻawaloa Bay, for a photo stop at the Captain Cook Monument. The bay is closely tied to Hawaiian royalty and the enforcement of kapu, and its clear waters and coral reef make it one of the coast’s most beautiful settings, where spinner dolphins are sometimes seen. Continue to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for a guided visit to the historic City of Refuge, an excellent introduction to traditional Hawaiian culture. Stop for lunch at Reel Aloha Poke & Cafe Florian, a local favorite where your meal is included and may be a poke bowl, poke nachos or a handcrafted deli sandwich or panini. Visit historic Greenwell Farms for a complimentary Kona coffee tasting and time in the gift shop, which features locally made products. Return to Kailua-Kona Pier after a day of South Kona’s natural beauty and flavors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Photograph Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument
• Step into Hawaiian history on a guided visit to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
• Savor an included lunch at Reel Aloha Poke & Cafe Florian
• Taste Kona coffee at historic Greenwell Farms.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate, cool and comfortable clothing..
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for time spent outdoors.

Calling all fishermen, experienced or beginners – here's your chance to try your hand in the billfish capital of the world. The calm, year-round deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona coast are teeming with marlin, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and short nose spearfish, to name just a few. Anglers from all over the globe have broken world records here.

Your tour includes transportation to and from Honokohau Harbor, a fully equipped sport-fishing boat that can accommodate up to six guests, and an experienced and licensed Captain and crew. Experience is not necessary, and even if you don't catch anything, you're sure to reel in some wonderful memories.

North Kohala is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii – rushing streams, sparkling waterfalls, abundant tropical foliage and rugged sea cliffs. Immerse yourself in its deep green lushness and explore its rich natural and cultural heritage. A scenic drive to the remote north end of the island is accompanied by informative narration. Passing through a locked gate onto a private nature preserve, you'll then travel off-road for a short adventure to the trailhead.

An interpretive guide leads the way on the mile and a half trail. Along with an abundance of waterfalls, the route will take you across three bridges, along two idyllic streams, and past traditional Hawaiian taro terraces and irrigation flumes. Refresh yourself in a cool mountain stream with cascades tumbling overhead, or simply relax trailside. A picnic lunch is provided.