Here’s an article from Explore The Big Island on things to do on the water in Kona. One that shouldn’t be missed is the night manta ray snorkel tours. Our evening manta ray tours are the best in Kona!
Find the Best Kona Beaches
There’s a great selection of wonderful Big Island beaches within walking distance of downtown Kailua-Kona. Kona beaches to enjoy include Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Honl’s Beach, Pahoehoe Beach Park and Magic Sands/Disappearing Sands Beach.
Swim in Kailua Bay
Protected by a natural reef barrier, the ocean in Kailua Bay is a great place to swim. With a small soft sand beach just off the pier, it’s most calm early in the day. Mornings also provide the best opportunity for spotting and perhaps even swimming with dolphin.
Best Snorkeling in Hawaii
There are plenty of great snorkeling spots in town and within a short drive of Kona. We recommend bringing a mask and snorkel along wherever you go – you never know what you might find!
Family Fun at Kahalu’u Beach Park
Less than five miles south of downtown Kona on Ali’i Drive, Kahalu’u Beach Park has wonderful snorkeling, good swimming, and sometimes even decent surfing. This is a great place to bring the whole family.
Go Boogie Boarding
Did you know the sport of body boarding, or “boogie” boarding, got it’s start in Kailua-Kona in 1971? It all began down Ali’i Drive at Honl’s Beach on Wai’aha Bay, with a little passion and a lot of ingenuity.
Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard
Did you know the origins of the increasingly popular sport of stand up paddleboarding can be traced right back here to Hawaii? The Big Island has many quiet bays that are perfect for beginners, and nice waves for more advanced paddlers.
Take a Submarine Tour
The Atlantis Submarine tour is the closest thing to Kona scuba diving without actually having to get wet! Enjoy a 30 minute submarine tour of the brilliant and colorful undersea world in the coastal waters off of Kailua-Kona.
Hawaii Parasailing
Big Island parasailing is a real thrill and a great way to see the sights along the Kona coast. Soaring high above the coast of the Big Island while attached to a parachute over the ocean is one of many fun things to do in Kona.
World Famous Kona Sport Fishing
Avid fishermen and women come from all over the world to sink a line into the rich waters off of Kona.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
One of the highlights for many people vacationing on the Big Island is the Manta Ray night snorkel. The Kona coast is considered the best place in Hawaii to view these amazing creatures which are among the largest fish in the ocean.
