The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (HI)

May 11, 2022 Florencio Paulino

Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

1. Private Charter: Customizable Big Island Boat Adventure

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA Hang Loose Boat Tours
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Are you looking to relax with your family or friends? Our modern powered catamaran is designed for open ocean conditions that will allow our passengers to sit back, relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful coast of Kona. Your tour is customized to your wish. It includes lunch, fresh fruit, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Professional guide, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Private tour, sandwiches, fresh fruit (special diet requirements -please bring your own)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By JamisenK

Captain Simon and crew were awesome! Chill, funny, and informative! One of our best tours yet. They’ll take care of you!

2. Kona Coast Helicopter Tour

Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

We are the only Private Helicopter Tour Company in Hawaii! Come and experience a truly special tour with us - especially for the whale watchers!

Inclusions: Airport/Departure Tax, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By thezackster

5 stars isn't enough, they deserve 50. I was nervous (sweaty palms haha!) but immediately upon arrival our pilot James met us at our car and made us right at home. Very responsible regarding COVID precautions and just so friendly and educational. Mid-air, mid-sunset I was able to pop the question to my now fiance and it couldn't have been better. Forever indebted to this place and to our pilot. World class! You'll love every dollar spent!

3. Kona Coast Sunset Tour

Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

We are the only Private Helicopter Tour company in Hawaii! Come and experience a truly special sunset with us!

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Airport/Departure Tax

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Lesjbohlen

We had a great time. We felt safe the whole time. Our pilot was awesome! She was very informative. She's very friendly. I wish you had taken a bit of a longer flight.

4. Private Manta Ray Snorkel, up to 6 guests

787100 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Call before purchasing, seats are limited. You may be asked to move time or date if you have not confirmed availability. Online calendar may not reflect seats available to online bookings. Snorkeling with our beautiful Kona manta rays is an experience you don't want to miss. You will never forget having these gentle giants swim so graceful before your eyes. This private charter of up to 6 persons ensures your group gets personal attention.. We are family run business that takes pride in sharing the importance of taking care or our land, ocean, animals, and each other.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Hot Cocoa and Cookies

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Reviewed By Jrotolo810

We saw a bunch of Mantas and they came so close! The guides were great and gave a ton of interesting facts about the Mantas. Everyone made us feel very safe as well. They even let us rent a go pro and keep the footage for ourselves.

5. The Ultimate Private Adventure

Kamakahonu Beach, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Kona Ocean Adventures
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

With Kona Ocean Adventures, we are not just another tour but a true Adventure! This charter is for up to 6 guests. If you have a larger group, be sure to call us. This one is our specialty!  With the boat to yourself, you can swim with wild dolphins, visit private beaches only accessible by boat, discover Kealakekua Bay or other remote reefs, try our discovery dive program and more... The choice is yours. No experience or snorkel gear is required… and we’ve got lunch, too! Creating Your Own Custom and Private Kona Ocean Adventure. Perfect for Family reunions, spiritual journeys, honeymoons, dive club trips or special vacations. Book online and we will help you plan your perfect experience!

Inclusions: 2 Crew ( 1 Captain/ 1 Snorkel guide/ Dive guide), All snorkel gears, wet suits, Dive Gear if applicable, Lunch: we cater to the discerning traveler; our meals can be vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, Kosher., Snacks, fresh local fruits, juices, water, local beer (upon request), Lunch, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off (4 seasons and pier pick up only)

Reviewed By dspartz2021

Had a great time. Relaxing as we were in great hands. Even told us where to get lunch based on what kinda of food we like. Captain gave us his phone and told us to call if we needed more info.

6. Sunset Sail Experience at Kona from Honokohau

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Nautical
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Explore the beautiful Kona coastline from while aboard the Honi Olani, a 53-foot sailing catamaran. Catch the moment the sun slips below the horizon...you may even see the green flash. Enjoy the blue Pacific Ocean and maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife at play. Snacks and beverages served aboard. Unlimited non-alcohol beverages. Two free alcohol drinks per adult.

Inclusions: Snacks, Soda, juice and water, Two alcohol beverages per adult

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kristinesF2548UA

This excursion was okay at best. Though we were able to see dolphins, which was lovely, the snorkeling was blah. First the company took us south along the island, versus out into the ocean, and guided us snorkeling right by a power plant on the shoreline. There were some pretty fish, maybe 3-4 different species. The coral was not colorful; they informed us that is typical for Hawaii. Friends we have that live on the islands state there are beautiful coral reefs, you just need to know where to find them. Apparently, this company does not know where to find these reefs. The catamaran ride was just lovely, but that's it. Again, nothing special. The crew were fine when talking to us as a group but not one-on-one. Then they seemed guarded and annoyed. I would not recommend this excursion.

7. Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour

Hilo, HI 96720, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Shaka Guide's driving tour app works like a tour guide in your car! On this tour drive along beautiful green coastlines, through tropical jungle roads, and go star gazing on the tallest mountain in the world. We've done our research so you will not miss a thing! Just sit back and listen to fun stories along the way. Skip the tour bus & explore Big Island at your own pace for a fraction of the cost with the best self-guided audio GPS tours for Hawaii! Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads. Why you need it: ✅ You don't need service because you can download the tours & use them offline ✅ Much cheaper than a tour bus at only $9.99 for lifetime access ✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up ✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!) ✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke's that might make you laugh)

Inclusions: 6-8 hours of audio content, Offline map of the island, Audio that triggers based on location, Dozens of interesting stories of the island, Perfect itinerary of your entire vacation, Turn-by-turn navigation, Virtual tour guide

Exclusions: Crowded group tour

Reviewed By chanyu1

This is a good and inexpensive way to do the Haleakala sunset tour with audio narrative of things to see along the way to the mountain top. Good value for the price. A quick tip: this app burns through your phone battery fast so having a car phone cable is a must or else your phone battery will run out of juice pretty quick...

8. Snorkel with Wildlife on the Kona Coast

74 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Kaimana Ocean Safari
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

At Kaimana Ocean Safari you'll be guided by professionally trained ocean guides, boat captains, and underwater photographers to observe and interact with various wildlife along the Kona coastline. We approach our unique tours “safari” style, meaning we cover vast areas of the coastline in search of marine life aboard our vessel. We believe “the search” is part of the fun and allows nature to deliver the adventure. Together, we can observe and potentially interact with sea turtles, a variety of dolphin species, manta rays, sharks, whales, and locals of Hawaii’s coral reefs. Join us on an incredible journey leaving you with a lifetime of memories! Please visit some of our instagram accounts to view more of what you can possibly see

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Snacks, Filtered water will be provided on the boat. If you have your own reusable bottle please bring that.

Exclusions: Towels, rash guards, sun protection are not included. Please bring reef safe sunscreen.

Reviewed By theodorek2019

Kayleigh and Cam were incredible guides in an ocean adventure that felt like a surreal dream. We went out to the pelagic zone on the hunt for animals. We ended up having an incredible half-hour interaction with pilot whales and an oceanic white-tip shark, peppered with sightings of spotted dolphins and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. There is no guarantee of any specific sighting, but the thrill of going out on the open ocean to see what we can find is part of the fun. Completely unlike any other activity in Kailua-Kona, and the small-group setting made this feel even more special. As it was, it was one of the best days of my life so far.

9. Mauna Kea Summit Adventure

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Mauna Kea is an unforgettable and sublime location. It is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin and the clarity of the air is astounding. Mauna Kea is a major spiritual center for Hawaiians and many of our guests report a special feeling while on the mauna. We developed the now popular sunset and stargazing tours in 1983 and we have constantly made it more comfortable and educational. Our guides are trained to drive safely and to share their wide knowledge of Hawaii and the sky. Our vehicles (all custom Mercedes) are the nicest and roomiest available.

Inclusions: Hot and hearty vegetable (non-vegan) lasagna dinner w a delicious and special brownie(not included with the meal delete option), Hot drinks are provided including gourmet hot chocolate, tea (black or green), starbucks coffee and biscotti, Use of heavy winter parkas and insulated gloves. Call in your order for Sizes XXL-SM, Travel in custom built, oversized, Mercedes Sprinter micro-coaches, We use big, 11", digital telescopes to view the very best of the night sky. Conditions permitting, Learn about the geology, geography and cultural history as we drive though varied landscapes.

Exclusions: Weather is not guaranteed in any way. There will not be refunds for weather. , Customers are responsible for their own transportation to/from the pick up point.

Reviewed By travelingwithboys

The summit tour was the highlight of our trip to the Big Island. We normally don’t take tours, and prefer to adventure by ourselves, but this was an exception. Our guide (Mitch) was fantastic and Travis (in the other van) was the perfect guide for stargazing. It is worth every penny and time well spent while visit the Big Island! Highly recommend.

10. Expedition South Kona

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Sea Quest Hawaii
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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Snorkel at 3 unique and pristine locations including Kealakekua Bay, the culturally significant Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, and a third remote location you wouldn't be able to access any other way. Perhaps you’ll snorkel at a black sand beach and have it all to yourselves. Maybe a stone arch or a spectacular lava rock formation created thousands of years ago. We will take you to locations even residents of the Island have yet to see. Explore sea caves and lava tubes in our safe, exciting, and maneuverable vessels designed to get you up close and personal with the coast. Scout for marine life such as pilot whales as long as your boat, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and more. A deli lunch is provided, as are snacks, water & juice throughout the day. All the snorkeling gear and flotation devices you need as well. You simply show up in your swimsuit with your reef-safe sunscreen and towel in hand and away we go!

Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Water & Juice, Snorkeling Gear, Flotation Devices, Bottled water

Exclusions: Towels, Sunscreen

Reviewed By mindy1234567890

We did a manta ray night snorkel and a premium 4.5 hr day snorkel. What a amazing experience! Check in was easy. The staff members were kind and considerate. The rays were outer worldly!

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