Things to do in Keauhou, Hawaii (HI): The Best Tours

September 30, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

Some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii are near Keauhou, a town on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The local beaches – which tend to be less busy than those on the Kona coast – also offer swimming, boating, fishing and scuba diving. If it's not a beach day, you can head to the Keauhou Garden of the Kamehamas and take a stroll through the native plants or check out the cultural attractions, restaurants and shops of the Kailua-Kona area.
Restaurants in Keauhou

1. Private Surf Lesson on the Big Island

Kahaluu Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Do as the Hawaiians do by learning how to surf! Whether you’re a total novice or have some past experience, this private surf lesson in Kona provides one-on-one instruction on how to tackle Hawaii’s famous waves, whether big or small. Head into Kahalu'u Bay to practice your newfound skills on some of the Big Island's best beginner waves! A knowledgeable surfing instructor will be with you, telling you when to paddle and when to pop up.

Inclusions: Soft-top Surfboard, Reef Shoes, Long-sleeve SPF Rashguard

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Food and drink

2. Captain Cook Cruises 8:45am Private Boat Charter - Snorkel & Dolphins

78 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This is a private charter that caters to your group alone. You'll enjoy this trip with only your friends and family on board. Enjoy this cruise, snorkel and Dolphin trip to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument without the distractions of other guests. The group can be as small as 2 or as large as 14 of your friends and family. You'll spend time on this private tour exploring the sea caves and the rugged Kona coast as well as snorkel Hawaii's best underwater preserve! This tour takes you to the calmest waters on the big island with the most spectacular snorkeling and enjoyable emerald green and cobalt blue ocean water. You will appreciate the fast boat ride, avoiding the normally long trip from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay. We bring the snorkel gear and snacks and bottled water. We'll provide snorkeling instruction and flotation noodles for a relaxed snorkel experience. You bring the sunblock, sunglasses, towel and camera! Join us!

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop

Exclusions: Tip for the captain and crew: please bring cash to thank the crew..

Reviewed By Mermy19

Out of all the activities we did on our trip to KONA this was my absolute favorite. DJ and Spinner and the Captain are absolutely terrific. Such a fun time and a great experience.

3. Captain Cook Cruises Deluxe 11:45am Private Boat Charter - Snorkel & Dolphin

78 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Captain Cook Snorkeling Cruises
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a private charter that caters to your group alone. You'll enjoy this trip with only your friends and family on board. Enjoy this cruise, snorkel and Dolphin trip to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument without the distractions of other guests. The group can be as small as 2 or as large as 14 of your friends and family. You'll spend time on this private tour exploring the sea caves and the rugged Kona coast as well as snorkel Hawaii's best underwater preserve! This tour takes you to the calmest waters on the big island with the most spectacular snorkeling and enjoyable emerald green and cobalt blue ocean water. You will appreciate the fast boat ride, avoiding the normally long trip from Keauhou Bay to Kealakekua Bay. We bring the snorkel gear and snacks and bottled water. We'll provide snorkeling instruction and flotation noodles for a relaxed snorkel experience. You bring the sunblock, sunglasses, towel and camera! Join us!

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop

Exclusions: Tip for the captain and crew: please bring cash to thank the crew..

Reviewed By Mermy19

Out of all the activities we did on our trip to KONA this was my absolute favorite. DJ and Spinner and the Captain are absolutely terrific. Such a fun time and a great experience.

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. Best and Cheapest Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Free sunset and star photo!)

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Masashi's Nature School
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

On this Mauna Kea sunset tour, you’ll get to see amazing views from above the clouds on the summit of Mauna Kea! Our guides will also take professional-quality photos of you with the sunset and stars for FREE ! ! We offer the best and cheapest tour! Please check our website before booking.

Inclusions: Guide (English Speaking) Snow jackets, pants and gloves   Bottled water & Snacks Hot Drinks Picnic dinner (Bento box) Oxygen cylinder  Astronomical telescope  Admission fee for Maunakea summit

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6. Small-Group Surf Lesson on the Big Island

Kahalu'u Bay Surf and Sea, 78-6685 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
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4.9 based on 40 reviews

You never forget your first wave, as surfing enthusiasts in Hawaii are prone to say, so make sure your first wave is a good one with a small-group surf lesson on the Big Island. This 2-hour Kona surf lesson starts with the basics, like surfing safety, etiquette and how to paddle and pop up on the board. Then take to the water to practice your newfound skills on the waves of Kahalu'u Bay! A knowledgeable surfing instructor will be in the water with you, telling you when to paddle and when to pop up. It’s a Hawaiian experience everyone should try at least once!

Inclusions: Use of all necessary equipment

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Food and drink

7. Hawaiian Double Hull Canoe Eco-Friendly Night Snorkel for Manta Rays

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Anelakai Adventures
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4.9 based on 178 reviews

Skip the big crowds on this manta ray–viewing excursion at night, a Hawaiian experience you shouldn't miss while on the Kona Coast. You'll take an double hull Hawaiian canoe into Keauhou Bay after sunset and use provided snorkel gear for an underwater look at these plankton-feeding marine wonders. Because we don't have a motor our lights are right between the hulls. This means that you don't even have to get into the water to get a phenomenal view of the Mantas! You have the option of getting in the water and snorkeling or enjoying the view from the canoe! 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wet suit tops, Local guide, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By FellowTraveler580106

Great kayak adventure out of Keauhou Bay heading south for a snorkel break and back. Just the right balance of exercise, sight-seeing, and relaxation. Keane is an encouraging kayak coach and entertaining source of local information. My hubs and I will absolutely book this adventure again next time we visit Kona!

8. Late Night Manta Snorkel

75-5669 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Kona Style
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4.8 based on 21 reviews

Watch the beautiful lights of Kona from our spacious 50’ catamaran, followed by the adventure of a lifetime - snorkeling with the majestic manta rays at night!  Upon arriving, receive an in-depth explanation of one of the most mysterious creatures in the ocean.   Join your professional/certified guides in the water as you snorkel with the majestic hahalua (manta rays).  Snorkel equipment, instruction, wetsuits and swim noodles are provided.  Complimentary water, juice, soft drinks, hot cocoa and cookies included.   Guests may purchase beer, wine and cocktails from our full bar.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Enjoy complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and juices along with post snorkeling hot cocoa, hot tea and a snack

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on boat), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Towels (guest should bring their own towels), Gratuities

Reviewed By Annie W

During our honeymoon on the Big Island, we booked a snorkeling trip with KonaStyle. We were so impressed by the crew, the boat, and the experience that we ended up booking a night manta rays tour with them as well the following week. Huge props to Tanner, Demi, and the whole team. Highly recommend.

9. Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kailua-Kona

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours
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4.8 based on 229 reviews

Small groups and a short boat ride set our experience apart. Call tour provider directly to confirm availability, seats are limited. 8.0.8 3.1.3 1.1.1.6 You may be asked to move time or date if you have not confirmed availability. Prior swim and snorkeling experience required. Contact tour provider for exceptions. 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. Our expert captains and in-water guides are pulling out all the stops to make sure you get the best viewing possible. This family run business takes pride in sharing the importance of taking care or our land, ocean, animals, and each other. In order to book this tour; You must be able to independently climb a vertical ladder attached to the boat to exit the water. Not recommended for those who have recently undergone surgery or who may have mobility restrictions.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkeling Equiptment and Wetsuit, Hot Cocoa, Tea, Coffee, Apple Cider, Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Certified In-Water Guide and Lifeguard

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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.

10. Manta Ray - Night Kayak & Snorkel Adventure at Keauhou Bay, Big Island HI

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Aloha Kayak Co.
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4.6 based on 83 reviews

Experience the thrill of seeing manta rays up close! Kayak and snorkel through the Big Island's pristine waters to see Hawaii’s playful manta rays at night. Watch these gentle giants feed on plankton, and then jump in for an unforgettable wildlife experience!

Inclusions: All gear is included: kayak, paddle, life vest, snorkel gear and safety lights., Safety and equipment instruction from local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By lilsby101

Iwa (owner) and Rabbit were ON IT for our kayak and snorkeling tour. Such warm and kind spirits with unparalleled knowledge about the history of Kealakekua Bay and the Big Island. My husband and I have gone on many of these tours across our travels and Aloha Kayak Co is one of the most memorable and well organized. Please support this locally owned business that really knows how to provide an outstanding experience. Truth be told, we had considered renting kayaks ourselves per the advice of some friends to save a few bucks but there are a few reasons why I'd advise that you go with Aloha Kayak Co. (1) Friends had to figure out how to get their kayaks to the bay. Iwa and Rabbit will have it all set up for you. (2) They know where (and help you greatly) to safely disembark from the kayak and to snorkel without harming the coral. (3) They provide great training and gear. Each kayak was provided a net bag for all the snorkel gear (and other items like sunscreen and water) and a waterproof bag for things like your car keys. There were other groups snorkeling with us and I was happy that we were able to swim with life jackets vs the noodles. (4) They share in depth history about the Big Island (e.g. overview of the kingdoms, rituals and deities), Captain Cook (including his pre-Hawaii explorations), how the Bay has evolved over the years, and the native vs non-native vegetation including a really stinky fruit that apparently has medicinal properties (smells like blue cheese!) (5) They provide great company, conversation and snacks (including fresh fruit!) (6) Great local restaurant recommendations! We went to one of them right after and were delighted. Check-in was a breeze and the entire experience felt COVID-safe starting with our temperature check. Next time, we definitely want to check their Manta Ray kayak trip - they are the only ones to offer it as a kayak experience and fellow guests told us they loved it. Book with Aloha Kayak Co right away!

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