Hawai'i Island · Kona

What to do in Kona

Kailua-Kona is the cruise port town on the Big Island's west side and the launching point for most of the island's signature activities. The manta ray night snorkel happens just down the coast and is unlike anything else in Hawaii. Kealakekua Bay's snorkel and dolphin cruise has thirty years of operating history and the best visibility you'll find on the island. Island Breeze Luau is the in-town option, walking distance from the cruise ships. The Mauna Kea summit and stars tour does statewide pickup and is the bucket-list reason most travelers come to the Big Island.

Skip the research
We'll match you with 3 perfect tours.
Take the quiz
Our top 4
#1

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Coral Reef Adventures · Kona

Snorkel with wild giant manta rays after dark. 92% sighting rate. Most-talked-about activity in Hawaii.

$120/ person
4.9· 6,700
Book this tour
#2

Kealakekua Snorkel & Dolphins

Fair Wind Cruises · Kona

30+ years operating. Catamaran with water slides. Spinner dolphins commonly encountered. Best visibility in Hawaii.

$158/ person
4.8· 5,400
Book this tour
#3

Island Breeze Luau

Royal Kona Resort · Kailua-Kona

Oceanfront luau in downtown Kona. Walking distance from cruise port. Most affordable Big Island luau.

$140/ person
4.6· 3,400
Book this tour
#4

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars

Hawaii Forest & Trail · Statewide pickup

Sunset at 13,800 feet, picnic dinner, professional 11-inch telescope. The Big Island bucket-list experience.

$315/ person
4.9· 3,100
Book this tour

Ratings shown are a blended average of public reviews from multiple booking and review sites, checked when each tour was listed.

In-town versus drive-required

Island Breeze Luau is walkable from the cruise ship pier, the easiest option on this list. The manta ray snorkel and Kealakekua Bay cruise both depart from Kona-area harbors with short drives. Mauna Kea requires the longest commitment and typically includes statewide pickup.

Planning around cruise ship schedules

If you're in Kona on a cruise stop, Island Breeze Luau won't work (it's an evening activity), but the manta ray snorkel and Kealakekua Bay cruise can both fit a day-in-port schedule if timed carefully.

Common questions

What's walkable from the Kona cruise pier?

Island Breeze Luau is the closest, though it's an evening activity that won't fit a same-day cruise stop.

Can I do the manta ray snorkel and Kealakekua Bay in the same day?

It's tight but possible for early risers, one departs in daylight, the other after dark. Check both operators' schedules before booking both.

Does Mauna Kea pick up from Kona?

Most operators offer statewide pickup, confirm Kona-specific timing when booking since it's a longer drive to the summit.

Not sure which to pick?

Take our 1-minute quiz and we'll match you to three tours that fit your group, vibe, timing, and budget.

Start the quiz