Adventures in and on the ocean for the island of Hawaii, the Big Island

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WEB SITE USER COMMENT: "Thanks for all the great information about swimming with Dolphins. I'll pass it along to my friends who are going to Hawaii. Maybe someday I'll be fortunate enough to get to experience Hawaii." T Hellner, TX

TRUE BLACK SAND BEACHES have a high concentration of black volcanic glass grains. The black volcanic glass is created by molten lava flows entering the cool ocean causing the glassy rinds to shatter. True black sand beaches on the Big Island are located at Punaluu, at the west and east edges of the new lava delta from the current flank eruption, and in front of the recent flow that covered most of Kalapana and the famous former black-sand beach at Kaimu. Some additional Big Island beaches have a few per cent of glass like Hookena and Kealakekua in South Kona , storm beaches near Cape Kumukahi at South Point, and elsewhere along the Puna, Kau, South Kona, and North Kona coasts. Many others around the Big Island have a trace to perhaps 1%.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

On CAPTAIN ZODIAC RAFTING ADVENTURES you will enjoy the Kona coastline while on a 14-mile journey to Kealakekua Bay. Non-swimmers, first-time or experienced snorkelers are encouraged to join on this adventure. Flotation, snorkel gear, and lunch provided. Included is a stop at the sea caves on the return ride. $78 adults, $63 children under 13. Call 808 329-3199 for more information.

When you CRUISE the Hawaiian Islands you can explore more than one island without ever having to check out of your room!! Time is limited on each island so be sure to plan ahead to make the most of every moment.
Carnival Cruises has several Hawaiian Island Cruise Options. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-801-5890 for more information and rates.
Celebrity Cruise Line has Hawaiian Island Cruises which ports in Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua Kona, Ensenada. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-949-7797 for more information and rates.
Holland America has several Hawaiian Island Cruise Options. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-426-0327 for more information and rates.
Norwegian Cruise Line has Hawaiian Island Cruises which ports in Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua Kona, Ensenada. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-327-9020 for more information and rates.
Princess Cruises has several Hawaiian Island Cruise Options. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-774-6237 for more information and rates.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has Hawaiian Island Cruises which ports in Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua Kona, Ensenada. Visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-255-4373 for more information and rates.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS FOR FREE! In Captain Cook Bay on the Big Island wild dolphins can be seen on a daily basis about 7 am. You can enter the bay and meet up with the dolphins by swimming across the bay towards the large statue memorial for Captain Cook. When the dolphins arrive please do not feed or touch them. It is safest to keep your hands down by your side. Dolphins are intelligent and curious creatures. They will investigate you and swim along with you. To get the most of your adventure it is best to have a snorkel, mask, fins, and a disposable waterproof camera. Captain Cook Bay is easy to find and can be located on any island map. It is about 20-minute ride from the Kailua-Kona area.

Dolphin Quest encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Resort

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER PROGRAM at the Sheraton Waikoloa Hotel. A trainer guides participants in encounters with dolphins in a hotel lagoon. Guests and non-guests can register for a lottery for this amazing opportunity. If you don’t win the lottery just hang out by the Dolphin pool and go on stand by. Just let the Dolphin Quest program check in center know you are willing to go stand by and if people don’t show up for their allotted time they will allow you to go. Participants must be over 4 feet tall. $115 per person ages 13 and over, $75 per person ages 7-12, $190 for adult doubles. We did this encounter program and it was incredible! It was worth the money for this once in a life time experience!! Call 808 886-2875 for more information.

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT CRUISE allows you to explore Hawaii’s unique marine life without getting wet. 1 hour tour- $25 adults, $10 children 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. Departs hourly from Kailua Pier. Call Kailua Bay Charter Co. at 808 324-1749 for more information.

THE GREEN SAND BEACH OF PU'U MAHANA BEACH is a mix of black lava sand mixed with particles of a green color semi-precious gem called olivine. This beach was created after an ancient volcanic eruption produced a small littoral cone the Hawaiians called Pu'u O Mahana, which contains thick veins of olivine. After storms and high surf nuggets of olivine are sometimes found on the beach. A 4WD vehicle is the easiest means to get you to this remote treasure. The beach is located near Ka Lea, also known as South Point. They are located down South Point Road, off Hwy 11, approximately 12 miles to the end. From the Kaulana Boat Launch it is a 2 1/3 mile hike each way unless you have a 4WD vehicle. Once you arrive at the cone there are several paths to get to different sections of the beach. Watch your step and use your best judgment. This beach is unsafe to swim at during high surf conditions. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or concessions.

THE HEATED TIDE POOLS OF AHALANUI are a beautiful and relaxing natural wonder. This is a spring and an ocean filled pool separated from the ocean by an inlet and a manmade wall. The eruption of 1960 changed the lava flow under this area and began volcanically heating the water to a enjoyable 90 degrees. Your skin may have a light sulfur odor after your dip in the pool. The park is located on the Hilo side of the island off Highway 137 just past the 10 mile marker.

KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS allows you to explore the coast line or head down streams to remote waterfalls. Guided tours available. For your safety DO NOT kayak if there is a small craft warning in effect.
Kona Boy Kayaks offers rentals of kayaks and snorkels. $45 for 2 person kayak or $25 for a one person kayak. Kayak, safety equipment, and car rack included. Overnight tours, full day, and half-day tours also available. Full instructions provided by a friendly and professional staff. Call 808 322-3600 for more information.
Ocean Safari’s Kayak Rentals, 808 326-4699- $45 for 2 person kayak or $25 for a one person kayak. Kayak, safety equipment, and car rack included. Monday-Friday kayak tours are available to sea caves, remote snorkel spots, and great cliff diving spots. $55 per person for a 3 1/2 hour guided adventure. Whale watching kayak tours are available December-May for $55-$73 per adult, Kids half price.
Adventures in Paradise Kayak Rentals & Tours, 866 824-2337 - Guided natural history tours by sea kayak along the beautiful Kona coast. Paddle and snorkel along dramatic lava cliffs and sea caves and possibly see spinner dolphins. Guided tours range between $70-$100 per person. Double kayak rentals are $45 for a 24 hour rental.

Swim among mysterious creatures of the deep on a MANTA RAY DIVE ADVENTURE. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Manta Rays swimming at twilight on a one tank dive. $70 per certified SCUBA dive. (Sorry, no beginners.) Dive gear rentals available. Snorkelers can accompany the divers for $45 per person but space is given to divers first. Whale Watching dives and other location dives also available. For more information and reservations call Kona Honu Divers at 808 324-4668.

PARASAILING at 300 feet gives you a view of the island usually birds only get to see! It's a fun and exciting ride. Some lucky parasailers get to see dolphins and whales while flying over Kailua bay! Prices range from $45-$60 per person, including transportation. Call UFO Parasailing at 808 325-5896 for more information and for reservations.

SCUBA DIVE to explore Hawaii’s unique marine environment. Sea Paradise SCUBA is a complete dive shop with daily boat trips to premier dive locations. Personal service with small groups with no more than 12 per dive. Guided dives, morning dives, afternoon dives, sunset/night dives, and intro dives available. Intro dives are $96 per person and includes everything. Certified divers are $85 per person including use of gear & two tanks of air. Rent an underwater video camera or underwater 35mm camera to capture your experience. Call Sea Paradise SCUBA at 808 322-2500 for more information and reservations.

Snorkeling with turtles at Keauhou Beach

Corals while Snorkeling at Keauhou Beach

SNORKELING allows you to enter into the amazing world of the ocean and explore the incredible creatures that live in it. Some find snorkeling a bit scary at first because it is weird to have your face under water and still be able to breath. It is very easy to get used to and opens a whole new world to you! Bring your own equipment, or it’s under $9 for a 1week rental. (From Kona call Snorkel Bob’s 808 329-0770, open 8-5 daily) Be sure to make a disposable underwater camera part of your equipment!!! Do not feed the fish, human food is not healthy to ocean creatures and it also causes the fish to frenzy. The best way to see the sea creatures is to just float and observe them doing what they naturally do. There is A LOT to see! Be a good reef visitor by not touching or taking marine life. Watch where your hands and fins are so you do not step on corals (live reef building animals) or other animals. WEAR WATERPROOF SUN SCREEN ABOVE SPF 15 !!! If your lotion is not waterproof you will burn badly! The sun is strongest 11-3. Limit your time in the direct sun to a 2 hour max.

Great SNORKELING can be found off shore at Kahalu’u Beach Park. You can swim along with turtles, butterfly fish, parrotfish, moorish idols, surgeon fish, tangs, moray eels…too many varieties in just as many colors to possibly mention. The waters are usually calm and suitable for any level snorkeler. The Beach Park is protected by what remains of a breakwater built by early Hawaiians to aid in fish farming. Experienced snorkelers, divers, and swimmers can access the open waters of the bay by a sand bar near the breakwater. This beautiful white sand beach has showers, restrooms, pavilions, food stand, snorkel gear rental, and lifeguards. High surf conditions can create a hazardous rip current so check the lifeguard stand for this and other warnings prior to entering the water. There is a map layout of the bay and its currents in front of a pavilion that is also worth checking out. For the health and safety of you and the marine creatures do not feed or touch them. It is very tempting to reach out an "pet" a beautiful fish or adorable turtle but they can be infected by germs passed by your loving touch and can become ill or even die. Some creatures may also try to defend themselves from your "petting" and could harm you if provoked. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are protected by a Federal law where you can not touch them and you must stay at least 500 feet away. They may approach you but you must never touch them. You may also encounter whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and Hawaiian Nene goose on your island adventures. These animals are also protected by the same federal law that turtles are. Kahalu'u Beach Park is about 6 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Alii Drive.

POPULAR SNORKELING SPOTS: Beginners to intermediate levels: West side of the island off Highway 19- Samuel Spencer Beach Park, Hapuna Beach State Park, Waikoloa Beach Park, and Kona Coast State Park. Kealakekua Bay and Ho'okena State Park are on the South-West side of the island are also excellent. For something unique go snorkeling at the black sand beach of Punalu'u, located on Highway 11. If you are a strong swimmer try an advanced snorkel at Richardson Ocean Park on the North side of the island.

Warning "HAPUNA BEACH in winter has a STRONG undertow! Be very very very careful!" Mahalo to Meg, USA for this insider tip!

SNORKEL/SAIL on Kona’s only sailing catamaran. Sail out to Pawai Bay where there are no crowds. They allot a maximum of 24 guests per trip to allow a more comfortable experience. 3 1/2 hour adventures depart daily at 9am and 1:30pm. $50 adults, $30 kids. Kamanu Charters 808 329-2021

On a SNORKEL/SCUBA CRUISE keep an eye open for dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales! You get breakfast and lunch, gear and instruction (prescription masks available), use of flotation water toys, 15’ water slide, and access to a no host bar. Departs daily from Kailua Peer. $84 per adult, $46 for children 6-17yrs for snorkel cruise including transportation , instruction, and equipment. No prior experience necessary. Intro SCUBA dives $144 including equipment, certified divers $134, no equipment. Body Glove Cruises, 808 326-7122. SCUBA instruction also available.

Information on SHARKS OF HAWAII AND WHY THEY ATTACK can be found at www.alohafriends.com/Sharks.html

There are incredible beaches all around the island for SUNBATHING AND OCEAN SWIMMING. Many where you can have the beach pretty much to yourself. The average year round water temperature for Hawaii is 76 degrees. The Big Island’s largest beach is Hapuna Beach. It has soft sand and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are plenty of shade trees, picnic pavilions, and parking space. WEAR WATERPROOF SUN SCREEN ABOVE SPF 15 !!!! If your lotion is not waterproof you will burn badly!

Big Island Girls SURF CAMP offers surf adventures for women and girl. The eight day camp includes accommodations, healthy meals, yoga/stretch class, surf lessons, local activities and adventures. Call Big Island Girls Surf Camp at 808 326-0269 for more information, available camp dates, and reservations.

A GREAT BEACH FOR KIDS AND SNORKELING that frequently offers you a private strip of sand is located on the KONA side of the island. "As you come down the long road to the marina in Kona, veer off to the left when you come to the parking lot area. At the edge of the parking lot (ocean side) there is a tiny raised area where you can park your car. Follow the path over the rocks and around the tide pools to a semi-hidden little inlet beach. This beach is frequently deserted, but is perfect for kids. Lots of tide pools, no high surf, excellent snorkeling in shallow water. Locals know about this beach, but I'm yet to see it mentioned in any major guidebooks. Coincidentally, on the other side of the marina is a path that leads to another strip of sand where locals like to sun bathe NUDE." Mahalo to Meg, USA for this insider tip!

SPORT FISHING: If you’ve dreamed of reeling in the biggest catch of your life the Pacific Ocean is the place to be. We recommend boats that will agree to any request to release billfish and will also allow you to take some of the catch home. The preservation of the Hawaiian fishing grounds is an important concern and fishermen releasing unneeded catch is a part in this preservation. The most popular sport fish caught around the Hawaiian Islands are Pacific Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Bigeye Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Black Marlin, Broadbill Swordfish, Shortbill Spearfish, Pacific Sailfish, Dolphinfish, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna. It is a fact that all fishing places, however fantastic they are, cannot guarantee that you will catch fish. When you charter a boat you are paying for is the opportunity to catch a large fish and the story of a lifetime. The Kona area of the Big Island is known to have the best catch rates in the islands, especially during mating season (April-August). Dress comfortably and prepare for direct sun exposure. There will be a place to retreat from the sun on the boat but don’t neglect the sunscreen! A waterproof SPF 30 or better. T-shirts and shorts, a light hat, polarized sunglasses, and deck shoes or sneakers are fine for a day on the water. For most boats you are asked to bring all of your food and drink aboard with you. Canned drinks, and some light snacks and sandwiches are a good idea. All boats will have fresh water, ice, and a way to keep your stuff cold aboard. There is a Hawaiian superstition that absolutely, positively, no bananas go on a fishing trip! It is considered to be unlucky to have bananas or anything with banana in it on a boat in Hawaii. Ask your skipper more about this Hawaiian kapu.
Kona Sportfishing Options:
Fish Wish 38’ Medusa 808 329-1328, 808 936-4383
•Fish Disposition: Tag & Release of Billfish and will cut table fish for customers upon request.
•Specialty trips offered: Overnighters and also does combination fish/dive trips
•Rates (plus 4% HI State Tax): Full day private: $625, 1/2 day private: $416, 3/4 day private: $520

38’ Pamela 808 329-1525
•Specialty trips offered: Night fishing for Ahi and Broadbill, and 2-3 day trips to South Point.
•Rates (plus 4% HI State Tax): Full day private: $600, 1/2 day private: $400, 3/4 day private: $500

Spellbound 808 329-9498
•Fish Disposition: Tag & Release of Billfish and will cut table fish for customers upon request.
•Rates (plus 4% HI State Tax): Full day private: $500, 1/2 day private: $300, 3/4 day private: $400

WHALE WATCH year round with Captain Dan McSweeney. Pilot Whales, Beaked Whales, Pygmy Killer Whales, False Killer Whales, Melon Headed Whales, green sea turtles, and dolphins are some of the amazing creatures seen on this adventure. 3 hour tours set sail on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. $55 per adult, $35 per child. Call 808 322-0028 for more information and reservations.

LIVING OCEAN ADVENTURES offers year round 3-1/2 hour whale watching trips on a 31-foot Bertram. Guaranteed sightings on every adventure. Call 808 325-5556 for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Prices for island activities featured within our site are NOT guaranteed. Since we are not affiliated with any of the activity providers we are not notified if services or prices change. You will need to contact the activity provider directly for a current price quote and for availability information.

Disclaimer : Our activity suggestions, tips, and Enews articles are based on our experiences and research. The information contained within this site and our Enews letter "Virtual Aloha" is meant to be a guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the islands and for visitors to explore what kinds of activities are available prior to arrival. Prices are listed to use as a guide to help determine what fits in each visitors budget and are subject to change by the activity provider. We are NOT affiliated with any activity provider and do NOT make any money from activity providers our suggestions! We are concerned with the quality of our suggestions and welcome positive and negative feedback about the activities. We, Mike and Kim Crinella, and our company, "A Friend in the Islands", will not be held responsible for any accidents, loss of property, or any other misfortunes associated with activities who's information is provided.
This page was created by and is maintained by Mike & Kim Crinella. All information, graphics, and photos contained in this web site are property of Mike & Kim Crinella. Reuse of anything for commercial purposes requires credit be given to Mike & Kim Crinella and A Friend in the Islands at www.alohafriends.com
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