Big Island of Hawaii Half-day Tours

20/10 — One of the Most Incredible Ocean Experiences We’ve Ever Had!I honestly don’t know how to give Scott, Kate, and Kona Ocean Adventures enough stars for the experience they gave us tonight. Five stars doesn’t even come close. This was a 20/10 experience from beginning to end.We booked their private sunset snorkeling trip, rustic dinner, and nighttime manta ray experience, and the entire evening was absolutely incredible.A little perspective: we’re from Florida, we’re scuba divers, and we spend a lot of time in and around the ocean—so it takes quite a bit to really blow us away. Scott and Kate absolutely did.The sunset snorkel alone would have made the trip worth it. We saw an unbelievable amount of marine life—puffer fish, purple tangs, yellow tangs, unicorn tangs, blue boxfish, angelfish, foxface, all kinds of wrasses, urchins and so much more.And then there was the monk seal.A HUGE monk seal came right up between the boats and literally used the line between them to brush her teeth! 😂 We just sat there watching her work the rope through her mouth like dental floss. It was one of those completely unexpected wildlife encounters you know you’ll be talking about for years.But somehow the night was just getting started.The nighttime manta ray experience was absolutely unreal.We had at least SIX different manta rays swimming with us, and when I say close, I mean INCHES FROM OUR FACES.They came straight toward us and did barrel roll after barrel roll directly underneath us. At times they were so close you could look straight into their mouths as they rolled beneath you. They actually made physical contact with us multiple times as they passed.We have video of it, and even watching the video doesn’t completely capture what it felt like to actually be there.There were moments when you’re floating on the surface, looking down at these enormous animals coming straight toward you, and your brain is telling you there’s no possible way they can get any closer—then they roll at the last second and pass just inches underneath you.Again. And again. And again.It was spectacular.What really made the evening, though, was Scott and Kate. A private charter is supposed to feel different from being shuffled through a big commercial tour, and this absolutely did. They made the entire evening personal, relaxed, fun and memorable. You never felt rushed or like you were just the next group being moved through an itinerary.The sunset, snorkeling, dinner, wildlife, manta rays and the personal attention from Scott and Kate all came together into one of those rare vacation experiences that completely exceeds what you thought you were booking.We’ve done a lot of ocean activities and diving over the years, and this is easily one of the coolest marine experiences we have ever had.If you’re coming to Kona and considering a manta ray trip, do yourself a favor and book the private experience with Kona Ocean Adventures. Especially if you want something more personal than a large-group excursion.Scott and Kate — thank you for an absolutely unforgettable evening.We came hoping to see some manta rays.We left having watched at least six of them barrel roll inches from our faces, had a monk seal stop by to floss her teeth, saw an incredible variety of Hawaiian marine life, and made a memory we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives.Five stars isn’t enough. 20/10. Absolutely phenomenal. 🤙🌅🌊🤿

We dove with Kona adventures in January and then again this week in July and both experiences were top-notch. They were friendly professional and accommodating. Both dives we saw Tiger shark turtles eagle rays rock fish and all the other animals of the sea. This trip we got to jump into a pot of dolphins and swim with them for a little bit. The post refreshments have never been better. Highly recommend this group.

We worked with the company to do a special booking of this, and did a 3 hour private sunset cruise. We didn't do a lot of the exciting stuff that others might do because my wife isn't a swimmer, so we sailed around, so some wild life from the boat, and caught an amazing sunset. They cut us a deal by making it a bit shorter than normal, picked us up at our resort, and served us food and wine on the boat. It was a gorgeous trip for our anniversary. Raj and Hanna were our captains and were both extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and did a great job at making the night special for us. We caught about the most gorgeous sunset I've ever seen, and saw some nice wildlife along the way.

The private Manta snorkel event was so much fun. My entire family went and it was fantastic. Captain Scott was super friendly and was very knowledgeable when my kids asked questions. He brought a book and showed us photos of all the creatures we were about to see. Our guide Kate made the snorkeling experience effortless. Anytime we lost a noodle she would swim over for us and retrieve it. She was able to identify all the creatures we saw which elevated the experience since we knew what we were looking at. Seeing the manta rays were breathtaking. At one point we had three of them all belly rolling around us. It was so much fun we will definitely do it again soon.

Went for a discovery scuba dive with them (very little experience before). My dive instructor (Kate) did a fantastic job. It was the right amount of making sure I was okay and safe but letting me do it on my own and experience sucba diving. Even got a ton of underwater pictures and videos from her to capture the dives. Would highly recommend them! Really felt like a family experience going out with them! They made sure I was very well taken care of out there. I felt very safe diving with them and would highly recommend.Bonus was we even go to see a bunch of dolphins that came right up to the boat! It was just a surreal experience. Really felt in touch with them there and seeing them in their natural habitat!

Great time, great crew, personal service and efficient operation. We took a twilight, combined dive/snorkel trip, including one daylight dive/snorkel and one nighttime manta ray dive/snorkel experience. We were two separate private groups, five total, three divers and two snorklers, w a boat captain, dive guide and snorkel guide. Picked up two more small groups for the manta ray experience. Personal attention, suited for experienced or novice divers, snorkelers or both. Highly recommended. If it costs a bit more than a larger boat, it's worth it.

We were in Hawaii this week for honeymoon and decided to see what the night manta ray experience was an about. And wow- we did not know what was waiting for us. Firstly- Capt Troy and Joe are fiercely knowledgeable, committee to the highest level of customer service (still impressed by the charc board), and as a bonus hilarious and charming. We had the BEST time. We saw a family of whales play but also HEARD them with a hydrophone. I’ve been whale watching before and never experienced them this way. When it came to getting in the water I was a little nervous and all those nerves went away with the right coaching. It was truly magical and now I have to decide if the whale or manta ray is my new spirit animal. Don’t hesitate, book a tour, ask for Troy and Joe and prepare to be amazed. PS Joe’s editing skills, the video he made for us- top notch!!

Mac jana and t Roy were the best guides and crew of all time. We saw a 10 ft tiger, 2 octopus, frog fish, turtles. Very friendly and knowledgable. Great morning!!!!

We had an amazing snorkel adventure with Kona Ocean Adventures! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The crew was fantastic, the boat was comfortable and well-kept, and we loved the little touches like drinks and snacks — and even lavender hot towels at the end, which felt so luxurious.We saw so many fish and truly loved our day out on the water. Katelyn and Danny were absolutely the best — knowledgeable, fun, and made everyone feel safe and relaxed while still having a great time.We had so much fun that we booked again just a few days later to go swimming with the manta rays, which was another unforgettable experience. I highly recommend Kona Ocean Adventures for their tours, but honestly, it’s the crew that makes it exceptional. Can’t wait to come back! 🌊🐠✨

We had an incredible experience with Kona Ocean Adventures. Katelyn was our snorkel guide at the beginning of our trip and she was so fantastic that we immediately booked the nighttime manta ray swim with her as well. Her personality, knowledge, and attention to detail truly set the experience apart. Danny and Scott were excellent captains. The trips were smooth, well run, and genuinely fun, with thoughtful touches like snacks, drinks, and face towels that made everything feel easy and elevated. The team did an amazing job teaching, guiding, and creating an experience that felt both professional and personal. Highly recommend.

I've done some cool things in my life but this ranks up there in my top 3 EVER!! The crew was amazing. Thanks Joe, Ryan and T-roy (Troy lol) you three were terrific tour guides. We had a lovely lunch and there was a warm shower to rinse off after the snorkel. Half of our group did the manta dive and half of us did the snorkel. They were so accommodating, friendly and helpful. The seas were a bit rough, but Joe was a rockstar maneuvering our board around so we could see the mantas. It's an experience I will never forget. So majestic, I felt the hand of God. There just aren't words to describe this epic adventure. We really liked having the boat to ourselves. They even handed out heated, wet towels at the end. What a decadent touch. No idea how they kept them so warm. Highly recommend this company.

A great day with T-Roy and Nick ! You won’t regret it ! Especially if this is your 1st time in Kona , like Us . We did a private moment with our family of 4. Great snorkeling and kid friendly as our 3 and 11 year old loved it ! We got to dive into a bait ball (thousands of fish) and enjoy some great swimming. They were easy going,Flexible and beyond hospitable! They made the ride so enjoyable and care free. Also adding in some great history of the island.

I can't say enough GREAT things about Kona Ocean Adventures and Captain Gina! They are always the absolute best. And if you're considering a private charter like we often do, you should NOT book through anyone but them. With our latest booking, there were gale force winds and many charters (believe me, I know!) would have risked it just because they don't get paid if they don't get out. But Kona Ocean Adventures will always consider not just safety but COMFORT. We were so grateful when Captain Gina called us and said we might be miserable if we went out and we were able to cancel even though we weren't able to rebook. A LOT of boats would have risked our comfort to make a fast buck. I will always book through them because I know that they truly care and want us to have the BEST experience. Mahalo, Captain Gina and Kona Ocean Adventures. We will be back!

We took an early morning whale watching tour with Kona Ocean Adventures. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Captain Danny and First Mate were phenomenal. There knew all the right places to see whales. Knowledgeable, professional, friendly, even had a good lunch. Will definitely use them again.

Fantastic company and crew. Hana and Fernando had us right on time and right out to the water. They put together a great itinerary for our group of 8. Right from the start we had multiple whale sightings and then went down the coast to see caves and snorkel. Great snorkel location she chose and saw tangs, many other fish and even turtles swimming by. On our way back even had some dolphins jumping out in the big water. Overall super knowledgeable crew and very gracious catering to our crowd. Only thing we didn’t get to see was a tsunami but maybe next time. Highly recommend KOA!

This was our first time on a boat. We did a private tour. Troy and Justin were so amazing! They made sure we all had a great time and were very patient with all of us as we tried snorkeling and paddle boarding for the first time. They gave us great instructions and helped us out as 2 of us got very sea sick. This is a great tour with wonderful staff. Highly recommend!