Big Island of Hawaii Half-day Tours

Jill our tour guide did an amazing job. Very knowledgeable and personable. Would definitely recommend this tour.

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 are a family ranging from 4 to 73 y/o. We enjoyed the boat ride although sitting for awhile in a bumpy ride is not so comfortable still we had fun. Captain and crew were very friendly and informative. We saw a lot if dolphins and fishes while snorkeling at captain cook. We wish we even had more time snorkeling. My niece 6 y/o and nephew 4 y/o was their first time snorkeling and they were experts right away. I was kinda scared for them going into the water but they actually had the most fun. There was enough lunch and snacks and drinks for our family. We even brought home the leftovers. It’s also easy to find the location and once you book, you just show up and they were really nice. They even gave us sun screen to use. Also everything is provided for the snorkeling.

Amazing, incredible, fun, beautiful!!! Brian and Tracey were amazing! The best experience so far on the Island and best fishing experience ever! We caught sooooooo many fish, including a 20lb Wahoo! Don’t waste your time going elsewhere🐟😍

Fabulous experience for my family. Super easy pick up from the Pride of America and off we went to the volcano national park. Our guide Jodi was amazing. We had so much fun at the park exploring the different areas. Everything about this adventure was fantastic for my family and I highly recommend!

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.

Over all great experience! Highly recommend!! The boat was super fast!!! Quality equipment!! I’ve always had issues with the mask leaking but NOT on this trip! Was able to enjoy the snorkeling!! Mitch and Riley lead us to spinner dolphins! Will book again next time we are back on the Big Island!

A wonderful charter experience that was easy going and supplied everything we needed so was stress free Led by Captain Mitch and Riley as guide. The 10 person boat was great to avoid crowds and get in and out of site with ease. We had one family member not comfortable with the ocean/snorkleing but the guide and captain made her uncomfortable with the experience she was in the water the entire time! We saw beautiful coral reefs and a multitude of fosh along with spinner dolphins chasing our wake. The captain and guide were top notch and very knowledgeable about the marine life and history of Hawaii. Can’t wait to call them and book next trip to the Big island.

This was a very fun family event with snorkeling and having dolphins swim next to us and behind us. The snacks were tasty. Highly recommend!!

This was an amazing tour. We thoroughly enjoyed everything, Jodi is so engaging and knowledgeable. We had adults and teenagers and everyone enjoyed our tour. She customized to what we did and didn't want to do, timed it so we beat the crowds and buses. Highly recommend

Jill was great. She had us laughing from the start. We stopped at Rainbow Falls to start and it was great to learn about the significance of the falls to the community. We then headed up to the Volcano National Park, it was eye opening, we hoped to see the eruption, but only steam. Jill shared a lot of info on the history of eruptions and what it meant/means for the community, great opportunity to learn. We really enjoyed walking in the lava tube. We stopped at a local chocolate store at the end and bought some home. Overall a great way to spend a day in Hilo.Thank you, Michael

We contacted several tour companies looking for a private tour. Malahini was the first we found that was very accommodating for a private small group tour. We had other plans that day and our guide adjusted the tour to meet our needs. Dan was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and fun. He made the day a great experience. Highly recommend this private tour.

We went to Rainbow Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Dan was very good and provided excellent commentary. It was a very good experience

I had a great experience New Year’s day with Colin. It was my family of 5 and it felt very personal and fun. We saw dolphins, whales, and lots of fish. The snorkeling spot was awesome, and the food and drink provided was wonderful. They also have prescription goggles with was nice and the whole trip was very accommodating. Colin told us all about history on the island and went above and beyond with the history and sight seeing.

So much fun! Had a great day on the water with Kihe and Erika showing us all the great fishing spots off the coast. Caught lots of fish and just had such a nice time hanging out and relaxing. Highly recommend this charter!

There were 8 of us on a family trip to hawaii and we had the most amazing day with Morgan as our driver/tour guide. He was so fun, knowledgeable about the island, and the best photographer. We saw so many amazing sights and he was fully prepared with all of the things we needed for our beach time. The van was so comfy and the day flew by (in the best way) ! Highlight of our trip in Hawaii. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see all the cool things Hilo has to offer.