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Island of Hawaii Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Island of Hawaii Cruises & boat tours

Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

1. Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise

Hawaii is the only state in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve and nurse their young. Humpbacks may find Hawaii suitable because of the warm waters, the underwater visibility, the variety of ocean depths and the lack of natural predators. Mothers can be seen breaching alongside their calves and males can be seen competing with one another for females in fierce head-to-head battles. Join a 2.5-hour cruise as you follow these magnificent sea creatures and listen to their singing using the underwater hydrophones. Snacks and beverages will be available during your cruise providing a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.

Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

2. Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

Snorkeling with manta rays is a must-do while in Hawaii! Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see manta rays up close. Feed and interact with other ocean creatures on this cruise trip. After a safety briefing, gear up with the snorkeling equipment and wet suits provided. Relax and enjoy the cruise with drinks and snacks on board. Bring your underwater camera for photos and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

From Hawaii: Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay

3. From Hawaii: Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay

Step aboard and step back in time. Hop aboard a sunset dinner cruise in Kona for an enchanting Hawaiian history lesson from the experts. This family adventure departs from the Kailua Pier and is narrated by a local historian tour guide, who will reveal secrets, tell stories, and share legends related to the numerous landmarks along the 12 miles of magnificent Kona coastline. Unwind while you admire Captain Cook’s Monument at Historical Kealakekua Bay (only accessible by boat or hiking) with a complimentary cocktail from a fully stocked, premium bar. Begin your delicious dinner starting with an appetizer of Mauna Loa Big Island Macadamia Nuts (Vegan/GF). Then, enjoy a salad starter of Kealaola Farm mixed salad greens, Waimea grape tomatoes, Japanese cucumber, and red onion (Vegan/GF), served with house-made Maui Onion vinaigrette dressing (Vegan/GF). For your main course, choose the Thai coconut curry with Hamakua sweet potatoes, Hawaiian breadfruit, carrots, and bell peppers (Vegan/GF). Or, opt for steamed jasmine rice (Vegan/GF) with Kiawe mango barbecue pork short ribs served with papaya salsa (GF) and island-baked coconut dinner rolls served with butter (Vegetarian). Your dessert is a cheesecake with a local Lilikoi glaze (Vegetarian). Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales throughout the evening. Enjoy live music from some of the Big Island's best entertainers performing slack-key Hawaiian Style music. Catch the sunset on the water and make sure to look for the famous Green Flash, a fleeting glimmer of intense emerald light that appears on the horizon just after sunset. Other highlights include the Ahu’ena Heiau, the Holua Slide, and the famous Kuamo’o Battlefield, just to name a few.

From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook's Monument

4. From Keauhou Bay: Snorkel Cruise to Captain Cook's Monument

Embark on an unforgettable day at sea from Keauhou Bay to Captain Cook's Monument on a guided Yacht trip. Enjoy scenic views of the Kona coast as you sail and indulge in tasty light snacks and tropical fruit juice. Meet your guide at the Keauhou Bay Pier. Hop aboard, relax and enjoy the ride. Cruise past rock formations, stop at beautiful coves, and soak in the views. Set sail along the beautiful Kona coast on a trip from Keauhou Bay, marvel at the ancient Kealakekua Bay, and see the Captain Cook Monument. Splash into the clear waters to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe onboard. Spot the colorful fish underneath the water, and take photos with your marine camera of the dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy site briefings and snorkeling tips from the crew members. Life jackets, floatation noodles, viewfinder boards, masks, fins, and snorkels are provided. Energize yourself with fruits and tropical juice. The crew will help you enter and exit the water if needed and will provide fish identification cards. They will even take you on a guided snorkeling tour.

Big Island: Snorkel with Manta Rays - Manta Guarantee

5. Big Island: Snorkel with Manta Rays - Manta Guarantee

As you arrive at Keauhou Bay you will be fitted for wetsuits and then board a 45 ft spacious sailing trimaran. As the sun sets you will coast to the World Famous Manta Ray Village. A quick boat ride and you will arrive at the site where expert tour guides will provide you with a knowledgeable and professional briefing as they prepare you to enter the water. After the briefing the crew will guide you onto a state of the art manta floatation devise. Here you will float above the manta rays as they dance below you feeding on microscopic plankton. The plankton rises from the bottom of the ocean at night and is attracted to the light source attached to the manta float. As your incredible snorkel experience with these gentle rays comes to an end, your crew will guide you back onboard where snacks and hot cocoa await. Snorkel time is approximately 45 minutes.

From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

6. From Hawaii: Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Experience with BBQ

Join a morning snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruise with paddleboards and kids' activities from Kailua-Kona and explore the underwater world off the coast of Hawaii. Enjoy a light breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and a full-service premium cash bar throughout your trip. Start with an early-morning departure and cruise ten miles down the spectacular Kona coastline to reach your snorkeling destination for the day, a protected marine sanctuary. As you travel, enjoy a light breakfast of tropical fruits, assorted pastries, bagels, juices, teas, and Kona coffee. Then, sit back and enjoy the boat's comfortable amenities, including a large shaded cabin with cushioned seating, 3 restrooms, and freshwater showers. Once you arrive at your snorkeling spot, get kitted out with your mask, fins, and snorkel. Prescription masks are also available. If you're new to snorkeling, take advantage of a short introduction to snorkeling offered by the lifeguard-trained crew. You'll also have access to a host of flotation toys, including noodles, vests, inner tubes, and more. Or, make use of the stand-up paddleboards available on board at no additional cost. A waterslide and high-dive platform also provide endless entertainment for the kids. Or, if you just feel like kicking back and doing nothing, check out the floating "relaxation station". Your crew will even swim your refreshments out to you at your station. And while you're exploring, having fun, or just unwinding, the crew will be preparing lunch. Once you're done snorkeling, belly up to a full-service premium cash bar, featuring a large selection of liquors, mixes, and local brews. Your Kona snorkeling cruise comes to an end with a return transfer back to the harbor in Kailua-Kona.

Big Island: 3 Hour Waikoloa Snorkeling & Sailing Adventure

7. Big Island: 3 Hour Waikoloa Snorkeling & Sailing Adventure

The iconic Spirit of Aloha provides the ultimate in sailing comfort and snorkeling fun. Choose from morning or afternoon excursions, where you are likely to see dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life unique to the warm waters of Hawaii. Explore parts of the Big Island Kona coast on the Waikoloa and Kohala-Kona coastline aboard a 54-foot sailing catamaran. Dolphins, green sea turtles and seasonal whales are some of the creatures that can be seen. Board from Anaehoomalu Bay to snorkel, sail, enjoy and relax. The custom-designed sunset-orange and maile lei sail is a stunning contrast to the azure Pacific as it sails along the blue Pacific ocean. Itineraries include morning and afternoon snorkel sails, and sunset cruises. The beautiful 53-foot (16-m), custom-built catamaran offers a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing ride. There is onboard bar, plenty of shade, 2 restrooms, ample seating both indoors and outside, fresh-water shower rinse, and a sound system. Lifeguard-certified, in-water guides are there for your service and comfort. During whale season December through April, majestic humpbacks are likely to be spotted. Snacks and beverages served aboard.

West O'ahu: Swim with Dolphins Catamaran Cruise

8. West O'ahu: Swim with Dolphins Catamaran Cruise

Go on an exciting cruise on the lookout for dolphins. Board a double-hulled catamaran and enjoy a comfortable and stable ride as you enjoy the scenery and look for the sea creatures. Relax aboard the vessel and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Luxuriate on the clear waters of West O’ahu, and look for the wild dolphins swimming gracefully in small or large groups Search also for Hawaiian green turtles, tropical island fish, and other rare wild sea creatures. During the winter months, you also might catch sight of the annual migration of humpback whales as they playfully swim the West O’ahu ocean waters. On your return journey, view the majestic cascading views of the Waianae Mountain range as you voyage back towards port.

Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour

9. Kona: Kalaoa Midday Whale Watching Tour

Marvel at humpback whales on a catamaran cruise as it's finally the time of year when these creatures return to the Hawaiian islands. Learn about the majestic creatures and the local area as you sail aboard the Kibou. Sit back and enjoy views of whales, turquoise waters, and mountains. Step aboard the Kibou in Kalaoa and explore the incredible Kailua-Kona coast while searching for humpback whales migrating from Alaska. Get up-close views of the whales as they breach the surface of the water. Learn about the majestic creatures and the local area from the experienced crew. Bring your own drinks, sit back and relax on the catamaran, enjoying views of the beautiful turquoise waters and mountainous island. Return to shore, your head full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Big Island: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Sail from Waikoloa

10. Big Island: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Sail from Waikoloa

Explore the Waikoloa and Kohala Kona coastline aboard a 54-foot sailing catamaran. Catch the moment the sun slips below the horizon while you enjoy the cruise with a loved one. You may even see the green flash.  Board from Anaehoomalu Bay to snorkel, sail, and relax. The custom-designed sunset-orange and maile lei sail is a stunning contrast to the azure Pacific as it sails along the blue Pacific ocean. Bask in the romance and relaxation of a stunning Kona-Kohala sunset cruise.  While you are on board, benefit from snacks and beverages served to you. Enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, two free bar drink tickets per adult, or purchase extra alcoholic beverages to feel at ease all night.

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What people are saying about Island of Hawaii

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 95 reviews

We were fortunate and had good whale activity and great weather. As for hangloose they were excellent! Very nice and also entertaining. They gave us plenty of time watching and following the whales. They had free snacks and drinks and were very attentive to come around and offer snacks and drinks which I thought went above and beyond. I definitely recommend this company! I had to switch the day of the tour because of weather. I called ahead of time and they were really nice and easy to work with!

It was fantastic! We could not have had a better experience! Simon, Hayden, and Jonah were all great with the knowledge they shared. While they can’t guarantee that you’ll see a whale, they took us out to the best possible location. Even after we saw several, they continued to be in search and provided a fabulous experience!

Saw whales up close. also spinner dolphins but they only breached the water, guess they were not in a mood to show off at the moment.

The captain was willing to stay with the cruise until we had excellent luck with the whale sightings.

An absolute must do if you have the opportunity! Beautiful experience.