Live the island

The Big Island is the most geologically diverse place on earth. Lava fields, rainforests, snow-capped peaks, and the clearest water you’ve ever snorkelled. Here’s how to experience all of it.

Ocean & Water

Get in the water

COVES, WATER TRAILS & HISTORIC MONUMENTS

Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook Monument (Kayaking)

A spectacular 315-acre Marine Life Conservation District along the South Kona coast, renowned for its brilliant coral reefs, deep historical significance, and pods of wild spinner dolphins. Kayaking across the calm, mile-wide bay is a quintessential Big Island experience that leads straight to the pristine waters of Kaʻawaloa Cove. Standing on the shoreline is a 27-foot white obelisk commemorating the 1779 passing of British explorer Captain James Cook.

World-Class Snorkeling

Marine Life & Dolphin Sightings

Guided Kayak Excursions

ICONIC KONA SURF BREAKS & EXPERT WAVES

Banyans & Lyman's Surf Break

Two of the most celebrated and distinct surf spots on the Kona Coast, located just down the road from one another along Aliʻi Drive. Banyans is an exposed, high-energy reef break that offers fast, punchy A-frame peaks over a shallow reef, making it a highly consistent year-round hot-spot for advanced surfers and local pros. Just south lies Lyman’s, a classic deep-water point break famous for its powerful, beautifully peeling left-handed waves that are a favorite for longboarders and big winter swells—traditionally known as the sacred spot where King Kamehameha I practiced the art of surfing.

High-Performance Waves at Banyans

Left-Hand Point Break at Lyman’s

Rich Hawaiian Royal History

FRINGING CORAL REEFS & BEGINNER SURF

Kahalu'u Beach Park (beginner surf + snorkel)

A shallow, calm bay protected by an ancient underwater rock wall. It features crystal-clear waters perfect for novice snorkelers, high-visibility coral reefs, abundant honu (green sea turtles), and gentle waves ideal for first-time surf lessons.

Calm Reef Basin

Guaranteed Sea Turtle Sightings

Top Beginner Surf Spot

VOLCANIC REEFS & CRYSTAL SNORKELING

Two Step / Honaunau Bay (snorkeling)

A premier snorkeling destination adjacent to the historic national park. Famous for its natural two-step lava rock ledges that serve as an easy launch point, the bay features flawless visibility, thriving coral flats, and regular spinner dolphin sightings.

Natural Lava Entry Ledges

Pristine Coral Gardens

Frequent Dolphin Encounters

NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

Manta Ray Night Swim — Keauhou Bay

An exhilarating evening excursion to “Manta Ray Village,” widely known as one of the world’s most consistent and successful manta ray viewing locations. Snorkelers float comfortably at the surface while holding onto a specialized, illuminated light board that attracts plankton, drawing giant, graceful manta rays inches away to glide and barrel roll directly beneath you.

Ultra-Short 5-Minute Boat Ride to Site

High-Illumination LED Floating Light Boards

Snorkel Gear & Wetsuits Included

DISAPPEARING SANDS & SURF BREAKS

Magic Sands Beach (La'aloa)

Famous for its “magic” sand that vanishes during winter swells to reveal a rocky lava shelf, then returns as a pristine white sand beach in calmer months. It is a high-energy local favorite for bodyboarding, swimming, and sunset watching directly on Aliʻi Drive.

conic “Disappearing” Sand Phenomenon

Top-Tier Bodyboarding & Bodysurfing

Lifeguard on Duty & On-site Showers

Hiking

Walk on the mountain

VOLCANIC TREK & PREMIUM REEF

Captain Cook Monument Trail

A challenging 3.6-mile out-and-back trail that drops roughly 1,300 feet down a rocky volcanic hillside to the edge of the water. The trail is heavily exposed to the elements, making the steep return climb exceptionally hot, but it leads directly to incredible, untouched snorkeling and historical coastal landmarks.

1,300-Foot Elevation Change

Sturdy Footwear & Stash of Water Mandatory

World-Class Snorkeling & Dolphin Sightings

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK & ROYAL GROUNDS

Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge)

A highly sacred 420-acre national historical park that served as a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers and defeated warriors seeking absolution from a priest. The beautifully preserved grounds feature a massive 960-foot-long lava rock wall, royal fishponds, and striking kiʻi (carved wooden statues) guarding a historic temple.

Rich Cultural & Spiritual History

Reconstructed Kiʻi Wooden Statues

Self-Guided Walking Tours

DRAMATIC SEA CLIFFS & VOLCANIC VALLEYS

Pololū Valley Lookout & Trail

A spectacular overlook at the literal end of the northern highway, providing panoramic views of massive emerald sea cliffs dropping into the ocean. A short, steep 0.6-mile switchback trail leads down a rugged volcanic hillside to a prehistoric black sand beach on the valley floor.

Jaw-Dropping Coastal Panoramas

Striking Black Sand Beach

Treacherous Rip Currents (Swimming Strictly Discouraged)

SECLUDED WHITE SANDS & LAVA TREK

Makalawena Beach Trail

A remote 2.2 to 4-mile round-trip trek across a rugged, unshaded lava field to a pristine, undeveloped white sand beach. Located in Kekaha Kai State Park, it features crystal turquoise waters and the most extensive sand dunes in the Kona district.

Pristine, Uncrowded Coastline

Crystal Clear Swimming & Snorkeling

conic Coastal Sand Dunes

Volcano

Get on the Rock

DYNAMIC GEOLOGY & SACRED VOLCANOES

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

A vast 333,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The dramatic landscape features contrasting ecosystems that range from barren lava fields and active steam vents to dense, lush tropical rainforests.

Crater Rim Drive Scenic Tour

Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) Walk

Nighttime Eruption Glows & Volcanic Viewing

Bonus

Ready For Something Great

ASTRONOMICAL GATEWAY & STARRY SKIES

Mauna Kea Visitor Center / Stargazing

A high-altitude destination at 9,200 feet ideal for safety acclimation before proceeding up the mountain. It serves as a prime stargazing location, offering educational exhibits on astronomy and Hawaiian culture, safety briefings, and stargazing programs.

Essential High-Altitude Acclimation

Reservation-Based Stargazing

Astronomy & Cultural Exhibits

Click and receive 15% off when you book direct