Unforgettable Big Island Adventures: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Exploring Hidden Gems

Planning a trip to Hawaii and craving outdoor thrills? The Big Island is your ultimate playground! Get ready to dive into exciting activities that will leave you breathless.

When you envision a Hawaiian vacation, lounging on pristine beaches might be the first thing that comes to mind. And let’s be honest, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! The Big Island boasts some of the most stunning shorelines in the world, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

However, for those of us with a thirst for exploration, a purely beach-centric vacation can start to feel a bit monotonous. If you’re anything like me, you crave adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture and landscapes that a destination has to offer.

Fortunately, the Big Island of Hawaii is a treasure trove of outdoor activities. With its diverse terrain, ranging from volcanic deserts to lush rainforests, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner. So why limit yourself to the beach when you can experience the magic of the Big Island in all its glory?

Dive into the Best Big Island Adventures

In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite Big Island adventures, taking you beyond the beaches and into the heart of this incredible island. From kayaking and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring historic landmarks and hidden waterfalls, get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Previously, I recounted my exhilarating ziplining adventure in Hilo, offering a bird’s-eye view of the island’s verdant landscapes. I also shared my experience touring a charming, family-run coffee farm, where I learned about the art of coffee cultivation and indulged in the rich flavors of Hawaiian coffee. And of course, I couldn’t forget to mention the delicious culinary delights that the Big Island has to offer, from fresh seafood to traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Today, I’m thrilled to delve into the world of kayaking, snorkeling, and the fascinating history of the Kohala Ditch, offering you a taste of the diverse adventures that await you on the Big Island.

Kayaking and Snorkeling Paradise: Kealakekua Bay

On the fifth day of my Big Island adventure, I eagerly woke up before dawn to join the Morning Magic Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Kona Boys. This renowned surf, kayak, and dive shop has two convenient locations along the Kona coast, one in Kealakekua Bay and another on the beach in Kailua-Kona, right in front of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Kona Boys offers a wide array of outdoor adventure tours suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Setting Off on a Kayaking Expedition

The Morning Magic Kayak & Snorkel Tour kicks off at the Kona Boys shop, where we were fitted with top-notch snorkel gear and given a comprehensive safety briefing. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and prepared for the adventure ahead.

With our gear in tow, we made our way to the picturesque Kealakekua Bay. We paired up in two-person kayaks and paddled out into the tranquil waters, eager to explore the bay’s hidden treasures.

I’ve always been a fan of kayaking, but I don’t get to indulge in it as often as I’d like. At the time of this trip, I was admittedly a bit out of shape. While I managed to hold my own, my arms and shoulders definitely felt the burn! While kayaking doesn’t require Olympic-level athleticism, it does engage your upper body strength and stamina. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to partner up with one of the experienced guides.

Our guides were exceptional, ensuring that the group stayed together and providing us with fascinating insights into the history of the area as we paddled across the bay. Hawaiian history is truly captivating, and I was impressed by the guides’ passion for sharing the local legends and stories passed down through generations.

As we continued our kayaking journey, we were fortunate enough to encounter a pod of playful Nai’a (Hawaiian spinner dolphins). Although I wasn’t quick enough to capture any stunning photos, witnessing these graceful creatures in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. If you’ve never been in close proximity to dolphins in the open ocean, it’s an absolute must-do!

We kayaked across the bay to the protected shorelines of Ka’awaloa, where we parked our kayaks near the iconic Captain Cook monument. Our guides regaled us with tales of Captain Cook’s adventures, recounting his arrival as the first documented Westerner to set foot on Hawaiian soil. After the history lesson, it was time to plunge into the underwater world and snorkel in what is widely considered one of the most pristine reefs on the planet.

Snorkeling in a Marine Paradise

Kealakekua Bay is a haven for marine life, boasting over 200 species of reef fish, as well as turtles, eels, reef sharks, and rays. The vibrant colors and diverse ecosystem are truly awe-inspiring.

While I was enjoying a well-deserved lunch break, some of my fellow tour members were lucky enough to have dolphins swim right alongside them! I immediately abandoned my sandwich and grabbed my snorkel gear, but by the time I dove into the water, the dolphins had already moved on. Lesson learned: never underestimate the allure of Hawaiian dolphins!

However, I did get the chance to test out my GoPro underwater for the first time during these Big Island activities. I’ll admit, I’m not the most patient when it comes to reading instruction manuals, so I just winged it and managed to capture some cool shots of colorful fish and unique reef formations:

That last one totally looks like a brain. Am I right?

Here’s our valiant attempt at capturing a group photo underwater:

And here’s a snapshot of me underwater, looking as elegant and refined as ever… clearly, I’m not destined to be an underwater model! 🙂

Kayaking and snorkeling with Kona Boys was, to put it eloquently, a most excellent adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend this Big Island activity!

Kona Boys Kayaking & Snorkeling Tours start at $119 per adult and $99 per child. Visit the Kona Boys website for complete details and information about their surfing, scuba diving, and SUP rentals and tours.

Exploring the Historic Kohala Ditch (Currently Unavailable)

Sadly, I must share that the Kohala Ditch sustained significant damage shortly after our visit to the Big Island. As a result, Kohala Ditch Adventures has had to close its doors.

However, they are offering alternative Big Island activities, such as ATV Outfitter Adventures. One of the ATV tours takes you along the Kohala Ditch Trails and the stunning Kohala coastline.

On the ATV tours, you can still witness some of the breathtaking scenery that we experienced during our Kohala Ditch Adventure.

During the Kohala Ditch Adventure, we kayaked through earth tunnels high in the mountains of the famed Kohala Ditch System. This incredible engineering feat was constructed in just 18 months and comprises over 22 miles of flumes and tunnels that transported water for sugar cane irrigation, contributing to the prosperity of the area thanks to the Kohala Sugar Company. Although the Sugar Company eventually closed and the last sugar cane harvest took place in 1975, the ditch system has remained a testament to human ingenuity.

Some of the tunnels were incredibly narrow, requiring taller individuals to duck their heads for much of the journey. Some tunnels were short and sweet, while others seemed to stretch on forever. We used headlamps to navigate through the pitch-black tunnels, where we could see glimmering crystal formations on the rocks above us.

While the Kohala Ditch Adventure tours are no longer available, I encourage you to explore the ATV Outfitters Adventure tours if you’re visiting the Kohala region. It’s a fantastic way to glimpse into the area’s rich history. And the town itself boasts a variety of charming shops and restaurants.

Explore More Big Island Travel Stories

• Lodging, Ziplining, Black Sand Beaches on Hawaii, the Big Island
• Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm Tour on Hawaii, the Big Island

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