Top Big Island of Hawaii Dining Experiences

Spend an evening immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with this excursion to the Royal Kona Resort Luau. Choose your ideal time for the outing — the luau occurs four nights a week⁠ — then enjoy a shell lei greeting and sip tropical drinks while admiring beautiful views of Kailua Bay. Savor a delicious buffet with traditional island food while watching a Polynesian stage production.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short cruise out to the manta site, where you’ll watch the beautiful Hawaiian before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks to enjoy on board. Your tour will conclude at its original departure point. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night--no charge.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to the bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

If you find yourself scouring Big Island reviews for the best luau in Kona, be sure to check out the Island Breeze luau, located right downtown. This immensely popular Big Island luau features shows from around Polynesia, with performances ranging from Fijian war dances to traditional Hawaiian hula. The night is capped off by the heart-pounding action of the Samoan fire and knife show, and you can feast on a filling Hawaiian buffet that’s paired with an open bar.

Have the opportunity to admire wild manta rays in their natural habitat on this evening cruise. Set sail after dark, when the manta rays come out to feed on plankton, and use a custom-made lightboard that attracts the rays. Float through the warm waters for up to 40 minutes, use your snorkel to watch as the rays swim and feed, and learn more about the majestic creatures from your guide.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. Make the most of your opportunity by joining this boat tour led by a guide who knows the area well. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them.

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

This half-day boat cruise takes you to the two best snorkeling sites in Kealakekua Bay: The reef beneath Captain Cook's monument and the underwater lava formations of Red Hill. In addition to breakfast and lunch, your guides provide all necessary equipment, basic snorkeling tips, and identification charts to help you spot fish and dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t forget your camera—the route showcases sweeping views of the Kona coastline.

On this exciting Kona submarine tour, dive deep below the cobalt waters just off the Kona coast, where an entire world of fish and marine creatures is waiting just below the surface. As the submarine descends towards the colorful reef, peer through the portholes at fish that swim to within inches of the submarine windows, and experience the sense of peace and calm in this world beneath the waves. This is a great way to explore underwater without even getting your hair wet, and, if you’re very lucky, there’s even the chance you could see a passing shark.

Sail up the scenic Kona coastline, getting views of ancient lava flows and verdant cliffs, and stopping at the Captain Cook Monument, on this afternoon sail in Kealakekua Bay. Slip into the water using the provided snorkeling gear to see vibrant schools of fish, living coral, and even pods of spinner dolphins. Learn about the area's underwater flora, fauna, and ecosystem through guided commentary.

Casually cruise the Kona coastline and snorkel with tropical marine life, as you splash in the waters of Kealakekua Bay on this deluxe Kona snorkeling cruise. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and professional instruction makes this Big Island snorkeling cruise a fun-filled family adventure. On the cruise between shore and the snorkeling site, keep your eyes peeled for spinner dolphins, turtles or even manta rays, and enjoy views of volcanic formations along the Kona coast.

The luau is held at the beautiful Mauna Lani, Auberge Resort at Kalāhuipuaʻa, which is a historical area where ancient Hawaiians mastered the art of aquaculture and where King Kamehameha came to recuperate and work in the fishponds. Guests are welcomed with a traditional Oli (chant) in preparation for preliminary activities with the cast. After the activities, watch as the pig is taken out of the traditional imu pit before it is prepared for the Hawaiian buffet. The program is capped off by a performance of traditional and modern Hula dances, along with the spectacular Samoan Siva Afi (fire knife dance).

Goodbye, generic restaurant dinners. Hello, unforgettable dining experience overlooking Kulaniapia Falls, Hawaii's top private waterfall. With daytime access to this exclusive property, you’ll get immersed in Hawaii’s natural beauty, exploring lush gardens and tranquil streams before noshing on local and global culinary delights. Needless to say, the splendor of nature pairs well with each bite.

Join us under the canopy for a chocolate tasting experience and farm tour. Learn about how cacao is grown and processed and then savor the rich history of chocolate while tasting 10 different single origin bars, all of which originate from different award winning farms around the Hawaiian Archipelago. We will also try fresh cacao juice, roasted cacao beans, cacao tea, and other delectable fruits and treats that are seasonally available around the farm. Through this experience, you'll come to appreciate the incredible diversity of flavor in single origin Hawaiian Craft Chocolate. Similar to the flavor differences found in wine, craft chocolate is a new frontier in the exploration of terroir - or how genetics and location work together to dramatically influence flavor. In the cacao industry, Hawaii is known as the Napa Valley for chocolate. By joining this tour, guests will become part of an exclusive group in a flourishing new industry.

This action-packed day trip takes you to three snorkeling spots around South Kona, one of which is a remote location many locals don’t even know about. Explore sea caves, lava tubes, and reef systems, and keep your eyes peeled for pilot whales and spinner dolphins who play in the boat’s wake. Lunch and snacks are included.

Enjoy Sunset with a Fine Cigar at the best and only cigar lounge on Hawaii Island. A five star experience on Airbnb.

The Kona coastline is an aquatic playground that's filled with possibility, whether it's snorkeling with manta rays, searching for dolphins, or watching whales in winter. For an exclusive, comfortable, and private way to explore the Kona coast, this rugged, catamaran-style boat is perfect for small group excursions—since the itinerary and activities are completely catered to only you and your group. Along with a professional, knowledgeable captain who can recommend fun-filled activities, experience a private charter in Kona that you and a group of up to 24 people are sure to never forget.

Come aboard UliUli Moana for a luxury private snorkeling tour. Everything you need for the day is provided. You and your party can show up to the harbor with nothing but smiles and we will provide the rest. This is a completely private and completely customizable tour. We will go to snorkel spots we know will provide an awesome experience, but we are willing to take you wherever your heart desires! We will have a snorkel guide on board to show you around the underwater world and point out some awesome natural life.

Trail Run a Volcano to connect with yourself and the Earth. Run at sunrise at the Kilauea summit at 4,000ft elevation. All level runners and ages welcome. Expertly facilitated with natural & cultural history highlights. This experience provides unique access, information, and facilitation that the average visitor does not get.