By day, snorkel at Kealakekua Bay and kayak to the Captain Cook Monument. Dive into Big Island history and underwater wonders. Kealakekua Bay, on Hawaii’s Big Island, is a haven for history buffs and marine life enthusiasts alike. Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs create an underwater wonderland, and the towering Captain Cook Monument stands as a testament to a pivotal point in Hawaiian history. This itinerary highlights the area’s important past and its stunning aquatic ecosystem.
By night, dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure: a manta ray encounter. They are the gentle giants of the ocean. Transcend the ordinary, and take an ethereal trip to a mystical underwater. Glide alongside these magnificent creatures and connect to otherworldly Pacific marine life. It’s a nightly Hawaiian ballet you won’t forget.
If you are not up for so much water, dip into the Kona coffee itinerary along the way.
Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii, USA
Captain James Cook Monument, Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA
808 Grindz Cafe, Kopiko Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
The Coffee Shack, Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA
Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI, USA
Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA
Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm, Anoi Place, Captain Cook, Hawaii, USA
Shaka Tacoz, Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook, HI, USA
Fair Wind Cruises, Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Huggo's, Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Kona Brewing Co., Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
Kona Coast Resort, Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, HI, USA
Don's Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant, Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Adventures In Paradise Kayak & Snorkel, Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, HI, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in The Big Island
808 Grindz Cafe
Start with a hearty breakfast at 808 Grindz Cafe in Kailua-Kona, known for dishes that combine classic American fare with island flair. Try the cafe’s signature Grindz Benedict, a twist on the traditional eggs benedict, macadamia nut pancakes, or moco loco. It’s welcoming with a laid-back diner vibe.
The Coffee Shack
About 10 min south of your snorkeling departure place, the Coffee Shack in Captian Cook is super popular with visitors. Perhaps it’s because it overlooks a coffee plantation and serves up delightful breakfast options. Try their deservedly famous macadamia nut pancakes. It’s cozy, rustic, and surrounded by Big Island lushness.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in The Big Island
Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
The Kealakekua Bay marine life conservation district is a snorkeler’s paradise, boasting clear waters filled with a colorful array of fish and coral formations. Take a guided tour for safety and knowledgeable insights into the marine life you encounter. The family-owned Fair Wind has been in business since 1971 and I started taking trips with them in the early 1990s when I was conducting research for many guidebooks. I’ve been patronizing them ever since and the adventures never get old. Trips depart from Kahaluu-Keauhou.
Best Places for Lunch in The Big Island
Sacred Grounds
The artistic haven at Sacred Grounds, an unassuming eatery in Captain Cook, is famed for its organic menu. They offer healthy sandwiches, wraps, salads, and smoothies, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The avocado BLT wrap and dragonfruit smoothie bowl are favorites. It’s a super laid-back slice of paradise, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or having a leisurely meal.
Shaka Tacoz
Discover a fusion of flavors at Shaka Tacoz, a food truck making waves in Captain Cook. Known for its Baja-inspired menu, the truck offers tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the fish tacos and pork carnitas burritos. The views are idyllic and the service is speedy. Tell the bold geckos on the back deck hello for me. Shaka Tacoz is a perfect stop for a mid-day refuel.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in The Big Island
Kayak to Captain Cook Monument
Put on another layer of sunscreen after lunch and get back on the water. Don’t miss a guided kayak tour to the Captain Cook Monument. Paddling through the calm waters of Kealakekua Bay, your guide will share captivating stories about Captain Cook, the first British explorer to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands. The monument visit includes time to explore the surrounding area, rich with historical significance. Adventures in Paradise Kayak departs from Captain Cook.
Best Places for Dinner in The Big Island
Huggo's
Savor oceanfront dining at Huggo’s, a staple in Kailua-Kona since 1969. Huggo’s showcases the freshest island seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Standouts include the sesame seared ahi and the ali’i mushroom risotto. The restaurant’s open-air setting, complete with tiki torches and panoramic views of Kailua Bay, is super memorable. (In fact, I still recall the first time I dined here!) Huggo’s superb cuisine, breathtaking views, and a laid-back tropical vibe. What else could you want… Rhetorical.
Kona Brewing Company
For another laid-back experience (are you starting to see a pattern?) have dinner at Kona Brewing Company in Kailua-Kona. The renowned brewpub combines great food with impressive craft beers. Their menu boasts pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, with standout dishes like the Kalua pork pizza. The industrial-themed decor is inviting, and the lanai offers a lush tropical backdrop. Their handcrafted ales and lagers are brewed on-site, and their famous Longboard Island Lager pairs perfectly with … anything. Good food, good beer, good times.
Best Places to Stay in The Big Island
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Located on the iconic lava cliffs of the Kona Coast, about 15 minutes south of Kailua-Kona proper, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa offers comfortably elegant accommodations with stunning views. The resort offers a full-service spa, a multi-level fantasy pool, and diverse dining options. Its location is perfect for water activities and exploring the local culture and history. There is also a nighttime manta ray viewing area here. There’s no beach but there are unobstructed views of Keauhou Bay, which don’t get much better in this neck of the woods. Don’t miss having a drink at sunset from the lounge.
Kona Coast Resort
Kona Coast Resort, a tropical paradise set on 21 acres of lush, tropical gardens, makes for a great choice. Each villa boasts a fully equipped kitchen, private lanai, and separate living and dining areas, Very home-away-from-home. Resort amenities include two swimming pools, three hot tubs, a sauna, a playground, and a fitness center. The combo of spacious accommodations, attentive service, and a tranquil environment add up.
After Dark in The Big Island
Manta Ray Night Swim
Whatever you do, take a night swim with manta rays. With a trusted operator like Big Island Divers. After a sunset boat ride, you’ll be set up with snorkeling or diving gear to witness the magnificent mantas in a feeding dance, illuminated by underwater lights. It’s an immersive experience and offers a profound connection to the marine world.
Bonus Pro Tips
Additional Lodging Options on the Kohala Coast:
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai — Without equal. Uncover a blend of luxury and nature at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, located along the pristine Kohala Coast. This five-star resort, designed to harmonize with its volcanic surroundings, offers rooms, suites, and villas, each featuring traditional Hawaiian decor, luxurious amenities, and private outdoor lanais. Highlights of the resort include a world-class spa, a championship golf course, seven swimming pools, and a unique outdoor aquarium. Dining options are varied and superb. Full stop. Additionally, the resort’s cultural center provides opportunities to immerse in local traditions, such as lei-making and hula dancing. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai stands out as an oasis of tranquility.
Hilton Waikoloa Village — Great for families. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a spectacular oceanfront playground set on the sunny Kohala Coast. This expansive resort offers spacious rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or lanai offering breathtaking views. Unique features like a four-acre ocean-fed lagoon, three swimming pools with waterfalls and slides, and a dolphin encounter program set this resort apart. The resort boasts 14 distinct restaurants and lounges offering a wide range of cuisines, from Pacific Rim to Italian fare. Art lovers will appreciate the extensive collection of Asian and Polynesian artwork displayed throughout the resort. Offering an experience that combines luxury, adventure, and Hawaiian hospitality, Hilton Waikoloa Village is a fantastic choice.
PS: If some in your party don’t want to swim with the mantas, they can hang out at the Royal Kona in Kailua-Kona at Don’s Mai Tai Bar, trying their hand at a selection of flavorful Mai Tais. This lively bar (which closes at 10 pm) offers a relaxed setting with excellent Pacific views.
