SIGHTSEEING & TOURS

whale watching

Every year between December and April, more than 8,000 Humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii where they congregate to breed, calf and nurse their young. This Whale Watching Adventure offers you a rare opportunity to view and experience this phenomenon. Marine life naturalists will astound you with facts about these gentle giants as they play, court and teach their young. You'll hear singing Humpback whales through our underwater hydrophones, and you may also see Spinner Dolphins, Pilot and Sperm Whales, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles and more. Cruises include snacks, refreshments and our premium cash bar.

Waipio Valley & Waterfalls Tour

Explore majestic Waipio Valley, gorgeous Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this full day of fun and exciting adventure. After pickup in Kona and Kohala area hotels, head toward Waipio Valley while passing through Waimea and Parker Ranch, before switching to a 4WD van to descend into majestic Waipio Valley. Our guide will share the stories and legends of this special place while you marvel at Hawaii Island's tallest waterfall, Hi'ilawe Falls, which cascades down 1300 feet in the back of the valley. Onto the rugged sea cliffs and mile long black sand beach as you head back to Waipio Valley lookout for the stunning views as you enjoy a gourmet lunch. We continue the drive down the scenic Hamakua Coast and visit the towering Akaka Falls, which plummets 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. If weather permits, you will get to swim or kayak under a private waterfall to cool down after a short hike. In Hilo, our guide will take you on a tour of a tropical fruit farm as you sample seasonal fruit and fresh macadamia nuts at a private lookout overlooking world-famous Rainbow Falls. The adventure ends with the return to Kona or Kohala Coast resorts via Saddle Road nestled between the world's tallest sea mountain, Mauna Kea, and world's most massive mountain.

twilight volcano tour

Experience the Big Island's most spectacular natural splendors on this small-group tour to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You get to marvel at the world's tallest sea mountain, Mauna Kea, and world's most massive mountain, Mauna Loa. After a picnic-style lunch at Rainbow Falls, your tour continues to a rare black sand beach where endangered sea turtles rest. In the afternoon, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a trip around the Chain of Craters Road.

royal kona resort luau "Voyagers of the pacific"

Witness the unearthing of the pua'a (pig) using the ancient method of underground cooking in the "imu" or cooking pit. And hula like the islanders do. The evening is finally crowned with the exciting presentation of the VOYAGERS OF THE PACIFIC show with stories of our precious island home of Hawaii and songs and dances from across the South Pacific featuring the most dangerous dance of all of Polynesia, the Siva Afi or Samoan fire knife dance! Parking fee additional. An evening filled with feasting, cultural activities, songs and dances. VOYAGERS OF THE PACIFIC is a spectacular presentation of the epic journey of our kupuna (ancestors) who traveled across the vast Pacific Ocean thousands of nautical miles, eventually making Kona their home. Spectacular ocean views, awe inspiring sunsets and the gentle sounds of waves softly breaking on the lava shore provide a breathtaking backdrop for the Royal Kona Luau.

Glass bottom boat adventures

Step aboard the Glass Bottom Boat and explore the amazing Hawaiian reef without ever getting wet! Relax under the shaded canopy and view Green Sea Turtles grazing, hundreds of species of colorful tropical fish, and unique Hawaiian coral through 6 full size windows. Friendly on-board marine naturalists and captain will answer all your questions as they take you on a 30 minute tour in the protected waters of Anaeho'omalu Bay. This trip is perfect for all ages, and even experienced snorkelers and divers will love learning where the best snorkel spots are in the bay. Check-in: 15 minutes prior to sailing.

special events

Kohala Waterfalls Adventure

Immerse yourself in Kohala's stunning beauty and rich history. On a fun off-road adventure and relaxed trail walk, experience dramatic views of Pololu Valley, charming footbridges, historic taro terraces and intimate waterfalls. With an opportunity to swim at a waterfall and stroll the quaint plantation village of Hawi, this is the perfect tour for all ages. The tour is a short walk under 2 miles, rated Easy to Moderate, with several short, steep climbs. One hour of rugged four-wheel driving. Guest should wear closed-toe walking shoes or reef walkers or sports sandals, bathing suits under shorts, towel, a hat, sunscreen and a light sweatshirt or jacket.

Mauna Kea Summit & Stars

Be transported into a surreal landscape that reveals Hawaii's past. Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet above sea level for a spectacular sunset. At nightfall, stargazing with a telescope will commence at 9,000 feet, outside the Onizuka Visitor Center. Guests are provided hooded parkas but should bring a light sweater or jacket, wear long pants and covered walking shoes. Departs from the Hawaii Forest and Trail Headquarters, Waikoloa Queen's Marketplace, and the Junction of Waikoloa Road and Highway 190.

Kohala Zip N' Dip

Double the adventure with the new Kohala Zip & Dip! Soak up Hawaiian culture as you zip through the trees and across 9-lines, 5 suspension bridges, 2 rappels and 14 tree based platforms in the Halawa Lands of Kamehameha. Enjoy lunch at a breathtaking private picnic area on the rim overlooking Pololu Valley. Explore their private mountain stream where a waterfall swim awaits. This is the adventure you'll take home and talk about for years to come. Minimum age is 8 yrs. Wt. between 70 lbs. and 270 lbs. Waterfall Tour: Short walk under 1 mile, rated easy/moderate with several short climbs. Short, rugged off-road driving. Swim is optional. Closed toe shoes, bring a swim suit or wear under shorts.

Kohala Canopy Adventure

Join us for a canopy experience like no other. Perched among the trees this course features elevated suspension bridges, platforms in the trees and thrilling ziplines. Exclusive features include "Whisperlines" and smooth stop braking. This ensures your safety and comfort. There are 9 lines included in this course! Eight of the lines are single but the ninth is tandem. There is over 4,000 feet of zipping with the longest line at 1,150 feet (the tandem). A four-hour adventure with experienced and certified guides numbering one guide for every four guests. This zipline tour is rated easy and there are only eight people allowed per tour allowing for personal attention and an uncrowded experience.

shows & dining

Island Breeze Luau

The Island Breeze Luau is held under the stars, on the historic grounds of King Kamehamea's Kona Beach Hotel or the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. Rated the best luau on the Big Island, it features a twenty-two dish buffet brimming with delicious fish, meat and fresh Big Island produce. An open bar complements the luau. Highlighting the evening is the spectacular Island Breeze Polynesian Revue, which includes the dangerous and fascinating fire-knife dance. The luau is located at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Check-in begins at 5:30pm.

Captain Cook's Dinner Cruise

Step aboard and journey back in time, when ancient, powerful Kings ruled the rugged and fertile land of the Hawaiian Islands. The luxurious, three hour guided historical dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook's monument will capture your imagination and reveal many secrets of the Big Island. Listen to live entertainment and watch the beautiful sunset on the way back.

Cocktails at Sunset

It's a Sunset Party on the water! Cruise the beautiful Kohala coast in style on a luxury power catamaran. The beautiful mountain views and sparkling ocean provide the perfect setting. Bring your appetite and sample a Paniolo Style BBQ Pupu Buffet. Sip on beverages from their complimentary bar featuring island brews on tap, our Captain's Signature Cocktails, and refreshing tropical juices. A perfect end to an island day. Check-in: 30 minutes prior to sailing.

water activities

Afternoon Snorkel Cruise

Experience the same great hospitality and snorkel destination as on the morning cruise, aboard the afternoon cruise. This 3.5-hour cruise departs from Keauhou Bay with a minimum of 25 passengers. It includes 1.5 hours of snorkeling at pristine Kealakekua Bay, snorkel gear, instruction, and two 15-foot water slides. Guests are served snacks of fresh island fruit, snack mix, and tropical fruit juice. A no-host bar is open during the last hour of the cruise.

Undersea Adventure

An unforgettable 35-minute journey aboard an Atlantis 48 passenger submarine, as featured in National Geographic television specials, where guests explore a 25 acre natural coral reef and its marine inhabitants. A new adventure awaits you at depths up to 100 feet. Enjoy the view in air conditioned comfort and safety. Check-in 30 min prior to scheduled tour time at the Atlantis Submarine Ticket Office located across from the Kailua-Kona Pier.

Snorkel Whale Watch Adventure

Discover Kona's underwater paradise! Accessible only by boat, enjoy the crystal clear water of the protected marine sanctuaries which are home to more than 600 species of enchanting ocean wildlife. Spinner dolphins will frequently join in on the fun, and sometimes they'll even swim with the guests in the enchanting coral reef gardens. Relax on the trip back with a cocktail from the premium cash bar and enjoy the timeless beauty of the Kona coastline.