BIG ISLAND
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular evening experiences on the Big Island. What they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
Kona’s manta ray night snorkel with a short boat cruise, sunset views, provided gear, and the chance to see rays inches away.
“10/10 recommend this Kona experience! The crew was fantastic with the kids. And seeing such awesome creatures that close was unreal!”
Kona night snorkeling with manta rays from a small RHIB, guided biology lessons, optional wetsuits, and a free re-ride if no sightings.
“I was fairly skeptical before we got to the water. Having in mind that mantas are actually wild animals… but I guess Keyo, Taco and Max knew exactly what they were doing (or maybe we just got lucky?). We got to see a small pack of them SO CLOSE! Great experience from booking to completion.…”
Kona manta ray night snorkel in Keauhou Bay after dark. Gear provided, about 30 minutes in-water, and a guided manta-feeding show.
“Our guides were great and we saw manta rays! I will probably not do this again because of how incredibly seasick I was both on the boat and in the water. Two other people puked off the side of the boat 🤢”
A small-group 4x4 ride to Mauna Kea for sunset, laser-guided sky stories, and stargazing with a professional telescope plus a free night photo.
“We went in the winter after a snowstorm. The road to the summit was closed the day before we went but we had no trouble reaching it. The sunset was amazing especially against the snowcap. The cloud cover that made the sunset so vibrant unfortunately obscured the stargazing portion of the tour but it was…”
Ride to Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing, with winter gear, dinner, telescope time, and free DSLR photos with you.
“The tour company was great. Very professional, friendly, and human. They had a refund package if things don't go well, and are very kind and genuine, and they know what they're doing/talking about. Journey to top, plus all extra stops, and the summit and view and stargazing as well as other things were great. They…”
Kona night manta snorkeling with lights and a sunset boat ride. Gear, snacks, and a manta sighting guarantee for $80.
“To have a waterproof case so you can take video with your phone. Bring warm clothes for after, you get bone chilling cold floating in the water that long.”
Kailua Kona night manta ray snorkel with light boards, wetsuit tops, and a guided cruise, all for $121 in about 2.5 hours.
Small-group manta ray night snorkel in Kailua Kona with a glowing light board, optional wetsuit tops, and a sunset hop from Keauhou Harbor.
“This was an unforgettable life experience! Our guides were very knowledgeable and we could tell they care about the mantas”
Kona sunset on a spacious catamaran, then a guided night snorkel to see manta rays near the lights, with gear and a manta guarantee.
“Everything about our experience was excellent. Parking at the Marriott was easy and the boat is just a short walk from the hotel where you check in. The crew were super friendly and completely focused on our comfort and safety. They provided free nonalcoholic drinks on board and we paid about $10 for delicious mai…”
Night snorkel in Kona with manta rays on a 3.5-hour eco boat. Wetsuits, warm shower, snacks, and dry-onboard option. $125.
“Amazing experience and great instructors. The manta rays are incredible! We saw several during our time on the water.”
