Aloha Ocean Excursions offers unforgettable snorkeling, whale watching, and manta ray encounters along the sun-drenched Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island.
Aloha Ocean Excursions operates from the Kailua-Kona side of the Big Island, where the leeward coast delivers calm, clear water for most of the year. The company focuses on ocean experiences that put guests in direct contact with Hawaii's remarkable marine ecosystem, from morning snorkel cruises to twilight manta ray encounters that rank among the most memorable wildlife experiences in the Pacific.
The manta ray night snorkel is the signature offering. Mantas, which can span over ten feet, glide through lights trained on the water to feed on plankton, passing close enough that you can study the patterns on their underbellies. Daytime trips head to protected bays and lava arches where you may share the water with green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and dense schools of reef fish. Guests interested in snorkeling will find the Kona Coast among the most rewarding stretches in the Hawaiian Islands.
Nearby, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park preserves ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs just a few miles up the coast, giving the broader area a layered sense of history that complements a day on the water. For those curious about whale watching, winter departures from the harbor regularly encounter humpbacks in open water. The combination of expert local guides, intimate group sizes, and world-class marine life makes Aloha Ocean Excursions a compelling reason to get out on the water during any visit to Kailua-Kona.
Visit during the winter months, roughly December through April, for the best chance of spotting humpback whales on your excursion.
Bring a light rash guard or wetsuit top even in summer; the water feels refreshing at first but can cool you down on longer outings.
Book the manta ray night snorkel in advance, as those spots fill up weeks ahead during peak season.
Arrive at the harbor at least fifteen minutes early to get a good seat and hear the full safety briefing from the crew.
Try snorkeling near the lava formations along the Kona Coast for the densest concentrations of reef fish and the clearest visibility.
Snorkel after sunset with manta rays under underwater lights
Cruise to Kealakekua Bay and snorkel a protected marine sanctuary
Explore Hawaii's coastline on a guided morning outing
Explore the Big Island coast in beautiful afternoon light