Here’s a list of potential activities on the island provided by our local concierge, Michelle Niccum. Please contact her for more information at (808) 635-0765 or michelle@konaconcierge.net. She can also help with alternate accommodations if you’re wanting something other than the wedding hotel.
- Manta Ray Swim - Highly recommended. Kona is one of the few areas in the world where you can experience swimming with the manta rays. You have the options to dive with certification or snorkel. The manta rays are extremely gentle and put on a great tour.
- Helicopter Tour - Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tours are recommended (Michelle suggests to choose between their classic A-Star Helicopter or the upgraded Eco Star).
a. Big Island Spectacular tour: allows you to see the rainforests and volcano. The tour flies “to the southern end of the island to the active lava flow, freshly made black sand beaches, and over Kilauea Volcano, which has been erupting since 1983. You will also experience old Hawaii as you fly up north along the Kohala Coast and Hamakua Coast offering spectacular views of meandering valleys, towering sea cliffs and spectacular waterfalls cascading thousands of feet into the rainforest below. You have the option of adding a waterfall landing at a secluded waterfall located on the Hamakua Coast.”
b. Circle of Fire plus Waterfall: leaving from Hilo airport, this tour emphasizes the volcanic activity. “You have the opportunity to view the current lava flows, tropical rain forests and cascading waterfalls while learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.”
- Golf - Waikoloa Beach Golf Resort located up north at the Waikoloa Beach Resort offers both an ocean and the Kings Course. Michelle offers a discount of $159.00 + tax per golfer for a morning round (Reg. $180.00). http://www.waikoloabeachgolf.com/
- Dolphin Swim - This tour starts in the morning in the water with Spinner Dolphins, then goes by boat to a reef just off the Kona Coast to snorkel. The crew will be on board the boat to provide information about the dolphins and other marine life you will see along the way. The tour includes snorkel gear & fins, floatation devices, fresh fruit and snacks. http://www.konaconcierge.net/Dolphin_Swims.html
- Hula Kai Morning Snorkel Cruise - This is a fancy snorkeling trip! The Hula Kai is a beautiful, newer boat that offers and great trip. The boat is one of the fastest catamaran boats that will take you to a couple of isolated snorkeling spots along the south Kona coast. The Hula Kai is open to children 7 years and older. http://www.konaconcierge.net/Fair_Wind_Snorkel_Tours.html
Good for Kids
- Fair Wind Snorkeling Tour: for families of all ages. The Fair Wind catamaran cruises to Kealakekua Bay, home of Captain Cook’s Monument. The boat offers a slide, water toys, floatation devices and snorkeling gear. This cruise is great for both children and adults. http://www.konaconcierge.net/Fair_Wind_Snorkel_Tours.html
- Glass Bottom Boat Ride: snorkeling without getting wet, great tour for kids. http://www.konaconcierge.net/Glass_Bottom_Boat.html
- Atlantis Submarine: an underwater ride that will keep you dry and igniting your imagination with amazing underwater views. http://www.konaconcierge.net/Glass_Bottom_Boat.html
- Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm: the first and only seahorse farm in the world dedicated to preserving the endangered seahorse. During the tour you will have the opportunity to spend time with and learn about these magical sea creatures. http://www.seahorse.com/ocean-rider-tours/ocean-rider-tours
- Island Breeze Luau at the King Kamehameha Hotel: Includes pre-dining activities that are fun for children and adults, and the entrance of the Royal Court by canoe (weather permitting). The luau is bay-front and also offers the uncovering of the imu, an open bar, good Hawaiian buffet and one of my favorite Polynesian dance shows. http://www.konaconcierge.net/kona_luaus.html
- Umauma Falls Zipline: Located on the each side of the island just above Hilo, this is a family friendly zipline that offers a 4- and 9-line course. This zipine has the lowest weight requirement, at 35 lbs to 275 lbs., and the youngest age requirement of 4 years and up. The first 4 lines are tandem so 2 people can zip at the same time. This course has a lot of waterfalls and streams throughout. For guests who do not zipline, there is a botanical garden and hike to the waterfall viewing areas. http://www.ziplinehawaii.com/
- Customized tours: Many tours and activities can be customized, including Volcano National Park, Mauna Kea Summit Tour, or the Circle Island tour, private boat charter, etc. Michelle can help with these.
