Top 7 Big Island Water Activities

Are you in search of fun ways to enjoy water activities on the Big Island? If so, you are in the right place. Keep reading for a few of our favorite ways to experience the Big Island and make the most of your stay. We have 7 different water activities for you that you should for sure check out while you are staying on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Our Top 7 Big Island Water Activities 

1. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

The Manta Ray Dive is by far one of the coolest water activities you can do during your stay on the Big Island. If you choose to go on a Manta Ray Tour, you will be able to see these amazing creatures up close as they dance and soar through the water. There are several different tours all ranging from about 1-2 hours long. Everything you may need is provided for you, snorkel mask, fins, wetsuits, as well as a light bar for all guests to hold on to. 

Want to share your adventure? You can rent a GoPro and keep the SIM card full of special memories from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The manta rays will get close to you and may even brush against you, so be prepared for the experience of a lifetime! There will be a tour guide in the water with you to help at any time if needed.

2. Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is home to an amazing coral reef which makes for a spectacular snorkeling spot here on the Big Island of Hawaii. Tours are offered twice a day, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. You can rent a kayak and go out, take a boat tour or just go and snorkel. Most of the tours will provide the essentials, snorkel gear, flippers, dry bags, and if needed, life vests. 

Depending on the boat tour you pick they might provide snacks and beverages, each tour is a little different. On your way out you might get lucky to see a pod of spinner dolphins playing in the water, sometimes the dolphins even enjoy swimming alongside the bow or playing in the wake of the boat. During certain times of the year, typically October-April, you may be lucky enough to see humpback whales with their pods and newborn calves. This reef is protected, and it takes all of us to keep it thriving. Remember to only wear eco-reef friendly sunscreen, and be sure to not touch the coral or any of the marine life.

3. Pe’e Pe’e Falls

Pe’e Pe’e Falls is located on the Hilo (East)  side of Hawaii Island. It’s about 1.5 miles upstream from Rainbow Falls, on the Wailuku River at the end of Wailuku drive. Pe’e Pe’e Falls is a little smaller than Rainbow Falls, but it is often less crowded. You are also able to swim in the crystal clear pools, but be sure to be aware of the weather at all times, as stormwater levels can rise quickly, creating hazardous conditions. Accessing the falls requires a short hike down a hill and you will need to cross some rocks that may be slippery. We recommend that you bring some mosquito repellent with you as well as clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

4. Anaeho’omalu Beach

Anaeho’omalu Beach, also known as A-Bay, is a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and boating. There is something for everyone to enjoy at A- Bay. While there, if you are interested you can rent snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks at the A-Bay Beach Hut. 

Sea Turtles like to hang out at A-Bay too, and you are frequently able to see them in the water, so you might want to bring your goggles or snorkel mask! A-Bay beach is great for kids because of its shallow waters near the shore and beautiful sandy beach. If you choose to snorkel while at this beach, be on the lookout for Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (triggerfish), pufferfish, yellow tang, blue parrotfish, and many other amazing sea life.

5. Umauma Falls

Umauma Falls are located 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. You can only access these falls by crossing over private property, so access is offered by the Umauma Experience. The cost is $12 a person, which will also give you access to their garden. They have a visitors center where you can pick up a map for a self-guided tour of their garden, and they have snacks for sale there too.

6. Hapuna Beach

This is one of our favorite beaches on the island. It is regularly ranked in the Top 10 Beaches of the World. Hapuna Beach sits on the longest stretch of white sandy beach on Hawaii Island. 

There is very little shade at Hapuna, so you may want to bring a beach umbrella. This beach is great for sunbathing, swimming, playing in the waves, and snorkeling. Hapuna is a great family beach that is shallow enough for kids to play close to the shore but does get gradually deeper as you go out. The waves there are great fun for everyone, however, during the winter months, the waves can become dangerous creating short breaks and riptides, pay attention to signs posted on the beach. The park is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, with an entrance fee of $5.00 per person and a $10.00 per vehicle parking fee.

7. Kahalu’u Beach Park

Kahalu’u Beach Park is a fun beach that is located on a bay with a beautiful reef that creates a little more protection from the open ocean than some of the other beaches on the island. The reef offers amazing snorkeling, so bring your snorkeling equipment with you. Kahalu’u is typically busy, so plan to go early to get a good spot on the beach. 

In addition to snorkeling, Kahalu’u Beach Park is a great place to paddleboard or surf. It is fun to go and watch all the surfers catch the waves. There is even a local Surf School, called Kahalu`u Surf and Sea that operates there daily if you are interested in taking a lesson. They rent surfboards to take out on your own too. How fun would that be to learn how to surf on your trip here?