Historic Kona

Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $39.00 adult, $30.00 child 
Departs: 8:15

Including: Departing from the pier you'll drive through the small resort port town of Kailua-Kona, sit back and enjoy the sights as your tour takes you past many Heiau, or ancient temples, before pausing at Keauhou Bay. Here, you will have time to photograph the rugged shoreline and perhaps admire the very small St. Benedict's ¨Painted Church¨. This is the oldest Catholic Church on the island, constructed in 1875. The church is known for its colorful murals depicting biblical scenes. Continue on to Kealakekua Bay, where you will stop to visit the Captain Cook Monument marking the spot where Captain Cook was killed in 1779. While in the area of Napoopoo, a stop is at the Kona Coffee Factory is a must. You will be warmly welcomed into the spotless facilities of the factory where a demonstration on the processing of the coffee bean will take place. Enjoy sipping the flavorful coffee during this presentation. A final stop on this journey is at the scenic Place of Refuge at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park, which served as a political and religious asylum.

    
Kona and the Parker Ranch

Duration: 4 1/2 hours
Price: $35.00 adult, $26.00 child 
Departs: 8:00

Including: As you drive through the small resort port town of Kailua-Kona, your professional guide will point out many of the important historic sights. Pause at the Mokuáikaua, the first Christian church erected at Kailua by the American missionaries who first landed in Hawaii in 1820. Drive past the Hulihe'e Palace, which was the summer home of Hawaiian royalty. Following the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, you'll pass by the resort area of South Kohala and Waikoloa, continue towards North Kohala and the area known as Kawaihae. Here, you will visit the ancient Royal Heiau called Pu´ukohola, now a Historic National Park and said to have been built by the Great King Kamehameha. Walking the grounds of these dramatic remnants you will certainly be transported back in time. Leaving the coastal region of the island you will begin the drive up the now verdant slopes of the dormant volcano Mauna Kea. Arrive in Waimea, known as Kohala cattle country, hub of sprawling ranch lands, a paniolo (cowboy) town with attitude. Founded over 150 years ago by John Palmer Parker, he began with only two acres of land granted by King Kamehameha III, it now consists of some 220,000 acres. Enjoy a stop at the Parker Ranch Visitor Center, where you will enjoy displays detailing the fascinating history of life as it was in the early years on the Ranch. Next, visit Mana, the Parker's original koa wood cabin and its later replacement, Pu´u´opelu filled with precious art works and Venetian glass collected by Parker heirs. Your return to the pier will be via the scenic Mamalahoa Highway.

    
Historic Kailua Village Walking Tour

Duration: 1 1/4 hours
Price: $22.00 
Departs: 9:30

Including: Among the modern town full of restaurants and shops, you'll find many historical sites from Kailua's colorful past. You'll hear stories from High Chief Umi's arrival and rule from Kailua in the 1500's, to the days of Kamaehameha the Great who united the Hawaiian Islands and governed from Kailua village until his death in 1819. You'll see Mokuaikaua Church, rebuilt in 1836 from a pili gras hale to the lava stone and coral lime building, which now stands on that site. You'll also visit beautiful Hulihe'e Palace, a summer retreat for HAWAI'I royalty, built in 1837. You will learn about the history and people of Kailua village, former playground of Kings and new home to the world famous Billfish Tournament and the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. 

Note: Participants should be able to comfortably walk approximately five blocks. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen.

   
Historic Kona by Horse-Drawn Carriage

Duration: 55 minutes
Price: $31.00 
Departs: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00

Including: This leisurely-paced tour starts at the Banyan tree by the pier and winds along the waterfront, past the two-story Victorian-style Hulihe'e Palace, quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. You will also pass Mokuaikaua Church, built in 1838. Its walls are made of lava stone, mortared with plaster made from crushed and burned coral that was bound with nut oil. The friendly driver doubles as a guide, describing the exotic flora and fauna you will see and sharing stories about Kona's history. 

Note: Departures have a limited capacity. Please book early.

    
Kailua Glass-Bottom Boat

Duration: 1 hour
Price: $25.00 adult, $15.00 child
Departs: 8:30, 10:30

Including: This tour aboard a glass-bottom boat, the 36-foot vessel Marian, is the perfect way to explore the shallow reef of Kailua Bay, a Marine Life Conservation District. Her shallow draft takes you over "ship wreck rock", where the surface rises within inches of the glass. Then it takes you to the "drop off" where you see the bottom plunge to over 100 feet. Listen to stories of Kona's unique history and lore as you view colorful tropical fish, awesome volcanic arches, and beautiful coral gardens through large windows.

    
Historical Nature Cruise

Duration: 2 hours
Price: $44.00 
Departs: 8:30

Including: Board the Coral See, a 65' double-decker, glass-bottom coastal cruiser, customized with large glass bottom ports to view the beautiful coral reefs. It features a fully stocked bar and entertainment area as well as a spacious front bow that is great for viewing marine life. Enjoy free refreshments and snacks during this two-hour cruise while listening to a live historical narration by an on-board naturalist, or relax on top deck to the sounds of a Hawaiian dance and music show.

     
Big Island Spectacular

Duration: 5 hours
Price: $350.00 
Price: $525.00 If over 250 lbs.
Departs: 8:15

Including: Discover all the Big Island's Beauty and volcanic fury on this complete island aerial tour. On this helicopter flight you will enjoy the spectacle of Madame Pele's fury. The views of the Kilauea Volcanoes active areas range from surface flows to skylights to bubbling lava. After leaving the volcano badlands there is a brief stop at Hilo Airport. Upon leaving Hilo you will explore the lush rainforest and Hamakua coastline on your way to the deep and immense tropical valleys of the Kohala Mountains where you will explore and find cascading waterfalls that provide the perfect finish to the ultimate Big Island adventure. 

Note: Non-refundable. Transportation from pier to heliport is about 1 ¼ hour. Flight duration is two hours. Participants who weigh 250 lbs. or more will be allotted two seats and pay a surcharge. Approximate weight of each participant must be provided.

    
Atlantis Submarine Adventure

Duration: 1 1/2 hour
Price: $84.00 adult, $42.00 child 
Departs: 10:00

Including: Your adventure begins with 20-minute shuttle ride from the pier with scenic views of Kona and the Big Island's coastline. You will arrive at the Atlantis dive site and transfer to the submarine and will be transported to the underwater world for 35 minutes. Being in a submarine and descending to 100 feet underwater is an adventure by itself. Explore Kona's 25-acres of coral gardens, tropical fish and other marine life. Atlantis friendly crew will share their love of the ocean with you. With a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating, this one-of-a-kind 48-passenger submarine allows you access to Hawaii's sea life. If you haven't been to the bottom of the ocean before, this tour is a "must-do". 

Note: Participants should wear comfortable clothes and sensible shoes for boat transfers and navigating the nearly vertical seven-step submarine ladder. Must be at least 36" in height.

    
Paniolo Horseback Riding

Duration: 4 1/2 hour
Price: $105.00 
Departs: 8:00

Including: Enjoy a scenic horseback ride at Paniolo Ranch on the historic Kohala Mountain, land that was once the training ground for Kamehameha's troops where there are ruins of ancient Hawaiian villages. Your exciting horseback adventure on the Big Island begins with a scenic ride to 11,000-acre Paniolo Ranch, featuring lush pasturelands, native woods, cool mountain-air, spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding volcanic peaks. You will be greeted by the Hawaiian wranglers who will insure you are fitted with proper riding equipment. A riding demonstration will be given to allow beginner riders the needed guidance for proper riding techniques insuring that everyone enjoys their ride. They will also provide a lively and informative narration throughout your ride. This is not the traditional riding head to tail trail ride. Your guides will assist you in the proper way to walk, trot and for experienced riders, canter your horse. After your exhilarating trek by horseback you will return to your ship in air-conditioned comfort. Notes: Participants should wear long pants, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. There is a strictly enforced 230 lbs. weight limit. Participants must be at least eight years old. If under the age of 18, rider must be accompanied by an adult.

    
Kohala Mule Trail Adventure

Duration: 6 hours
Price: $135.00 
Departs: 7:15

Including: Riding a mule is easy and fun. Add in spectacular scenery and awesome guides and you'll saddle up for a ride of a lifetime. Your naturalist guide will meet you at the pier for a 1-½ hour scenic drive through the historic plantation towns in North Kohala to the Mule Station at the Pololu Valley Lookout for a brief orientation and safety talk. From there you ride up the slopes through a section of the historic Kohala Ditch Trail amidst exotic guava trees, towering ironwoods, and native ohia-lehua trees. Enjoy astounding 360-degree views that encompass vistas up the mountain, along Kohala's dramatic coastline, and of Maui's Haleakala volcano. Along the way you'll cross two exciting streams and stop at two waterfall overlooks. And of course, your guide will entertain and educate you all along about this very special places natural and cultural history. 

Note: Dress in long pants and short sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and a light jacket. Trails can be wet, muddy and steep in areas. Participants must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult if under 18. Weight limit is 240 lbs. Riders must be able to let themselves on and off the animals and be physically fit and capable of riding on a saddled animal for three hours.

    
Kona Cloud Forest Botanical Walk

Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $60.00 adult, $45.00 child
Departs: 8:00

Including: A surprisingly short distance from the arid coast is a lush forest on the slopes of the sleeping volcano called Hualalai. There we find a private and very special sanctuary that nurtures plants, birds, and the human spirit with its peaceful isolation. The walk begins and ends at the landowner's private lodge. Decks and lanai with exotic caged birds are used for the initial orientation, and for the snack and walk's end. You'll be outfitted and led through forest on pathways over natural surfaces, including grass, moss, roots, soil and some rock. Length of walk is approximately 1-½ miles at a leisurely pace with informative stops. Forest hikers will experience the cool weather typical of a higher elevation of 3,000 feet and the shade of the forest. 

Note: A long-sleeved top, lightweight long pants or shorts are recommended. Sturdy covered shoes are necessary. Light packs, rainwear and walking sticks are provided. Participants must be in good health, capable of comfortably walking 1-1/2 mile on uneven natural surfaced paths with up and down slopes.

Kamanu Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $64.00 adult, $46.00 child 
Departs: 8:15

Including: Sit back and enjoy the tranquility as light winds fill the Kamanu's sails and it glides over Kona's brilliant blue waters. Upon arrival to a protected bay, you will receive snorkeling gear and personalized instruction. The underwater topography of this area is amazing, filled with coral, lava cliffs, valleys, arches and caves. Once in the water, look for rainbow-colored reef fish, endangered sea turtles and elusive manta and eagle rays. A light tropical lunch will be served. 

Note: Please wear a swimsuit under a T-shirt, hat and bring a towel, sunscreen and sunglasses. Participants must be in good health.

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Price: $72.00 adult, $58.00 child 
Departs: 8:00

Including: This tour takes you on a raft to Kealakekua Bay, site of the Captain Cook Monument and the only marine sanctuary on the Big Island of Hawaii. A naturalist will entertain you with Hawaiian folklore and history while you travel down the Kona Coast. Spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and manta rays are common sights on this scenic, shore-hugging ride. After you snorkel or swim in the calm, protected waters of Kealakekua Bay, you will enjoy a tropical snack. You'll hear the story of how Captain James Cook, the famous British navigator, lost his life here in 1779.

Note: Please wear a swimsuit and cover up and bring a towel. Hats and sunscreen are recommended. This excursion is for adventurous people who can handle exposure to the sun, wind and occasional salt spray. It is not recommended for pregnant women or for those with back problems. Children under three years old are not allowed.

Deep Sea Fishing

Duration: 4 1/2 hours
Price: $135.00 
Departs: 7:30

Including: This is your opportunity to fish in the billfish capital of the world. The calm, year-round deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona coast are teeming with marlin, ahi (yellow fin tuna), mahi-mahi (dorado), ono (wahoo) and short nose spearfish. Anglers from all over the globe hold dozens of world records in Kona. Your tour includes round-trip transportation to and from Honokohau Harbor, fully equipped sportfishing boat, which will accommodate up to five guests, with experienced and licensed captain and crew. Even if you don't catch anything, you're sure to have a great time by getting away from the crowds. Experience not necessary. 

Note: Fish cannot be brought back on board the ship. No guarantees are made with respect to catching any fish.

Valley Waterfall Hiking Adventure

Duration: 6 hours
Price: $115.00 
Departs: 7:15

Including: Your adventure begins when you join your expert naturalist guide aboard a customized four-wheel drive van for a scenic drive through the historic plantation towns of Hawi and Kapaau in North Kohala. Drive up through old sugarcane fields to the trailhead of the Kohala Ditch Trail, where you'll begin your fairly level and easy 3-mile walk, nestled in a lush, forested valley with beautiful waterfalls. The trail is carved into the cliffside, a thousand feet above the valley floor and passes over footbridges and hidden water tunnels. Your guide will share with you his knowledge about the area's natural, cultural and geologic history. View five different waterfalls en-route to Kapaoloa Falls, which cascades 500 feet over the trail to the valley below. On your return to the ship, you will stop for a picnic lunch. 

Note: Please dress in shorts or slacks, sturdy shoes and a light jacket. Participants must be in good health, comfortable walking three miles and steady on their feet. Age minimum is 12 years old and must be accompanied by an adult if under 18. This tour is not for those guests fearful of heights.

Kona Kayak Adventure

Duration: 4 hours
Price: $80.00 
Departs: 7:45

Including: This guided tour will take you to famous Kealakekua Bay. Upon arrival at your kayaking start point, a friendly and knowledgeable guide will greet you and provide you with basic paddling instruction and safety information. You will kayak along the beautiful Kona shoreline and see some great sea caves and giant lava tubes. You may even sight the playful dolphin or the green sea turtle. You will have the opportunity to snorkel and see some of Hawaii's marine life up-close. After your fun day of kayaking and snorkeling, you will make the return to the port via air-conditioned coach or van. Wear bathing suit under clothing, sensible shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and bring a towel. Snorkel gear and safety vests are provided. 

Notes: Participants should be in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for those with back problems or a heart condition. You must be over 10 years of age and be accompanied by an adult if under 18 years old.

Body Glove Snorkel Sail

Duration: 4 1/2 hours
Price: $79.00 adult, $55.00 child
Departs: 8:30

Including: Come aboard the trimaran Body Glove and cruise to Pawai Bay, a protected marine preserve of gorgeous coral reef gardens filled with thousands of brilliantly colored tropical fish plus endangered sea turtles and wild dolphins. Along the way, you will enjoy a breakfast of freshly baked pastries, tropical juices, island fruits and Kona coffee. The Body Glove features a spacious upper sun deck, a large shaded cabin, fresh water showers and bathrooms. A 15-foot water slide and high-dive platform are a big hit with passengers, especially the young at heart. The experienced crew will provide you with snorkeling gear and personalized instruction. A buffet-style deli lunch is also provided. Soda and cocktails are available at an additional charge.