Situated on the northwest coast of the Big Island is the Kona District. The district is divided into two sub-regions: North and South Kona. The vibrant, small town of Kailua-Kona is in north and is popular for its array of various restaurants serving fresh seafood to authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Unlike the temperate warm weather of the north, South Kona tends to be a bit cooler which makes it the perfect place for coffee farms. On the slopes of Hualalai volcano are the coffee farms that grow, roast and brew the famous Kona coffee.
Families with young children can enjoy the Kailua Bay Charter and its glass bottom boat tours. The first charter departs at 10:30 a.m. and tours continue throughout the day at every hour. The boat holds up to 24 passengers as it cruises along the Kohala Coast. Passengers have the opportunity to view the historic town of Kailua-Kona from the ocean as the crew shares information on Hawaiian marine life. Children especially revel in the chance to view deep down the ocean through the glass bottom viewing box. Additionally, the charter is available for private parties, special occasions and even for exclusive whale-watching tours.
Kailua Bay Charter
P.O. Box 112
Holualoa, HI 96725
808-324-1749
konaglassbottomboat.com
Kona hosts the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in August annually which makes it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts. Shogun Charters offers a wide variety of packages that are strictly chartered fishing trips or a combination package for families that also includes snorkeling. The fully-equipped Shogun cruises along the Kona coast where big fish, Blue Marlin, Mahimahi, Ono and Spearfish, often inhabit. All fishing equipment are provided and no fishing license is required. Shogun can also fillet any fish under 30 pounds for a delicious dinner later in the evening.
Shogun Charters
78607 Ihilani Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-937-6944
shoguncharters.com
From late-December to April, Humpback whales from Alaska migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii. They are seen off the coast of Kona where they mate and give birth. Dolphin Journeys Excursions provides a small, exclusive boat tour (no more than six passengers) during the winter months. Passengers can often see a new-born baby humpback splashing around the ocean next to its mother. During the off-whale season, it also provides small dolphin excursion tours and a manta ray snorkeling sunset tour.
Dolphin Journeys Excursions
75-5822 Pelekila Place
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
800-384-1218
dolphinjourneys.com
The Spirit of Kona offered by Blue Sea Cruises provides guests with a two-hour sunset dinner cruise with a full-course buffet dinner, complimentary drinks, live Hawaiian entertainment and the opportunity to view the ocean from the glass bottom windows. Guests often see a variety of marine life such as: manta rays, sharks, eels and other nocturnal fish. It is also common to see bottlenose dolphins playfully spinning alongside the boat, and migrating whales during the winter season.
Blue Sea Cruises, Inc
P.O. Box 2429
Kailua Kona, HI 96745
808-331-8875
blueseacruisesinc.com
