Big Island Cultural Experiences

The first team of missionaries to arrive in the islands sailed from Boston in a small brig called the Thaddeus. 14 New Englanders (seven couples) and four Hawaiians arrived in Hawai'i after 164 days. While at sea, King Kamehameha the Great died, his son Liholiho became ruler, and the ancient kapu system was abolished, with no belief system to take its place. This historic marker was designed for the local churches to commemorate the 195th anniversary of the fulfillment of the prophecy by Kahuna Nui Hewahewa: that a new God would come and set foot on a rock at Kailua bay. High Priest Hewahewa himself burned his own temple in faith of what was coming. The missionaries, came ashore with the Bible, first translated by Henry Opukahaia, as they stepped on the very same rock at Kailua pier, changing Hawaii forever. With the prophecy complete, many of the Ali'i royalty of Hawaii became Christians and avid readers of scripture. Many of Hawaii's churches and ministries have given generously to erect the Kailua Village historical marker that tells the story of "Hawaii's Plymouth Rock." We gratefully honor: Frank & Rosemary Miller, Calvary Church, Legacy Church, Living Stones, Kona Coast Chaplaincy, Central Kona Union Church, Holualoa Chapel, Samoan Church of Hawaii LMS, Helani Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Haili Congregational Church, Kuhio Chapel, Waipahu United Church of Christ, Gospel of Salvation Church, Kahikiola Congregational Church, Kona Church of God, Family Foundations International, Corinth Reformed Church,  Rev. Abraham Akaka Ministries Foundation and the University of the Nations for their generosity. The first Christian church established in the Hawaiian Islands lives on to this day in an active and caring fellowship called Mokuaikaua Church. THE NAME: There have been literal interpretations offered covering the name of Mokuaikaua. One is “The Trees Are Cut, Let Us Eat.” Another, “The Land the devours warfare.” The only acceptable origin of the name Mokuaikaua is from to the place where the timber material was obtained. It was part of the crown properties known as Mokuaikaua, and located on the western slopes of Hualalai volcano. THE ARCHWAY: In 1910, the Evangelical Association of the territory of Hawaii met in Kailua to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the coming fo the first american congregational missionaries to Hawaii in 1820. In honor of this occasion, Mokuaikaua Church was repaired and a stone arch was built to commemorate the anniversary. THE SANCTUARY: Two other structures were built prior to the present church. The first was built as the King’s home prior to 1820, and the second was built as a church in 1825. The present structure was started in 1835 and dedicated in early 1837. Find out about preserving Mokuaikaua Church

We offer the Big Island’s and Oahu's best guided tours for small groups. Reserve your amazing experience today online or by calling or emailing us. We are an award winning and permitted tour operator and a member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Don't settle for less! Aloha!

1970s reconstruction of the residence of King Kamehameha I at the the King Kamehameha Hotel.

Experience the evolution of Stand Up Paddling with LightSUP Hawaii! Our NightLight models with expansive viewing windows and internal light port create the most amazing SUP adventure! The miles of coral reef we explore and marine life we admire is the most healthy and abundant in Hawaii. Come experience our one of a kind ocean adventure on The Big Island of Hawaii and experience our world famous LightSUP Hawaii aloha!!

Kamanu Charters has been in business for over 40 years. We continue to offer guests once in a lifetime experiences where they can swim with dolphins, manta rays, and snorkel at Pawai Bay on our 24 passenger catamaran and Kealakekua Bay on our 10 passenger high speed raft.

Est. 2018, Kona Shore Divers is Kailua-Kona’s top-rated shore dive and snorkel operator, offering personalized, small-group scuba tours and PADI instruction. Our dive boat departs directly from Kailua Pier, where cruise ship tenders drop off guests — making us the most convenient choice for passengers and crew! We offer guided shore dives, manta ray night dives, private charters, and beginner-friendly experiences like Discover Scuba. Locally owned and fully insured. Book online or call to reserve your spot!

SEA PARADISE KONA, Hawaii's best snorkeling and Manta tours. Big Island Snorkel Tours on the Kona Coast & Captain Cook Monument for 40+ years. What Makes Us Unique? Sea Paradise offers the most authentic ocean adventures on the Kona Coast. Departing from Keauhou Bay, we specialize in snorkel tours to Kealakekua Bay, visits to the Captain Cook Monument, & the world-famous manta ray night snorkel. Our luxury catamaran Hoku Nui provides comfort, safety, and panoramic ocean views, while our local crew shares Hawaiian culture and marine life knowledge. Eco-friendly practices, reef-safe sunscreen, & a true aloha spirit make every trip unforgettable. Experience sustainable sailing & real Hawaiian hospitality with Sea P

Ocean Eco Tours offers small-group and private ocean adventures along the Kona coast, designed for a relaxed, personalized experience on the water. We specialize in night manta ray snorkels, offshore pelagic marine life safaris, and seasonal humpback whale watching tours. What sets us apart is our laid-back, uncrowded approach and our fun, friendly, and knowledgeable crew who make every trip easy and memorable. With over 30 years of history on the water and new ownership since 2024, we combine decades of experience with a fresh, guest-focused approach. Whether you're seeking an up-close manta ray encounter or a unique offshore adventure, we give you the space, time, and attention to truly enjoy the experience.

At Big Island Backroad Adventures, we specialize in private, all-inclusive guided tours across the Big Island of Hawaii. From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea volcano, to stunning waterfalls and lush rainforests, enjoy our fully customized Big Island private tours, made just for your crew. Every tour is personalized to your schedule, pace, and interests, with no strangers, no rigid itineraries, and no compromises. Perfect for families of all ages, our volcano tours, waterfall tours, lava tours, and adventure tours depart from Kona, South Kohala, and Hilo. Cruise ship shore excursions available.

Wasabi Tours Hawaii is a locally owned and operated company that has been providing small group guided tours on the Big Island of Hawaii since 2006. Our tours offer a personal, exciting, and unique experience that exceeds the expectations of our guests. Using years of experience exploring on this stunning and fascinating island, we selected the most scenic sites and best routes for our tours to allow guests not only discover highlights of the island, but also explore off the beaten paths. All of us strive to create lasting memories for our guests that they will cherish for a lifetime. Our multilingual guides who can speak English, Chinese, and Spanish are all park ranger trained with years of experience guiding fully narrated tours.

At Hawai'i Lifeguard Surf Instructors- Surf School, surfers of all ages have been catching waves and making memories in magical Kailua-Kona, Hawaii since 1998. A trusted and beloved Hawaiian business, they not only strive to give the best surfing experiences, but also actively support organizations like Make A Wish Foundation, and serve as co-hosts for Surf for Special Needs—a local non-profit.

Show You Hawaii LLC is proud to be one of the few Native Hawaiian Owned and Operated tours here on the Big Island. We want to show you what makes our home so special and give you a historical experience that is unmatched, passing on cultural knowledge and stories from our Ohana and ancestors to yours.

Ocean Safaris Kayak Adventures offers guided ocean kayak tours along the beautiful Kona coast, launching from Keauhou Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our tours are built around unforgettable experiences, including exploring a stunning ocean sea cave & snorkeling in clear Hawaiian waters. Designed for both adventure seekers & families, our tours go beyond just paddling. Guests enjoy an interactive, hands-on experience led by knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety while making the journey fun & memorable for all skill levels. Whether you're looking to explore hidden coastal features, experience Hawaii’s marine life, or enjoy a unique ocean adventure, Ocean Safaris delivers one of the most exciting & accessible kayak tours in Kona.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii's marine sanctuary with Kona Ocean Adventures. Our private charter tours, customized for your unique preferences, take you beyond the shore, immersing you in the stunning aquatic paradise of the islands. With over 30 years of expertise in Hawaiian waters, our team of passionate locals curates memorable vacations tailored to every traveler. From thrilling whale watching excursions to diving into crystal-clear waters, Kona Ocean Adventures offers an intimate, knowledgeable experience for every type of island enthusiast. Plan your private adventure and create lasting memories with us.

Limousine and town car service

Offers new/used surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks & snorkel equipment, plus rentals & lessons.

Award-winning Mauna Kea Stargazing Photo Tour Company. Small Group Tours with Money Back Guarantees

We are a family built and operated business that has been running Glassbottom boat tours out of Kailua Bay since 1996. Our Eco-adventure includes a lively narration by an onboard naturalist who will tell you all about Kona’s reef ecosystem as you take in the beauty below. This tour is fun for all ages and the perfect way to see the reef if you do not want to get wet. It is also a great way to learn more about the marine life prior to snorkeling and scuba diving. We also offer private charters. Our boat is perfect for memorials, weddings, family reunions and more!