Journey to majestic Kealakekua Bay on a custom-built catamaran with waterslides and a diving board. Relax on the shaded deck, snorkel in the clear water, and sip a Mai Tai as you head back to shore.

Head out from Kailua-Kona aboard a spacious 50-foot (15.3-m) catamaran to the Kealakekua marine sanctuary as you nibble on a continental breakfast served with 100-percent Kona coffee. Once in the bay, prepare for 2.5 hours of Hawaiian fun. The calm, crystal-clear water provides you with the perfect opportunity to discover the transcendent beauty of the undersea world.

Feel the rush as you plummet down a 15-foot (4.5-m) waterslide into the sea, where you can swim and snorkel in the warm embrace of the Pacific. Spot sea turtles, spinner dolphins, schools of colorful fish, and—if the season's right—whales. Even if you decide to lounge on the deck, the scenic bay and the Captain Cook monument serve as a stunning backdrop for your day of relaxation.

Lunch is served while anchored in the bay. The crew fires up the grill to cook hot dogs and burgers from locally grown, hormone-free Big Island beef—or a vegetarian burger upon request. The meal comes complete with condiments, pasta salad, chips, fresh fruit, and cookies.

Join in on a feast for the senses at this celebration at the Royal Kona Resort Luau. Music, dance, and Polynesian culture combine under the starry night sky as you savor an island-style buffet. Take part in arts and crafts, witness a traditional imu ceremony, and be awed by the fire dancing finale.

As you enter the beautiful luau grounds, you're greeted with an exquisite shell lei. Say hello to your hosts and listen to the storyteller recount legends of the South Pacific, including those of the night marchers—ghosts of ancient warriors—against a backdrop of flickering torches. Head to the bar for a tropical Mai Tai or an island-brewed beer before heading to your seat.

From the stage drifts Hawaiian folk music, a relaxed soundtrack that pairs perfectly spectacular views of the Kona Coast sunset. Once it’s announced that the feast has officially begun, gather around the imu—a traditional underground oven—and watch as the slow-roasted Kalua pork is served. Dine on local delicacies before watching a show that features the graceful movements of hula dancers. The night ends with the rhythms of hypnotic beating drums and an epic fire dance finale.

Sample dinner menu includes:

Main dishes

• Kalua pork
• Island fish with tartar sauce and lemon
• Luau chicken
• Honey- and soy-braised beef

Sides

• Hawaiian sweet potatoes
• Rice
• Green salad with choice of dressing
• Tomato and onion in herb vinaigrette
• Three bean salad
• Fresh pineapple
• Poi
• Lomi Lomi salmon
• Potato and macaroni Salad
• Coconut dinner rolls

Desserts:

• Coconut cake
• Coconut haupia (pudding)
• Jell-O
• Pineapple upside-down cake

Lush tropical rainforest and waterfalls abound in this small group tour along the north coast of Hawaii Island. This off-road adventure will take you through the beauty of Kohala, finishing with an energizing waterfall swim.

Journey over the lava fields along the Kona coast and pass through the charming towns of Hawi and Kapaau—site of the life-size statue of King Kamehameha I on your way to the lush, green country of Kohala.

Arrive at the gate to a private reserve. Your 6WD Pinzgauer vehicle maneuvers down a short road along old sugar-cane fields. Hike along the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop trail and examine tunnels blasted and carved through solid rock, bringing much-needed water for agricultural use. Your guide provides details about this amazing irrigation network, stretching over 22 miles (35 km) as you walk through the aqueduct. Explore fascinating Hawaiian history with a visit to a former taro-farming site just off the path.

Enjoy a picnic lunch among far-reaching mountain views, lush green valleys, and up to 7 thundering waterfalls. At the last waterfall, plunge into the cool water for a refreshing dip before heading back to your hotel.

Uncover the history and beauty of Hawaii on this 260-mile (418-km) bus tour of the Big Island’s most notable sights. Drop in at a Kona coffee plantation, see shimmering Kealakekua Bay, and witness the awesome power of Mother Nature at Volcanoes National Park.

Your adventure begins with a drive along the lava fields of the Kona coast to historic Kealakekua Bay, where British explorer Captain Cook first arrived in 1778. Learn about Kona’s rich volcanic soil and ideal climate conditions—fertile ground for coffee since 1840—and discover this legacy firsthand as you tour a coffee plantation.

Continue on to Volcanoes National Park, known locally as Pele’s Playground after the hot-tempered Hawaiian volcano goddess. Explore the exhibits at the Jagger Museum for a primer on the islands’ geology and natural history. Enjoy an optional lunch at the Volcano House Restaurant and marvel over the crater of Halema’uma’u before visiting the overlook that offers views of Kilauea—one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

From walking through the Thurston Lava Tube—a cave with stepped walls formed by flowing lava—to touring Big Island Candies—creator of the much-loved macadamia nut shortbread cookie—this tour offers a comprehensive circle of the best of the Big Island.