My top 5 things to do on the Island of Hawaii
Editor’s note: The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau helped arrange some of the activities mentioned, so TPG could write about them. The opinions expressed below are entirely from the author and weren’t subject to review by anyone outside The Points Guy.
Travel is back in a big way, and the definitely includes Hawaii. As I've been reporting, the state is already flooded with visitors despite COVID-19 restrictions, and you should plan ahead, and be sure to make advance reservations as both restaurants and activities are selling out.
Once Hawaii allows visits without testing for vaccinated travelers, it's likely to get even busier.
Here's a few of my favorite things to do on the island of Hawaii to help you plan ahead if you are going.
Manta ray night snorkeling
Price: Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona $130
My absolute favorite thing I got to do on Hawaii was night diving with the Manta Rays with Anelakai Adventures. It sounds terrifying, but it was absolutely thrilling. You meet up at the water's edge near Kona at sunset. Then you get put in partial wetsuits and life jackets, and then you get to help paddle a double hulled canoe out into the bay.
Related: Fair warning: Hawaii is crowded again
The company describes it this way:
"Experience a manta ray swim like no other, with a small group of no more than six and the most eco-friendly tour available. Enjoy an authentic Hawaiian experience in our paddle-powered canoe with one of the ocean’s most graceful creatures."
It's environmentally friendly with no motors, no oil or gas and you don't touch the wildlife (though they may touch you). We got to see as many as 6 rays at a time which was incredible. The mantas are attracted to lights that are placed on the hull of the canoe. You dangle off the back and put your head under the water and observe these wonderful creatures as they swim towards the lights.
Whale watching
Price: $98 for adults, $78 for children
I can definitely recommend Body Glove for whale watching and other fun activities near Kona, Hawaii. They have large boats that leave the dock in the historic part of Kona every day at 1pm.
Here's how they describe the tour:
"Every year between December and April, more than 8,000 humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii where they congregate to breed, calf, and nurse their young. Our two and a half hour whale watching in Kona tour offers you a rare opportunity to view and experience this phenomenon."
Related: A review of the Hawaii Hilton Waikoloa Village
I was there towards the end of the season, and while we did get to see a few whales well off in the distance, for the most part they were fairly scarce. There was a brief sighting of dolphins too, but the whales were elusive.
Still it was a nice afternoon on the water, and you are likely to get luckier than I was.
After your whale watching, take some time to explore historic Kailua-Kona and Hulihe'e Palace.. the one-time vacation home of Hawaiian royalty. It's right next to the harbor at the Bay of Kailua, and there's souvenir shops and a famous spot to get some shaved ice.
Related: Hawaii making it easier to visit
Volcano tourism
Price: $225 adult, $200 child
I really loved the all-day adventure that was Hawaii Forest & Trail's "Volcano Unveiled" tour. Our guide Gary picked us up in a comfortable van for the journey that takes you from morning to night in a 10-12 hour exploration of Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park and Kīlauea Volcano.
It includes a climb inside a volcano tube (tunnel made from erupting lava) that's off-limits to the general public.
Here's how the company describes the tour:
"The most in-depth volcano experience on the Island of Hawaii is back! Your National Park Certified Guide will share a mix of natural and cultural history about the island’s formation, illuminating the stories behind the ever-changing landscape of our island home."
You'll get to see some unique areas of the island of Hawaii including spotting some abandoned old avgeek treasures.
You'll also get to see some of the unique flora and fauna of Hawaii.
You'll also get to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and see some of the volcanic wonders of the island.
It all culminates in a spectacular show from the active volcano. It was rainy and cloudy the day we were there, so there weren't great views of the volcano itself, but as you can see from the pictures there were eery views of the glowing sky. It was pretty cool.
Snorkel adventure
Price: $100 for one hour, or customizable on request
Related: The Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection in Hawaii
One of the really cool adventures I got to do on Hawaii was a really enjoyable outrigger canoe paddling trip to snorkel on the reefs just off of the newly renovated Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.
The young instructors were fun and down-to-earth, and led us on a spectacular, but too brief snorkel adventure out in the ocean. They are with you every step of the way, and even if you just paddle near the top of the water, you can see an abundance of sea life.
Here's how the hotel describes it:
"Tropical fish sail by in schools. A lazy sea turtle paddles over a snowflake eel hiding in a coral crevice. You can watch this all day. Head to the Surf Shack, our sports activity center, for a snorkel mask and start your aquatic odyssey."
It's one of many activities you can do at this five-star property even if you're not a guest.
Conclusion
I'm just scratching the surface of what to do on the island of Hawaii. Couple of other honorable mentions should include dining at Magics where you can see locals surfing from your table and exploring the island by car (preferably a nice convertible).
No matter what, you're likely to have a good time on the island. Just remember to book ahead.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.