The Island of Hawai‘i
The Orchid Isle
The Island of Hawai‘i
The Orchid Isle
ANELAKAI ADVENTURES
Paddling with purpose
On the Island of Hawai‘i, one small tour company is turning traditional canoes and moonlit manta swims into life-changing memories while staying rooted in culture, community, and the true spirit of aloha.
There’s something electric about standing at the edge of Keauhou Bay as the sun begins its slow dive into the Pacific. The sky blushes gold, the water mirrors fire, and anticipation hums in the air. You’re not about to board a buzzing catamaran or a neon-lit speedboat, though. You’re doing something different; something quieter, deeper, and more connected. You’re about to paddle out with Anelakai Adventures, and trust us, you’re in for something special.
Founded by Island of Hawai'i local Iko Balanga, Anelakai Adventures is a homegrown, family-run operation on a mission to reconnect people with the ocean, not just through adrenaline, but through awareness, tradition, and true Hawaiian hospitality. From intimate day paddles to surreal night swims with manta rays, everything they do feels deeply personal and refreshingly different.
EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I
EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I
A local legacy
Iko didn’t just stumble into this life. Raised on the Island of Hawai’i’s west coast, he grew up on (and in) the ocean. His childhood was spent surfing, fishing, diving, and paddling outrigger canoes. The ocean wasn’t just a playground; it was a classroom, a mentor, a way of life. And it’s that same deep respect and reverence that he now shares with every guest who books an Anelakai tour.
After years working in the wider tourism industry, Iko saw a growing disconnect between visitors and the real Hawai’i, especially out on the water. Too many tours were loud, impersonal, and more about entertainment than education. So, in 2016, he and his wife Holly launched Anelakai Adventures, named for the meeting point between sea (kai) and heaven (lani).
At the heart of Anelakai’s offerings is a philosophy of respect: for the ocean, for the creatures that live in it, and for the culture that has cherished it for centuries. That’s why every tour takes place in a traditional Hawaiian double-hull outrigger canoe - no motors, no noise, just paddles, purpose, and peaceful gliding through the water. The experience is intimate by design, usually accommodating no more than six guests at a time, meaning your knowledgeable guide will actually know you by your name, not your booking number.
The manta ray night snorkel
If there’s one Anelakai experience that consistently drops jaws and steals hearts, it’s the manta ray night snorkel. And with good reason. It’s hard to put into words just how magical this encounter is, but we’ll try.
You paddle out from Keauhou Bay just before sunset, your canoe slicing gently through the calm, dusky waters. The air is warm, the sky is softening to lavender, and there’s a quiet hush as the day winds down. Once you reach the manta ray viewing site, your guide positions the canoe, anchors the flotation platform, and helps you ease into the water.
Then all of the lights come on. Special underwater lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts reef manta rays, one of the ocean’s most graceful and majestic creatures. These gentle giants, some with wingspans of up to 14 feet, appear out of the blue like slow-motion dancers, looping and gliding in perfect rhythm just inches from your mask.
Unlike many commercial tours, you’re not floating in a massive group or jostling for space. Anelakai’s setup is simple and serene: a comfortable, buoyant board that allows you to lie face-down in the water with minimal effort. You’re not swimming - you’re witnessing. And that makes all the difference.
Guests often describe the manta ray experience as “otherworldly,” “peaceful,” or even “spiritual.” This isn’t about seeing a cool animal or ticking an experience off your bucket list, it’s about being reminded of our place in a larger, mysterious world. One that we rarely get to glimpse.
Daytime excursions
While the nighttime manta tour gets much of the spotlight, Anelakai’s daytime excursions offer their own kind of magic. These guided paddling tours explore the rugged Kona coastline, where lava cliffs meet turquoise bays and sea turtles bob among the coral. Depending on conditions and group preferences, you might stop to snorkel, explore a hidden sea cave, or simply drift and learn about the history of the land and sea from your guide.
For those craving tranquility, Anelakai also offers plankton and stargazing tours, which take place after dark and focus more on serenity than spectacle. These trips invite you to float under a galaxy of stars, watching bioluminescent plankton sparkle with every movement. It’s meditative, meaningful, and ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone needing to hit pause on life and simply wonder at something.
No matter which tour you choose, one thing stays constant: the emphasis on Hawaiian culture and connection. Yes, the guides are trained professionals but they’re also locals who grew up here, who care about their island, and who treat every tour like an invitation into their world.
You’ll hear stories about the land, the ocean, and the traditions that tie them together; tales that aren’t found in guidebooks, but passed down through generations.
Why You Should Choose Anelakai
Let’s be honest, on an island where ocean tours are a dime a dozen, it can be hard to know who to trust with your precious holiday time. So here’s why Anelakai Adventures stands out:
Motor-free = eco-friendly
Their paddle-powered canoes don’t disrupt marine life or pollute the water. The manta rays get to glide peacefully, and so do you.
Small groups, big heart
No crowded decks or rushed schedules. Just personal attention, plenty of space, and a crew that genuinely cares.
Cultural authenticity
This isn’t a gimmick or a show. It’s a living, breathing Hawaiian experience, shared by those who call this island home.
Accessibility matters
Anelakai is committed to making the ocean available to everyone, including guests with mobility challenges or disabilities.
Five-star everything
Just glance at their reviews and you’ll see why past guests rave about the experience long after they’ve dried off.
And, maybe most importantly, you leave changed. Whether it’s the manta rays, the stories, or the sensation of slicing through moonlit water in a canoe, something about the experience stays with you. It makes you want to slow down, look closer, and treat the world with a little more reverence.
When you find yourself on the Island of Hawai'i and want more than just another cookie-cutter snorkel trip - something immersive, meaningful, and truly memorable Anelakai Adventures is the way to go. Simply, paddle out, lie back, look up, and let the manta rays handle the rest.
Explore The Island of Hawai‘i
NATURE
Fair Wind Cruises
Explore the stunning south Kona Coast and the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay — home to the iconic Captain Cook Monument.
These eco-friendly snorkelling tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with Hawai'i’s rich history and culture while immersing yourself in vibrant marine life. Help protect the oceans and reefs as you experience one of Hawaiʻi’s most breathtaking marine sanctuaries.
NATURE
Hawaiian Sails
Hawaiian Sails offers an authentic Hawaiian adventure aboard a 35-foot replica of a traditional double-hull sailing canoe.
Departing from the scenic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, their two-hour tours provide a unique blend of history, culture, and marine exploration. Guests can enjoy snorkelling, fishing, and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. With a maximum of six guests per tour, Hawaiian Sails ensures an intimate and personalised experience on the beautiful coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi.
ADVENTURE
Jack’s Diving Locker
Dive into adventure with Jack’s Diving Locker, an Island of Hawaiʻi institution since 1981.
Founded by Jack Clothier, a pioneer of Hawaiian sport diving, this family-run operation offers everything from beginner lessons to thrilling night dives with manta rays. With two shops, four boats, and the island’s only dive training pool, it’s your gateway to Kona’s marine magic.
Whether you're snorkelling with dolphins or exploring lava tubes, their friendly crew ensures every dive is unforgettable. Plus, their Pelagic Magic Dive is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
NATURE
Hawaiian Sails
Hawaiian Sails offers an authentic Hawaiian adventure aboard a 35-foot replica of a traditional double-hull sailing canoe.
Departing from the scenic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, their two-hour tours provide a unique blend of history, culture, and marine exploration. Guests can enjoy snorkelling, fishing, and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. With a maximum of six guests per tour, Hawaiian Sails ensures an intimate and personalised experience on the beautiful coast of the Island of Hawai'i.
ADVENTURE
Jack’s Diving Locker
Dive into adventure with Jack’s Diving Locker, an Island of Hawaiʻi institution since 1981.
Founded by Jack Clothier, a pioneer of Hawaiian sport diving, this family-run operation offers everything from beginner lessons to thrilling night dives with manta rays. With two shops, four boats, and the island’s only dive training pool, it’s your gateway to Kona’s marine magic.
Whether you're snorkelling with dolphins or exploring lava tubes, their friendly crew ensures every dive is unforgettable. Plus, their Pelagic Magic Dive is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
ADVENTURE
Kailani Tours
Luxury, lava and local legends; it’s all in a day’s adventure at Kailani Tours.
Forget soulless tour buses, Kailani Tours serves up small-group adventures with big personality. Cruise from Kona to Kīlauea, exploring active volcanos, secret waterfalls, and local farms, all while soaking up island stories from guides who really know their stuff.
Whether you want to hike glowing lava tubes or just kick back with some Kona coffee, Kailani makes sure every moment is packed with aloha and zero hassle. It’s adventure, upgraded.
NATURE
Kamanu Charters
Ready to ditch the tourist traps? Kamanu Charters offers an intimate, authentic way to experience Hawai'i’s stunning coastline.
Hop aboard their sleek, custom boats for private charters that blend adventure with aloha vibes. Whether it’s snorkelling, sunset cruises, or island hopping, Kamanu’s expert crew delivers top-notch service without the crowds or fuss. Think personalised, laid-back luxury where every wave tells a story and every trip feels like a dream come true (because it is).
EAT & DRINK
Kona Joe Coffee
Kona Joe’s invites caffeine lovers to discover the magic behind each cuppa while exploring their stunning coffee farm.
Perched above the Kona Coast on the Island of Hawai'i, the farm with its unique trellised coffee plants, provides a picturesque backdrop for a variety of tours. Guests can wander freely or delve deeper with guided tours that include tastings and souvenirs, or roast their own coffee under expert guidance.
Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur, Kona Joe Coffee offers an immersive journey from bean to brew. Kona Joe Coffee offers an immersive journey from bean to brew.
ADVENTURE
Liquid Hawaiʻi Charters
Ditch the megaboats and dive into a more intimate Hawaiian adventure with Liquid Hawaiʻi Charters.
This family-run gem offers small-group tours (max 12 guests), so you can actually experience the reef, not just snap a selfie. Whether you're night-snorkelling with manta rays, whale watching, or reef-hopping with turtles and dolphins, the crew brings local knowledge and a personal touch that big tours can’t match. Departing from Puako Boat Ramp, just a short drive from Waikoloa, it’s the best way to see the Island of Hawaiʻi’s wild side; up close and uncrowded.
EAT & DRINK
Kona Joe Coffee
Kona Joe’s invites caffeine lovers to discover the magic behind each cuppa while exploring their stunning coffee farm.
Perched above the Kona Coast on the Island of Hawai'i, the farm with its unique trellised coffee plants, provides a picturesque backdrop for a variety of tours. Guests can wander freely or delve deeper with guided tours that include tastings and souvenirs, or roast their own coffee under expert guidance.
Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur, Kona Joe Coffee offers an immersive journey from bean to brew. Kona Joe Coffee offers an immersive journey from bean to brew.
ADVENTURE
Liquid Hawaii Charters
Ditch the megaboats and dive into a more intimate Hawaiian adventure with Liquid Hawaii Charters.
This family-run gem offers small-group tours (max 12 guests), so you can actually experience the reef, not just snap a selfie. Whether you're night-snorkelling with manta rays, whale watching, or reef-hopping with turtles and dolphins, the crew brings local knowledge and a personal touch that big tours can’t match. Departing from Puako Boat Ramp, just a short drive from Waikoloa, it’s the best way to see the Island of Hawaiʻi’s wild side; up close and uncrowded.
NATURE
Kona Cloud Forest
Step into Hawaiʻi’s only tropical cloud forest — a lush, reforested sanctuary nestled on the slopes of Hualālai.
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is an ‘ohana-led haven dedicated to reconnecting people with nature. Explore one of Earth’s rarest ecosystems through guided jungle tours, sound baths, yoga, and more.
Surrounded by sacred trees and global flora, every visit is an immersive, soul-nourishing journey into restoration, awareness, and peace, reminding us we’re not separate from nature, but deeply intertwined with it.
EAT & DRINK
Naʻau Hilo
Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Pepeʻekeo, Na‘au Hilo offers an intimate, open-air dining experience that celebrates Hawaiʻi's rich culinary heritage.
Founded by Chef Brian Hirata, a former culinary educator and James Beard Award semifinalist, this pop-up restaurant/social enterprise is a heartfelt endeavour to preserve and progress local cuisine.
Each multi-course tasting menu showcases ingredients that are locally hunted, foraged, fished, or farmed. From wild ferns to native seafood, the dishes highlight the connection between food, place, and tradition — offering guests a thoughtful taste of Hawaiʻi’s diverse food culture.
DRINK & DRINK
Ola Brew
Ola Brew is a locally rooted brewery with taprooms in both Hilo and Kona on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
Their mission is to support Hawaiʻi’s agricultural economy by sourcing local ingredients — crafting everything from tropical IPAs to rich stouts that reflect the island’s distinctive flavours.
Stop by either location to enjoy some of the freshest beer in the state, brewed right here, at their Kona and Hilo Brewery locations.
EAT & DRINK
Umekes
Known for fresh, local seafood and warm Hawaiian hospitality, Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a laid-back favourite in Kailua-Kona.
The menu features poke bowls, fish tacos, and generous platters made with ingredients sourced from local fishermen and farmers. With live music on weekends, a full bar, and a friendly vibe, it’s the perfect spot to relax and savour the flavours of the island.
DRINK & DRINK
Ola Brew
Ola Brew is a locally rooted brewery with taprooms in both Hilo and Kona on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
Their mission is to support Hawaii’s agricultural economy by sourcing local ingredients — crafting everything from tropical IPAs to rich stouts that reflect the island’s distinctive flavours.
Stop by either location to enjoy some of the freshest beer in the state, brewed right here, at their Kona and Hilo Brewery locations.
EAT & DRINK
Umekes
Known for fresh, local seafood and warm Hawaiian hospitality, Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill is a laid-back favourite in Kailua-Kona.
The menu features poke bowls, fish tacos, and generous platters made with ingredients sourced from local fishermen and farmers. With live music on weekends, a full bar, and a friendly vibe, it’s the perfect spot to relax and savour the flavours of the island.
NATURE
Wasabi Tours
Skip the cookie-cutter coach tours and explore the Island of Hawaiʻi in comfort and style with Wasabi Tours. Specialising in small-group adventures, they take you beyond the guidebooks — from lava fields and lush rainforests to black sand beaches and spectacular waterfalls.
Whether you're circling the island, sipping Kona coffee on the farm, or standing at the edge of a crater in Volcanoes National Park, their expert guides bring history and culture to life. Tours depart from Kona and Hilo, making it easy to discover the island’s wild beauty — without the crowds.
© 2025 Hawai’i Tourism Authority