The 7 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Puako, Hawaii (HI)

May 3, 2022 Deane Carmody

Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 772 at the 2010 census, up from 429 at the 2000 census. The epicenter of the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake was some 6 miles (10 km) offshore of the village.
Restaurants in Puako

1. Mauna Lani Sea Adventures

Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 364 reviews

Mauna Lani Sea Adventures

Welcome aboard Winona, our 50-foot, Polynesian style sailing catamaran! Winona is U.S.C.G. Certified for a maximum of 49 passengers, with plenty of room to comfortably accommodate large groups while still being cozy enough for smaller, intimate gatherings. She has a 3/4 covered cabin area to protect you from the sun and wind, and her large viewing windows allow you to still enjoy the views outside from her covered seating area. Her open deck is spacious and provides plenty of outside seating and areas to sunbathe. Winona's "Stairway to the Sea" allows easy access to and from the ocean for snorkelers and swimmers. She is equipped with two restrooms for your convenience. The dress code on Winona is casual to resort attire. We suggest flat, soft-soled shoes or sandals. Hard sole or high heel shoes are not recommended. Winona does have nonskid decking so bare feet are welcome. We recommend you bring along sunglasses, a hat or visor, waterproof sunscreen and a beach cover up to help protect you from the sun. Towels are provided. Our helpful staff will provide instructions and then equip you with all you need for a spectacular snorkeling experience! Mask, Fins and Snorkel sets or View Boards with built in windows are available to start your adventure. We offer everyone a safety vest and defogger to help keep your experience both safe and fun! If you would like a special keepsake of your group's event, let us know. We can arrange professional video services (above and below the surface) for your group at an additional cost. For individual travelers staying on the Resort's grounds, the hotels provide free shuttle service to and from our departure and arrival locations. Our Captains and Crew look forward to assisting you in creating wonderful memories of your stay in Hawaii! Aloha!

2. Adventure X Boat Tours

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 413 reviews

Adventure X Boat Tours

"With our safe, upgraded, and luxury adventure boat we specialize in respectful swim with dolphin tours, whale watches, snorkel adventures, manta ray night snorkel tours, and private charters. We operate in a remote area on the west side of the Big Island, along the Kohala coast, away from the crowds and craziness of Kona. We promote respectful encounters of our ocean animals, and sustainable practices as we pride ourselves as an eco-friendly business. From our many reviews online, we have found that our guests love our excellent customer service, as everyone who comes on board is ohana, we truly care, and will do everything we can to make sure you have a fabulous time. We cater delicious food from Under the Bodhi Tree, and we even have a bathroom on board.

3. Hawai'i Surf and Kayak

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 177 reviews

Hawai'i Surf and Kayak

Our kayak & snorkel tours take us down the secluded Kohala Coast to some beautiful coral reefs, where we jump in and take you for a guided snorkel of the reef. We also offer stand up paddleboard lessons and beach rentals including kayaks, SUPs, beach chairs, umbrellas and more. Come enjoy a kayak and snorkel adventure with us! We often see manta rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, dolphins and whales seasonally. Tropical fish are everywhere and the reef is alive and beautiful. Whether a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler, it will be an experience to remember! We are a locally owned and operated company and have extensive knowledge of the local coastline. All of our guides are CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard certified because your safety is our #1 priority.

4. Liquid Hawaii

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 309 reviews

Liquid Hawaii

Dolphin Snorkel Adventure Tours Hawaii - Manta Ray Night Snorkel Big Island Tours - Dolphin Snorkel Tour lets you Swim with Wild Dolphins in Hawaii. Swim with Manta Rays, Snorkel with wild Dolphins in Hawaii, Whale watching tours & Colorful coral reef snorkel adventures in beautiful Puako, Hawaii. Book your Ocean Adventure Tours with Liquid Hawaii Today! Aloha! Liquid Hawaii specializes in the wild dolphin snorkel tour, manta ray night snorkel tour and whale watching tours here on the Big Island. Come join Liquid Hawaii for an epic snorkel adventure of a lifetime that will be one of the highlights of your trip to Hawaii. We only take 6 Guests so you get plenty of in water snorkel time, intimate wildlife encounters and more personal attention. Our style is all about respect & education that we gain from our daily snorkel adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii. Snorkel equipment, flotation noodles, snacks & drinks provided. Liquid Hawaii is Locally Owned and Operated we are a Ocean Eco Tour Company and a Green Listed Activity Provider in Hawaii.

5. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Old Puako Rd, Puako, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743 +1 808-961-9540 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/hapuna-beach-state-recreation-area/
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,646 reviews

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

One of the nicest sand beaches on the Kohala coast.

Reviewed By Goatgirl194

Not far from Kona, this beautiful white sand beach is so family friendly when you have a 4 year old in tow! It was easy to park at the beach, clean bathrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off the sand and salt, right sized waves for boogie boarding, lovely vistas everywhere you look, outdoor food shack, lots of space on the beach to spread out. This was truly a winner for our family!

6. Puako Bay

Puako, Island of Hawaii, HI http://www.puakobay.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Puako Bay

Reviewed By 160marciek

We rented kayaks while we stayed in Puako to go out into open water snorkeling and see the whales. The first part of Puako Bay is shallow and rocky with many fish including ray. Then once you get out past the rocks and work your way into the sea, there are places to tie up your kayak and drop in to snorkel. We took a guide the first time, to find the spots and then went back often. We saw whales as well-fairly close by. Beautiful area.

7. King Kayak Hawaii

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 192 reviews

King Kayak Hawaii

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