Wind and wave

Along the shore, marine life thrives in the tide pools. Children, tweens and teens can become "ocean life explorers" and collect tiny fish and organisms from an educational touch tank. The Hawaiians were also masters of fishing, and the ‘ōpelu koa fishing project honours that tradition. From catching the ‘ōpae‘ula bait to releasing them to attract the mackerel, the ‘ōpelu koa fishing project is all about fun and skill.

Alaka'i Nalu adventures

The ultimate Alaka‘i Nalu adventure – ribcraft or canoe

Our Alaka‘i Nalu (leaders of the waves) are Hualalai's ocean ambassadors. These professionals will share with you not only their skills in water sports, but also their love and knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and the ocean life around us. This private tour is created by you. You decide where the Alaka‘i Nalu will take you and what you will do. Explore a secluded beach or secret spots along the coast to the north or south, paddle, boogie board or search for dolphins.

Junior Alaka‘i Nalu programme

This action-packed three-day programme gives teens an opportunity to sample a variety of ocean activities and teaches them stewardship of the ocean. The programme introduces guests aged 10 to 17 to the professional lifestyle of the Alaka‘i Nalu (leaders of the waves). Young people who love the ocean can work closely with the Alaka‘i Nalu to learn the basics of first aid, CPR, pool and ocean safety, rescue skills (including jet ski rescue), two-person and six-person traditional outrigger canoe training, snorkelling, fishing and more. Programme graduates receive an official certificate.

Voyaging on the Makali‘i

Polynesian navigators were guided by the stars as they sailed. Join us and listen to stories from the crew of the Makali‘i. Hear how they lived on the Pacific Ocean and sailed to new destinations, navigating without instruments. This programmes is offered annually; please contact the Concierge for dates.

Two-man outrigger canoe

Improve your paddling skills or increase your strength and endurance while on the water. Expert instruction will help you get to the next level.

Six-man outrigger canoe

Explore the west coast of Hawaii while experiencing firsthand the revival of the tradition of the ancient Polynesian six-man outrigger canoe. A wonderful family or small-group adventure.

Ironman ocean swim

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an Ironman competitor? Once you've tried ocean swimming for fitness, you'll never again be satisfied with the normal lap-pool workout. Our Alaka‘i Nalu will incorporate swimming and paddle boarding into an invigorating one-hour ocean workout personalised for you.

Makai to mauka fitness challenge

Stay fit with the Alaka‘i Nalu. Swim 1,000 yards (914 metres), then challenge your body with a 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometre) run.

Ribcraft snorkel adventure cruise

Hop aboard our 28-foot (8.5-metre) ribcraft with the Alaka‘i Nalu. You'll explore the beautiful North Kona Coast and snorkel in secluded spots, swimming with tropical fish. You might even see a dolphin or a ray.

Scooter snorkel

Power snorkel using an underwater scooter. Skim the surface, or effortlessly free dive to view the reefs and marine life up close.

Snorkelling

We provide you with mask, fins and snorkel so you can explore the man-made aquarium at King's Pond. Swim with tropical fish, spotted eagle rays and a stingray.

Shoreline fishing

Discover the experience of fishing offshore. Spend two hours with our Alaka‘i Nalu and learn different techniques while using a rod and reel, as well as information about the fish of Hawaii and the history of fishing in the Islands.

Skin diving

Learn skin-diving skills that will allow you to get close to the marine life in Kahuwai Bay, viewing colourful fish, stingrays and other marine life.

Spear fishing

Hawaiians used to fish the bay using spears and nets. In this session, we will teach you these ancient ways.

Stand-up paddle board

Our Alaka‘i Nalu can train you in fitness paddling for those who like calm waters, or offer guidance to the novice or expert who enjoys open ocean waves.

Teen activity cruise

No one over the age of 19 is allowed on this teen-only boat cruise. You can guide this adventure on the water: tell the Alaka‘i Nalu what you want to do, and enjoy the trip.

Whale watching

Watch as humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters. Each winter, they come here to have their babies and play. Hear their calls while on your adventure.

Surf lessons

The history of surfing dates back to ancient Hawaii. Today, you can experience riding the waves right here at Ka‘upulehu. Learn this pastime of Hawaiian royalty by standing on a board and taming a wave! Please note that surf conditions are best from October through March.

Windsurfing

With the coaching of our experienced instructors and favourable conditions, you can learn the basic skills of sailing, steering and turning within a few hours. Boards are available for everyone from beginners to experts.

Scuba diving

• One-tank shore dive – Enjoy a fantastic opportunity to scuba to the "turtle cleaning station" and enjoy an underwater tour of beautiful Kahuwai Bay with the experienced Alaka‘i Nalu.
• One- and two-tank boat dive – Experience dive sites to a maximum of 130 feet (40 metres), where you may see turtles, eels and a variety of exotic fish.
• Bubblemakers – Kids from eight to 12 years of age can learn basic scuba skills in our swimming pool, such as buoyancy control and equalising their ears and masks, guided by our dedicated staff.
• Discover scuba diving – This programme for first-time divers ages 12 and up includes a pool session and a dive on the shoreline. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a resort certification that will allow you to go out and explore sites from our dive boat.

Marine life adventures

Fish circus

A Hualalai Resort exclusive, this activity allows you to help conduct your own fish circus. The smart and colourful fish in King's Pond can be trained to perform tricks.

‘Ōpelu koa fishing project

Learn the practice that sustained the ancient way of life here at Ka‘upulehu through the traditional art and science of netting ‘ōpelu (mackerel). Gather the small red shrimp used for bait and release them in to the sea beyond the reef to attract the ‘ōpelu.

Anchialine pond tour

Learn about the anchialine ponds on the Hualalai Resort property. In the United States, these types of ponds are only found in Hawaii. On this tour, you will explore these unique ecosystems and marine life, and find out more about our aquaculture operations and historic Hawaiian fishpond culture.

Eagle ray feeding

The Resort is lucky to be home to spotted eagle rays, and you may join us for a lunchtime meeting with them. Learn about these graceful creatures close up, an experience that will never happen in the wild due to their elusive nature.

Fish feeding

King's Pond has over 3,000 fish and 56 different species, and you can help us feed them. This experience is an amazing way to see the variety of reef fish featured in Hawaiian waters.

Tide pool exploration

Explore and learn about tide pools and the creatures that inhabit them. Find out their common and Hawaiian names, and become a Hawaiian tide pool expert in the process.

Ocean life explorer I

Kids ages seven and up will enjoy a day getting up close with Hualalai Resort's anchialine ponds and tide pools while discovering the unique ecosystem and life within them. We will ask questions and seek answers together, just as real marine scientists do. The day begins with fish and eagle ray feeding at King's Pond, continues with the exploration of coastal tide pools and inshore reefs and ends with collecting organisms for the touch tank.

Ocean life explorer II

Become be a marine scientist for a day while exploring tide pools and coastal areas. Guests ages 13 to 16 will learn about fish and invertebrate adaptations and ecological niches by exploring the marine realm more deeply and helping the natural resources department retrieve data from the field.