Big Island Eco Activities: What Locals Recommend

Discover the best way to experience the Kohala Coast Hawai‘i—the Eco-Friendly Way.

Looking to slow down and connect with nature while visiting the Hawai‘i's Big Island? You're not alone. More and more visitors are seeking eco tours in Hawai‘i—experiences that are low-impact, locally rooted, and leave you feeling refreshed rather than rushed.

The good news: some of the island’s most rewarding adventures are also the most sustainable. If you're dreaming of a quiet day surrounded by beauty (and free from exhaust fumes or crowded buses), we’ve got just the thing.

Make Sailing the Centerpiece of Your Day

The ocean is the soul of Hawai‘i, and there’s no better way to experience it than by getting out on the water. But not all tours are created equally. At Kohala Blue Sail Hawai‘i, we offer the state’s only renewably powered electric sailing charter—a quiet, clean, and deeply relaxing way to explore the wild beauty of the Kohala Coast.

Why choose electric sailing?

• No engine noise – just the sound of waves and wind

• No exhaust fumes – breathe easy and enjoy the ocean air

• No emissions – sail sustainably, without leaving a trace

• Small groups or private charters – avoid the crowds

• Marine life encounters – dolphins, (seasonal) whales, sea turtles, reef fish, and more

• Snorkeling in remote coves – places only accessible by boat

• Health-conscious snacks and drinks; amazing vibes  – just let yourself unwind!

What truly sets us apart? The Dolce Vita is Hawaiʻi’s only off-grid, renewably powered electric sailing charter. While many electric vessels still rely on grid electricity—largely generated from fossil fuels—our catamaran runs entirely on solar, wind, and hydrogeneration.

Your adventure is powered by the elements themselves and designed to protect the incredible marine life we sail alongside. The Kohala Coast is home to over 1,100 species of tropical fish, including 149 endemic species (found nowhere else in the world), just one more reason we’re committed to keeping these waters clean, healthy, quiet, and thriving.

“Our experience with Kohala Blue Sail Hawaii was nothing short of awesome. From the eco friendly all electric sailing catamaran to the gracious hospitality from vessel owner Shaun, the day was perfect in every way! We snorkeled in the turtle “cleansing” area and saw an incredible array of fish. The trip exceeded our expectations and I should preface that we come to Hawaii every year. My family would not hesitate to hire them again and in fact have already begun planning next year!”  — Ken Sanders, Google Review

Whether you want to soak in the views, snorkel with reef fish, or simply lounge in the sun, this is your chance to experience Hawai‘i’s ocean the way it’s meant to be—rejuvenating, wild, and beautifully alive.

Build a Day Around Your Sail

One of the best things about sailing with Kohala Blue? You can plan your adventure at a pace that fits your vacation vibe. Whether you’re an early riser or sunset cruiser, our charters are stunning any time of day:

• A Morning Sail generally means calm seas and great snorkeling, and is most often when we find the spinner dolphins

• Our Afternoon Sail also brings great snorkeling while the warm breezes can pick up a little and make for excellent sailing.

• Sunset Sails are a 360* panorama of unparalleled magic. As the breezes calm, you are surrounded by open ocean, watching the colors fade on 4 volcanoes at once …. 

Pair your sail with some local gems to make it a full day:

• Start your morning in Waimea (Kamuela) with a stroll through the amazing Waimea Town Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays). This farmer’s market is an excellent place to source fresh tropical fruit, baked goods, and locally made gifts before you head to the harbor.

• For something a little more quiet and artful, Cipriano’s Kitchen offers a delicious menu of Mediterranean-inspired lunches, coffee, and breakfast items made with aloha.

• Kawaihae Fish Market offers amazingly fresh local catch poke that makes for great on-board pupus or individual bowls. They also sell cold libations and other provisions, just a few minutes from Kawaihae harbor

• After your sail, treat yourself to drinks, pupus, and/or dinner at the Seafood Bar & Grill in Kawaihae—a local favorite for a classic casual bite with harbor views.

• And of course, the Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musicquarium is one of the most unique live music venues you’ll ever see! An open-air courtyard with a full craft bar and creative dinner menu, this beautiful musician-owned operation is home to some of the best shows and dance floor the Big Island has to offer.

From start to finish, it’s a day of great food, lovely people, and blissful ocean views you’ll remember forever. We’re always happy to make other recommendations too. No better way to find gems than to ask a local!

Why Eco Tours in Hawai‘i Matter

Hawai‘i’s ecosystems are beautiful, delicate, and increasingly impacted by tourism. Choosing an eco tour—like a clean-energy sailing charter—makes a real difference. You protect the ocean, avoid contributing to noise or fuel pollution, and support a locally owned business that shares your values.

At Kohala Blue, our mission is to offer travelers a better way to experience Hawai‘i’s ocean: with respect, intention, and appreciation.

Ready to Sail the Responsible Way?

When you imagine your perfect day in Hawai‘i, we hope it includes the ocean—not the rumble of a loud engine. We invite you to join us on board for a peaceful, clean, and unforgettable sail along the Big Island’s most scenic coast.

👉 Book your eco-friendly sailing charter