Shoes Off, Snorkel On with Body Glove

When people book a trip to Hawaii, chances are high that some kind of ocean adventure makes it onto the itinerary—and more often than not, that means snorkeling. I’ve done a handful of snorkel tours over the years, but it had been a while since my last one. That said, last year we had an unforgettable whale watching experience with Body Glove, and if you’re planning a runcation during peak whale season, I highly recommend adding it to your list.

Run, Watch, Relax: Body Glove Kona Whale Watching Offers the Ultimate Active Escape

This year, with the kids in tow and a few good running days behind us, we decided it was time to swap our shoes for snorkels. So off we went for a half-day of underwater exploring and fun in the sun on the Big Island. It was the perfect way to balance out the miles with a little ocean magic.

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First the Running:

Kona may be home to the legendary Ironman, but everyday running here isn’t exactly a runner’s dream. The terrain, especially on the west side, is raw, rugged, and undeniably beautiful—but also paved with lava rock and short on dedicated running paths. Unlike other Hawaiian locales, Kailua-Kona’s downtown area poses some challenges for runners: patchy sidewalks, unpredictable foot traffic, and narrow roads that can make each outing a bit of a gamble. Every time I run here, I’m reminded just how spoiled I am by the diverse, accessible routes back home.

That said, there are some hidden gems if you know where to look.

One of my go-to jumping-off points is near the Body Glove check-in hub right in the heart of Kailua-Kona. If you park in the adjacent strip mall, you’re just a short jog away from the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area—a local treasure for anyone trying to sneak in some mileage. The grounds include open space, shaded gardens, and the faded bones of the old airport runway, which now doubles as a casual running track. It’s not a massive loop, so plan for intervals, out-and-backs, or circuit-style runs. Oh, and fair warning: you’ll be sharing space with what feels like an entire colony of cats.

If you’re looking for a longer, more scenic outing, there’s a trail option a short drive away. Just north of town sits Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, where the Ala Nui Kaloko and Māmalahoa Trail Loop winds through ancient lava fields and coastal views. The trails here stretch longer and are best accessed with a car, unless you’re up for logging bonus miles along the highway. It’s also not the classic paved trails – so watch your step! Either way, the experience is worth it—offering a quieter, more immersive way to explore Kona on foot.

Otherwise, just throw caution to the wind and meander back on forth on the roads and sidewalks (where available) in Kona!

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The Experience:

Snorkeling is one of those quintessential non-running activities in Hawaiʻi that feels like a reward in itself. It gets you off your feet, out on the open ocean, and looking back at the lush islands from a whole new perspective. There’s something surreal about floating in warm water, staring back at palm-lined cliffs and thinking, Am I really here right now?

 

It’s both grounding and awe-inspiring. Add in the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, and it’s easy to see why this is a must-do.

We chose the Body Glove snorkel tour on the Big Island—a 4.5-hour journey on a spacious 65-foot catamaran. With multiple decks and a flexible vibe, it can feel like a party… or just a peaceful escape, depending on what you’re looking for.

For adventurers and wildlife watchers, there’s no shortage of gear—snorkels (including prescription masks), life vests, and float noodles—plus easy access to waterways where dolphins roam and coves where fish and sea turtles frequently appear.

Feeling adventurous? You’re covered. The boat is basically a floating playground, equipped with a 20-foot water slide, a high jump platform, stand-up paddleboards, inner tubes, and a floating island station for relaxing in the sun.

Not really into water sports? No problem. The upper deck has cushioned seats, shade, showers, and reef-safe sunscreen. There’s also a full bar with local beers and tropical cocktails for purchase, so you can just sit back and take in the coastal views with a drink in hand.

Regardless of your ocean style, the tour includes both a continental breakfast and a BBQ burger lunch. Some folks might raise an eyebrow at the price tag. But honestly, in Hawaiʻi you can spend just as much—if not more—on two meals without even getting off dry land. Here, you get a full-on experience and the food.

As for our personal experience? Honestly, I’m not sure we could have asked for much more. The weather was picture-perfect (as it so often is in Hawaii), and every part of the trip felt enjoyable. The staff went above and beyond—so attentive that it felt as if every guest was treated like a VIP.

Food and drinks seemed to magically appear just when we wanted them, a much-appreciated touch since boats can get a little rocky out on the water. We had plenty of time to snorkel, leap from the second deck, or simply relax with a snack and soak up the sun. While dolphins didn’t make an appearance, it hardly mattered—there was still so much to smile about.

We had an absolutely fantastic time with Body Glove—relaxing, playing, and soaking in the beauty of the Big Island from the water. Whether you’re recovering from a race or just logging vacation miles, this tour is the perfect way to unwind. We highly recommend runners carve out a rest day and treat themselves to this unforgettable experience.