Any Big Island adventure that doesn't include the ocean is missing half of what Hawaii has to offer. Water activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, boating and whale-watching offer glimpses of a world where humans are always just visitors, and time is measured by the endless rhythms of the tides. If you're interested in a Short day excursion, try the sparkling waters of Kealakekua Marine Life Conservation District, where fish and coral are especially abundant due to the protection they receive in this underwater park. Even centrally located Kahaluu Beach Park, just minutes from downtown Kailua-Kona, boasts its own resident honu, or Hawaiian sea-turtle. Longer underwater trips for divers can take place at any of the more than 66 dive sites along the Kona coast. Fantastic coral formations, rock arches, underwater lava tubes, schools of dolphin and other deep-sea treasures are waiting to be explored by the certified diver, all within a hundred feet from shore. Or, for the diver interested in something beyond the reel try Kona's famous manta ray night dive. Attracted to the light, these gentle creatures float effortlessly alongside divers, performing what some call 'the manta ray billet' for the enjoyment of a select few.