For ocean adventures, hike to secluded Makalawena Beach, kayak and snorkel at Kealakekua Bay and snorkel or dive at night with manta rays around Kailua-Kona.

BBC: How to choose a Hawaiian island

During 20 minutes of snorkeling off the beach at Coral Bay (pop. 120), we saw blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, manta rays and dozens of fish species.

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Stilted guesthouses suspended over turquoise water, manta rays with seven-metre wingspans and friendly locals are all part of its charm: this is an island that time forgot.

BBC: Derawan Island and the Sangalaki Archipelago

With luck and good timing you are likely to see schooling reef sharks and manta rays, the occasional dolphin pod, and thousands of colourful fish swirling and flaring like fireworks.

BBC: Flores shakes off Bali��s shadow

There are at least 260 species of reef-building coral and 70 species of sponges, plus dugong (a manatee cousin), sharks, manta rays, and about 14 species of whale, dolphin, and sea turtles.

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