Scuba divers have found paradise on the west side of the Big Island which offers some of the best in Hawaii
Scuba Diving
Overview & Activity Comparison
Overview
The west side of the Big Island is blessed with clear warm waters and diverse marine life and coral that make it a haven for scuba diving. In addition to guaranteed tropical fish, lush coral, and lava flow formations, you also have a good chance of seeing octopus, eagle and manta rays, reef sharks, monk seals, dolphins, whales, and much more. A truly unique experience is witnessing manta rays as they put on a magical show in the spotlight of diving lights on most nights.
Guidebook Reviews
Big Island Revealed Guidebook:
Fodor's Guidebook:
The Big Island's underwater world is the setting for a dramatic diving experience. With generally warm and calm waters, vibrant coral reefs and rock formations, and plunging underwater drop-offs, the Kona and Kohala coasts offer some premier scuba diving
Activity Comparison
During the day, we offer a morning 2-tank dive from both Kona and Kohala. They both run daily from around 8 to 1, have a 6:1 guide to passenger ratio, provide detailed briefings, and serve snacks and beverages. The key differences between the two main trips are outlined in the table below. Additional details and booking options can be found by visiting the individual pages.
For the night dive with manta rays, click here.
 Dive off Kohala Coast |  Dive off Kona Coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Kawaihae Harbor in North Kohala (5-20 min from Waikoloa lodging) | Honokohau Marina in Kona (30-45 min from Waikoloa lodging) |
| Boat | 42’ boat | 46’ boat |
| Max Passengers | 15 | 18 |
| Beginners | No | Yes, Intro Dive available |
| Refresher Option | No | Yes, Check Out Dive for those without a dive in past 2+ years |
| Transportation Service | Yes, from Waikoloa/Kohala (free) | No |
| Price | Certified Diver: $154 Full set of scuba rental gear: $41 Snorkeler or Ride Along: $90 Private Guide: $271/guide | Certified Diver: $139-$149 Full set of scuba rental gear: $39 Snorkeler: $89 Freediver: $95 Check Out Dive (gear included): $229-$239 Intro Dive (gear included): $239 Private Guide: $125/guide |
| More Details | More Details |