Scuba Diving

Dive shops on the Big Island offer rentals for offshore scuba diving into Hawaii’s clear waters. Explore sea caves or enjoy the coral belt that surrounds the island with all the colorful sea life that dwells there. Introductory “resort courses” will qualifiy you for an introductory scuba dive in hours. You might get hooked and sign up for a certification course.

Scuba Diving Spots

As with snorkeling, most of the best places for divers are on the west side of the island between South Kona and North Kohala. It’s normally best to dive with a local guide who can read changing weather and knows the best spots for shore and boat dives.

East Side

• Leleiwi and Richardson Beach Parks (Hilo): Ask the lifeguards how to get through the reef to deeper waters.

West Side

• Kahaluu (Kona): This popular snorkeling spot also offers good shallow-water diving.
• Puuhonua o Haunaunau National Historical Park (Kona): Beautiful living coral formations and lots of fish in these usually clear waters just outside the park entrance.
• Kealakekua Bay (Kona): Great visibility on calm days, especially on the north side of the bay closer to the Capt. Cook monument.
• Anaehoomalu Beach (South Kohala): Usually good visibility in this protected bay fronted by resorts.