Big Island Diving: Top 7 Unforgettable Underwater Sites

Dive into the Depths of Hawaii's Big Island

Discover seven exceptional Big Island diving locations, each offering unique underwater adventures. This list highlights top spots, from easy shore dives to thrilling open-ocean excursions, catering to snorkelers, families, and experienced divers alike. Learn about iconic destinations like Kealakekua Bay and the Manta Ray Night Dive, plus hidden gems for exploring lava tubes and unique critters. Find the perfect Big Island diving experience to explore Hawaii's vibrant marine life and volcanic seascapes.

1. Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay, nestled on the western coast of the Big Island, reigns supreme as one of Hawaii's most pristine marine environments and is arguably the island's premier diving location. This historically significant site, where Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii and later met his demise, boasts a protected Marine Life Conservation District teeming with vibrant marine life. The exceptional water clarity, often exceeding 100 feet of visibility, allows divers to fully appreciate the thriving coral reef ecosystem and dramatic underwater topography. For those seeking unparalleled big island diving, Kealakekua Bay is an absolute must-see.

This protected bay offers a diverse range of dive experiences suitable for various skill levels. Dramatic drop-offs and vibrant coral gardens provide a stunning backdrop for exploring the abundant marine life. The average visibility of 80-100+ feet makes it a photographer's paradise, while the minimal ocean currents within the bay create a calm and relaxing diving environment. The historical significance of the site, marked by underwater monuments including the Captain Cook monument, adds another layer of intrigue to the diving experience.

Features and Benefits:

• Marine Life Conservation District: Enhanced protection ensures a thriving and diverse ecosystem.
• Dramatic Topography: Drop-offs, coral gardens, and underwater cliffs provide exciting exploration opportunities.
• Exceptional Visibility: Crystal-clear water allows for breathtaking views of the marine life and underwater landscape.
• Historical Significance: Explore the site of Captain Cook's landing and discover underwater historical monuments.
• Abundant Marine Life: Encounter over 250 species of fish, including spinner dolphins, pyramid butterflyfish, and yellow tangs.

Pros:

• Extraordinary water clarity year-round
• Minimal ocean current
• Exceptional marine biodiversity
• Suitable for divers of all skill levels
• Historical underwater monuments

Cons:

• Limited shore access; boat services are generally required.
• Can get crowded with snorkelers and tour boats during peak hours.
• Parking can be challenging for shore entries.
• Moderately long swim from shore entry points.

Examples of Dive Sites within Kealakekua Bay:

• Cook Pinnacle: This formation is a haven for schools of pyramid butterflyfish and yellow tangs.
• The Wall: A 25-foot underwater cliff covered in black coral and teeming with marine species.
• Deeper portions of the bay: Frequent encounters with pods of spinner dolphins.

Tips for Diving in Kealakekua Bay:

• Book a morning boat dive to avoid crowds and maximize visibility.
• Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning underwater scenery.
• Consider a guided tour to learn about the bay's rich history. Learn more about Kealakekua Bay
• Look for eels hiding in the coral crevices along the drop-off.
• Practice good buoyancy control to protect the fragile coral reef.

Kealakekua Bay deserves its top spot on any big island diving list due to its unique combination of pristine conditions, abundant marine life, historical significance, and accessibility to divers of all experience levels. It offers an unforgettable diving adventure that showcases the very best of what Hawaii's underwater world has to offer.

2. Manta Ray Night Dive

The Manta Ray Night Dive near Kona is a truly exceptional experience, ranking it amongst the best big island diving adventures. This dive, primarily held at 'Manta Village' (Keauhou Bay) and 'Manta Heaven' (Garden Eel Cove), offers a rare opportunity to witness the graceful ballet of manta rays feeding on plankton attracted to divers' lights. Unlike typical night dives where marine life retreats, this experience draws these gentle giants towards you, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

This infographic provides a quick reference for the key takeaways of a Manta Ray Night Dive: high encounter rates, suitability for all levels, and a focus on ethical observation. As the infographic highlights, this dive offers a unique and accessible way to experience these magnificent creatures.

This unique dive protocol involves divers sitting on the ocean floor with dive lights pointed upwards, creating a glowing beacon that attracts plankton. The mantas, with wingspans reaching up to 16 feet, glide effortlessly through the illuminated water, performing mesmerizing barrel rolls just inches away as they feast. The experience is available for both scuba divers and snorkelers, making it accessible to a wide range of ocean enthusiasts. It's world-renowned as one of the most reliable locations for manta ray encounters, adding significant value to any big island diving itinerary.

This video showcases the magic of the Manta Ray Night Dive, highlighting the close encounters and the graceful movements of these incredible creatures.

Features and Benefits:

• Consistent manta ray sightings year-round
• Unique dive protocol with divers sitting on the ocean floor
• Close-up observation of manta rays feeding and performing barrel rolls
• Available for both diving and snorkeling
• World-renowned for reliable manta ray encounters

Pros:

• Extraordinarily high success rate of manta ray encounters (80-90%)
• Suitable for all certification levels, including beginners
• Controlled environment with minimal swimming required
• Amazing photo opportunities with massive manta rays
• Ethical wildlife viewing practices

Cons:

• Can be crowded with multiple dive groups and snorkelers
• Requires night diving skills and comfort for divers
• Cold water after sunset may necessitate thicker wetsuits
• Potential for seasickness during boat rides back in darkness
• Though rare, sightings are dependent on conditions and manta ray presence

Examples of Successful Implementation:

• The famous 'Big Bertha' manta with a 16-foot wingspan is a regular visitor.
• Researchers have identified over 300 individual manta rays in the Kona area.
• Some mantas have been returning to these feeding sites for over 30 years.

Tips for an Optimal Experience:

• Book with operators adhering to the Manta Ray Green List for responsible viewing.
• Bring a good wetsuit due to dropping temperatures and stationary diving.
• Never touch the mantas, even if they come extremely close.
• Consider booking during a new moon for darker conditions, which concentrate plankton.
• Learn the proper positioning technique for the best possible viewing experience.

Popularized By:

• National Geographic features
• Jacques Cousteau, who ranked it among his top ten dives globally
• Local conservation organization Manta Pacific Research Foundation

The Manta Ray Night Dive's consistent success rates, unique viewing protocol, and ethical focus on conservation make it a must-do experience for any big island diving enthusiast. It's an unforgettable opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close and personal, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

3. Two Step (Honaunau Bay)

Two Step, nestled within the tranquil Honaunau Bay adjacent to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge), is a jewel in the crown of Big Island diving. This site offers an exceptional shore diving experience that caters to all skill levels, from novice snorkelers to seasoned divers. Its namesake, a natural two-step lava rock formation, provides remarkably easy entry into the protected bay. This unique feature makes it an ideal spot for big island diving adventures, eliminating the need for a boat and minimizing equipment transport. Beneath the surface, a vibrant world awaits, teeming with extensive coral gardens, diverse underwater environments, and frequent visits from spinner dolphins. Two Step seamlessly blends exceptional marine biodiversity with the rich cultural and historical significance of the adjacent Place of Refuge.

This remarkable site distinguishes itself through its accessibility and the sheer variety of underwater experiences it offers. The shallow reef system provides a perfect introduction for beginners and snorkelers, while the gradually sloping bottom transitions to deeper coral gardens, providing ample exploration opportunities for more experienced divers. Specific highlights include the 'Turtle Cleaning Station', where you can observe sea turtles being meticulously cleaned by reef fish, intricate finger coral formations teeming with endemic Hawaiian fish species, and the 'Amphitheater', a natural underwater formation known as a resting place for spinner dolphins.

Pros:

• No boat required – excellent shore diving with easy entry/exit
• Minimal equipment transport from the nearby parking area
• Free access (though a parking donation is recommended)
• Suitable for all experience levels, including snorkelers
• Multiple underwater environments in one site: shallow reef, mid-reef, and deep water

Cons:

• Can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays
• Limited parking that fills early in the morning
• No facilities or rentals on-site (you must bring all your own equipment)
• Entry point can become slippery and challenging during low tide or surge
• Deeper areas may have currents unsuitable for beginners

Tips for an Optimal Experience:

• Arrive early (before 8 am) to secure a parking spot and avoid the crowds.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect this delicate marine environment.
• Bring water shoes for comfortable and safe navigation over the lava rock entry.
• Look for dolphins in the deeper blue water, but maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
• Extend your dive by exploring the south side of the bay, which often sees fewer visitors.
• Consider visiting the adjacent Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park before or after your dive to enrich your understanding of the area’s cultural significance.

Two Step deserves its place on this list of top Big Island diving spots because it offers a unique combination of accessibility, diversity, and cultural significance. Whether you are a seasoned diver seeking an easy entry point for a rewarding dive or a beginner looking for a safe and captivating introduction to the underwater world, Two Step offers an unforgettable big island diving experience. Learn more about Two Step (Honaunau Bay)

4. Black Water Night Dive

For a truly unique and unforgettable big island diving adventure, consider the Black Water Night Dive. This advanced open-ocean experience takes place several miles offshore of Kona, in water thousands of feet deep. Unlike traditional reef dives, this dive suspends you in the mid-water column (typically 30-50 feet below the surface) over the abyssal depths. This allows divers to witness the mesmerizing vertical migration of deep-sea creatures that ascend towards the surface under the cover of darkness. This is a world rarely glimpsed by human eyes, often likened to exploring outer space.

How does it work? Under the guidance of experienced operators, small groups of divers are tethered to a downline that prevents drift in the open ocean currents. Powerful dive lights illuminate the surrounding water, attracting a stunning array of bioluminescent and often bizarre creatures. Everything else is shrouded in darkness, creating an otherworldly spectacle. The extreme depth of the water below contributes to the unique nature of this dive, as it draws creatures from the abyssal zone that would never venture near a reef. Learn more about Black Water Night Dive

Big island diving offers diverse experiences, and the Black Water Night Dive earns its place as a truly exceptional adventure. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness rare pelagic and deep-sea creatures in their natural environment, including larval forms of deep-sea fish with bioluminescent features, various pelagic squid species (like the paper nautilus and diamond squid), chain formations of salps and siphonophores, and rare jellyfish such as the Venus girdle and comb jellies. Underwater photographers find this dive particularly rewarding, capturing images of subjects rarely seen elsewhere. Furthermore, because no contact with the reef occurs, it’s a low-impact way to experience the marine environment. Hawaii's Big Island is renowned as a pioneer of black water diving, making it one of the best locations globally to experience this unique adventure.

Pros:

• Unparalleled opportunity to view deep-sea creatures
• Exceptional for underwater photography
• Low impact on the marine environment
• Small group sizes for a more personalized experience
• Hawaii's Big Island is one of the best locations globally for this type of dive

Cons:

• Requires advanced diving skills and comfort in open water
• More expensive than standard dives
• Potential for seasickness
• Sightings are unpredictable
• Possible spatial disorientation
• Not recommended for inexperienced or anxious divers

Tips for Black Water Diving:

• Book with operators specializing in black water dives.
• Bring a quality dive light with a backup.
• Practice excellent buoyancy control before attempting this dive.
• Consider a camera with macro capabilities for capturing small organisms.
• Take anti-seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness.
• Stay close to your guide and maintain visual contact with your tether line at all times.

The popularity of this dive is due in large part to the work of underwater photographers, like Jeff Milisen, who have documented rare species observed during these excursions, as well as Kona-based dive operators who pioneered the technique and scientific researchers who study vertical migration patterns in the region. If you're an experienced diver seeking a truly unforgettable and unique big island diving experience, the Black Water Night Dive should be at the top of your list.

5. Honokohau Harbor (Critter Dive)

For Big Island diving that's less about coral gardens and more about unique marine life encounters, Honokohau Harbor, just north of Kailua-Kona, is a must-do. This site offers a distinctive critter diving experience, focusing on the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants of this artificial reef environment. Instead of vast coral formations, you'll explore a mix of sandy bottom, patch reefs, and harbor structures, teeming with unusual creatures that thrive in this protected ecosystem. This makes it a prime spot for underwater photographers seeking exceptional macro opportunities and a fascinating dive for those interested in the unusual.

Honokohau Harbor functions as an active boat harbor, resulting in a unique blend of natural and artificial habitats. This environment attracts an array of fascinating critters, from colorful nudibranchs and camouflaged frogfish to curious octopus and stealthy slipper lobsters. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for beginners, training dives, and extended bottom time, allowing divers to truly immerse themselves in the search for these hidden gems. Experienced divers seeking unique macro photography opportunities will also find this location highly rewarding.

Features that set Honokohau Harbor apart include the abundant macro marine life and unusual critters, easy shore entry with minimal surf, and a mix of sandy bottom, patch reef, and harbor structures. A resident population of green sea turtles frequently graces the harbor mouth, offering reliable turtle sightings. The harbor also provides accessible facilities including parking, restrooms, and rinse areas.

Pros:

• Excellent for underwater photography, especially macro
• Perfect for night diving with minimal navigation challenges
• Protected from swells and currents most of the time
• Consistently good visibility (40-60 feet)
• Suitable for beginners and training dives
• Reliable turtle sightings near the harbor mouth

Cons:

• Limited coral formations compared to other Big Island sites
• Occasional boat traffic requiring diver awareness
• Some areas have accumulated harbor debris
• Potentially limited visibility after heavy rain
• Less dramatic than reef or lava tube dives elsewhere on the island

Examples of what you can expect to see:

• The 'Turtle Cleaning Station' where multiple turtles gather to be cleaned by fish
• The harbor channel where eagle rays frequently patrol
• Night dives revealing octopus, slipper lobsters, and rare nudibranchs

Tips for diving Honokohau Harbor:

• Enter near the small beach area and follow the harbor wall.
• Bring a pointer stick for spotting macro life in crevices.
• Look under ledges and in the sand for hidden creatures.
• Watch for boat traffic and maintain proper dive flags.
• Consider scheduling a night dive to see nocturnal species.
• Visit the harbor channel during incoming tide for best visibility.

Learn more about Honokohau Harbor (Critter Dive)

Honokohau Harbor deserves its place on any Big Island diving itinerary because it provides a unique opportunity for close encounters with fascinating marine life that is difficult to find elsewhere. While it may lack the dramatic scenery of other dive sites, it more than compensates with its rich biodiversity and accessible diving conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers, night divers, beginners, and anyone interested in exploring the smaller wonders of the underwater world. This unique blend of accessibility and rare marine life encounters contributes significantly to the diverse Big Island diving scene.

6. Kohala Coast Lava Tubes: An Otherworldly Big Island Diving Experience

For a truly unique big island diving adventure, the Kohala Coast's intricate network of underwater lava tubes, caves, and arches beckons. Formed by ancient volcanic flows, these geological marvels offer an otherworldly experience unlike traditional reef dives. Imagine swimming through cathedral-like caverns illuminated by beams of sunlight, exploring tunnels carved by molten rock, and discovering the vibrant marine life that thrives within these protected spaces. This distinctive diving experience sets the Kohala Coast apart and earns its spot as a must-do for underwater explorers.

These formations, sculpted by the powerful forces of nature, provide a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii's volcanic history. Extensive networks of lava tubes, arches, caves, and swim-throughs create a complex underwater labyrinth waiting to be explored. Dramatic light beams penetrate through ceiling openings, casting an ethereal glow on the well-preserved coral growth found at the tube entrances and exits. This interplay of light and shadow provides exceptional photography opportunities, capturing the dramatic beauty of these unique underwater landscapes.

The Kohala Coast offers several prominent dive sites within this network. The 'Arch of Alua', a magnificent 40-foot arch bathed in sunlight, is a breathtaking sight. 'Shark's Lair' lava tube, living up to its name, is a frequent resting place for white-tip reef sharks. Other notable formations include the 'Cathedral' cavern, named for its church-like light beams, and the 'Suck 'Em Up' lava tube, known for its surge channels and multiple exits. These diverse sites cater to various skill levels, offering both shallow explorations and more challenging penetrations.

Pros of diving the Kohala Coast Lava Tubes:

• Unique Topography: Unlike standard reef dives, the lava tubes offer a dramatic and varied underwater landscape.
• Exceptional Photography Opportunities: The interplay of light and shadow creates stunning visual effects.
• Greater Protection from Surge and Currents: The enclosed spaces within the tubes provide a calmer diving environment.
• Multiple Dive Sites: Varying levels of challenge and penetration cater to different skill levels.
• Less Crowded: Compared to Kona dive sites, these locations offer a more secluded experience, especially during peak seasons.

Cons of diving the Kohala Coast Lava Tubes:

• Boat Access Required: Trips typically depart from Kawaihae Harbor.
• Advanced Buoyancy Skills: Some tube penetrations require precise buoyancy control.
• Potential for Disorientation: More complex formations can be challenging to navigate.
• Exposure to North Swells: Sites can be affected by rough conditions during winter months.
• Limited Operators: Fewer operators offer trips to these sites compared to Kona locations.

Tips for Diving the Kohala Coast Lava Tubes:

• Book with operators specializing in North Kohala diving.
• Bring a dive light even for daytime dives to explore darker sections.
• Consider specialty training in cavern diving before attempting extensive penetration.
• Communicate with hand signals inside tubes, where sounds are amplified.
• Follow guide instructions carefully regarding penetration limits.
• Be mindful of your fins to avoid disturbing silt and reducing visibility.

The popularity of these unique dive sites is growing thanks to the efforts of local dive operators who have developed safe routes through the tubes, underwater photographers who have showcased the dramatic light effects, and marine geologists studying lava tube formation. If you're seeking a truly unforgettable big island diving adventure, exploring the Kohala Coast Lava Tubes is an experience not to be missed.

7. Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam)

Kamakahonu Beach, affectionately known as King Kam, is a prime example of why Big Island diving is so appealing: it offers exceptional accessibility and diverse marine life encounters without requiring extensive planning or boat travel. Located right in the heart of Kailua-Kona, directly in front of the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, this site provides an ideal entry point for beginners and a convenient, rewarding dive for experienced divers alike. Its protected bay, historical significance, and abundant underwater features make it a must-do for anyone exploring Big Island diving.

This easily accessible shore dive works by simply entering the water directly from the sandy beach. The protected cove minimizes waves and currents, making it ideal for novice divers or those looking for a relaxed underwater experience. The site itself boasts a fascinating mix of sandy bottom, natural patch reefs, and artificial reef structures, attracting a wealth of marine life. Its location adjacent to the former residence of King Kamehameha I adds a layer of historical intrigue, with underwater artifacts like anchors and pottery scattered across the seabed.

Examples of successful Big Island diving experiences at King Kam abound. The submerged 'pyramid' artificial reef is a bustling hub of activity, teeming with various fish species. A large anchor, believed to be from a 19th-century trading vessel, rests on the sandy bottom, offering a glimpse into the area’s maritime past. Remnants of an underwater Hawaiian temple (heiau) can also be explored, connecting divers to the rich cultural history of the area.

Pros:

• No boat required – excellent shore diving
• Perfect for beginner divers and checkout dives
• Facilities including parking, restrooms, and showers
• Food, equipment, and accommodation all within walking distance
• Easy to navigate with distinct underwater landmarks
• Night diving with minimal planning or logistical challenges

Cons:

• Limited depth range (max around 35-40 feet)
• Visibility can be reduced on busy beach days
• Less dramatic coral formations than boat dive sites
• Popular with various water users creating potential crowding
• Subject to runoff and reduced visibility after heavy rain

Tips for Diving King Kam:

• Enter from the beach and follow the rock wall to the right for the best reef exploration.
• Visit early morning for the best visibility and fewer beach users.
• Look for historical artifacts near the deeper sections by the seawall.
• Consider this site for your first or last dive on the island due to its convenience.
• Excellent night dive option when staying in Kailua-Kona. Look for octopus and eels around the rock walls.

Kamakahonu Beach deserves its spot on this list because it offers a unique blend of accessibility, history, and marine life encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, King Kam provides a rewarding and convenient Big Island diving experience. Learn more about Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam) for additional information, particularly if you're also interested in snorkeling in the area. This spot is a testament to how rewarding and diverse Big Island diving can be, offering something for everyone.

Top 7 Big Island Dive Spots Comparison

Diving Spot	🔄 Implementation Complexity	💡 Resource Requirements	📊 Expected Outcomes	🎯 Ideal Use Cases	⭐ Key Advantages
Kealakekua Bay	Moderate – boat access preferred; some swimming involved	Boat service recommended; underwater camera advised	Exceptional visibility (80-100+ ft), rich biodiversity, historical interest	All experience levels; photography; history enthusiasts	Outstanding water clarity; diverse marine life; protected marine area
Manta Ray Night Dive	Moderate – requires night diving skills	Night diving gear; wetsuit for cold; guided tours recommended	High success rate (80-90%) manta ray encounters; unique night viewing	Beginners to all levels; night dive enthusiasts; wildlife photographers	Most reliable manta sightings; ethical viewing protocol; minimal swimming
Two Step (Honaunau Bay)	Low – easy shore entry via natural lava steps	Basic shore diving gear; water shoes advised	Good visibility (50-80 ft); multiple reef zones; frequent dolphin sightings	Shore divers; families; snorkelers; beginners	Easy access; no boat needed; free entry; diverse underwater environments
Black Water Night Dive	High – advanced skills, specialized open ocean setup	Advanced certification, night dive gear, tether line, high-end lights	Unique encounters with rare deep-sea species; dramatic experience	Experienced certified divers; underwater photographers; thrill-seekers	Exclusive access to rare creatures; minimal reef impact; small groups
Honokohau Harbor (Critter Dive)	Low – easy shore entry in protected harbor	Shore diving gear; macro photography equipment recommended	Consistent visibility (40-60 ft); abundant critters and macro life	Macro photographers; night divers; beginners; training dives	Excellent for macro life; accessible facilities; calm waters
Kohala Coast Lava Tubes	Moderate to High – boat access + advanced buoyancy; potential cavern training	Boat trip needed; dive light recommended; optional cavern skill	Dramatic lava tube formations; varied marine life; exceptional photo ops	Advanced divers; cavern dive enthusiasts; photographers	Unique geological formations; less crowded; light beams underwater
Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam)	Low – easy shore entry at hotel beach	Basic shore gear; facilities onsite; night diving possible	Moderate visibility; historical artifacts; varied marine life	Beginners; easy shore dives; night divers; convenient access	Central location; full amenities; protected cove; historical interest

Plan Your Big Island Diving Adventure Today!

From the vibrant reefs of Kealakekua Bay and the thrilling manta ray night dives to the unique lava tubes of the Kohala Coast and the critter-filled waters of Honokohau Harbor, Big Island diving offers something for every skill level and interest. Whether you're exploring the historic waters of Kamakahonu Beach or taking the plunge at Two Step in Honaunau Bay, the underwater world of Hawaii's Big Island is a treasure trove of marine life and geological wonders. We’ve highlighted some of the best dive sites, each offering a distinct and unforgettable experience. Remember those incredible black water night dives? Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Mastering the basics of planning your dives, understanding the unique characteristics of each location, and choosing the right dive operator will enhance your safety and maximize your enjoyment. This ensures you can fully appreciate the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking beauty the Big Island has to offer. And if you plan on celebrating your dives with a few drinks, it's wise to be prepared for the potential consequences. Check out this article on how to minimize those dreaded morning-after effects.

So, are you ready to experience the magic of Big Island diving? Kona Honu Divers, a reputable dive operator with extensive knowledge of the local waters, offers guided tours and personalized experiences to help you explore these incredible sites. Book your dive with Kona Honu Divers today and begin your unforgettable underwater adventure!