The Big Island of Hawaii isn't just a land of volcanoes and stunning landscapes; it's a world-class destination for underwater exploration. With its pristine water clarity, protected coastlines, and unique volcanic topography, Big Island scuba diving offers unparalleled adventures for divers of all skill levels. From the iconic Manta Ray Night Dive to mysterious blackwater drifts and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, the Kona coast is a diver's dream. The island’s volcanic origins have created a dramatic underwater landscape of lava tubes, arches, and dramatic drop-offs that are unlike anywhere else on Earth.
This guide will introduce you to the top-rated Kona diving companies, helping you choose the perfect operator for your adventure, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer. We'll explore the specific charters available, including the famous manta and blackwater dives, and offer practical tips to ensure your experience is both safe and unforgettable. Let's dive in and discover why diving Hawaii Big Island is a bucket-list adventure.
Top 10 Big Island Scuba Diving Companies
Choosing the right dive operator can make or break your underwater adventure. This list ranks the top 10 Kona diving companies based on their number of Google reviews, giving you a clear picture of who fellow divers trust most.
1. Kona Honu Divers
With the highest number of reviews and an impeccable rating, Kona Honu Divers stands out as the premier dive operator on the Big Island. They have won multiple awards, including Scuba Diving Magazine's Readers Choice for Best Dive Operator in the Pacific. Known for their high-end, diver-centric service, they are the only company that does not take snorkelers on their dive boats, ensuring every trip is optimized for divers. This makes them an excellent choice for experienced divers seeking advanced adventures like Blackwater and advanced charters, as well as new divers who want focused, top-quality instruction and service.
2. Kona Shore Divers
Specializing in guided shore dives, Kona Shore Divers is a fantastic option for those who prefer to explore the coastline's hidden gems. They are highly praised for their knowledgeable guides who can lead both new and experienced divers to the best entry points and underwater features. This is a great choice for divers who want a more personalized, small-group experience away from the larger boat crowds.
3. Aquatic Life Divers
Aquatic Life Divers is celebrated for its friendly and passionate crew. They run small-group charters, which fosters a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere on the boat. They cater well to all skill levels, offering everything from introductory dives to advanced charters, making them a versatile choice for families or groups with varying experience levels.
4. Kona Diving Company
A long-standing and respected name in the Kona diving community, Kona Diving Company is known for its professional operation and spacious, comfortable dive boats. They offer a wide range of dive trips, including the popular Manta Ray Night Dive. Their experienced crew is adept at managing groups of all sizes and skill levels, making them a reliable choice for both novice and veteran divers.
5. Pacific Rim Divers
Pacific Rim Divers earns high marks for its adventurous spirit and commitment to exploring a wide variety of dive sites. They are a smaller operation that appeals to divers looking to get off the beaten path. Their guides are skilled at accommodating both new divers seeking calm reef tours and experienced divers looking for more challenging conditions.
6. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
As their name suggests, this company is a specialist in the world-famous Manta Ray Night Dive. They have a deep focus on manta ray conservation and education. While they are experts in this specific charter, they also offer daytime reef dives. This operator is suitable for all levels, but especially for those whose primary goal is the manta experience.
7. Kohala Divers
Located further north on the Kohala Coast, Kohala Divers is a full-service dive shop offering both boat and shore diving tours. They are the go-to operator for exploring the pristine reefs of this region, such as Puako Reef. They are well-equipped to handle divers of all certifications, from introductory courses to guided dives for seasoned experts.
8. Kona Ocean Adventures
Kona Ocean Adventures offers a broad spectrum of ocean activities, including scuba Big Island. They are known for their fast boats and ability to cover a lot of ground, often combining diving with other wildlife searches. This makes them a good fit for adventurous divers who want to see as much as possible, though the trips can cater to both beginners and experienced divers.
9. Big Island Divers
Another established and well-regarded operator, Big Island Divers has a large retail center and multiple boats. They offer a full range of PADI courses and daily charters, including trips to the Manta Ray Night Dive site. Their operation is well-suited to handle everyone from first-time discover scuba participants to advanced divers looking for specific sites.
10. Jack's Diving Locker
One of the oldest and most famous dive shops in Kona, Jack's Diving Locker is a large, family-run operation with a strong reputation for training and safety. They offer an extensive schedule of trips and courses for all levels, from kids' programs to technical diving. Their experience and size make them a reliable choice for both new and advanced divers.
A Note for Non-Divers
If you're traveling with family or friends who don't dive, finding a mixed-activity solution is key. Kona Snorkel Trips is widely regarded as the best snorkel company on the Big Island. Booking a snorkel trip with them for your non-diving companions while you go diving with a dedicated operator like Kona Honu Divers ensures everyone has a world-class experience tailored to their interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there good diving on the Big Island?
Absolutely. The Big Island is widely considered one of the premier diving destinations in the world. Its volcanic underwater topography creates dramatic lava tubes, arches, and caverns that you won't find elsewhere. The Kona coast, in particular, is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in consistently calm, clear waters with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. This exceptional clarity, combined with unique experiences like the Manta Ray Night Dive and Blackwater Dives, makes Big Island diving a truly world-class activity.
What are the best months to scuba dive in Hawaii?
While you can enjoy fantastic diving year-round in Hawaii, the absolute best months are typically during the summer, from May to September. During this period, the ocean is generally at its calmest, warmest (around 80°F or 27°C), and clearest. However, the winter months (October to April) are also popular, as this is when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. While surface conditions can be a bit more unpredictable, the chance to hear whale songs underwater adds a powerful dimension to your dive.
Is Kona good for scuba diving?
Kona is exceptional for scuba diving; it is the epicenter of the Big Island’s dive scene. The lee side of the island provides protection from wind and large swells, creating ideal conditions for divers of all levels. The proximity to deep offshore waters also makes it the global hub for Blackwater Diving and the most reliable place on the planet to see manta rays. With over 50 named dive sites accessible via a short boat ride, Kona diving offers incredible variety and convenience.
Is it better to snorkel or scuba dive in Hawaii?
This depends entirely on your comfort level and what you want to experience. Snorkeling is fantastic for seeing the vibrant, shallow reefs and is accessible to almost everyone, including families with young children. However, scuba diving Big Island Hawaii allows you to explore deeper, more complex environments like lava tubes and caverns. It brings you face-to-face with marine life that resides below 15-20 feet and offers a more immersive, three-dimensional experience. For encounters like the Manta Ray Night Dive, scuba is often preferred for a bottom-seated, eye-level view of the action.
Which Hawaiian island is best for scuba diving?
While every island offers unique underwater sights, the Big Island is arguably the best and most diverse for scuba diving. Its combination of protected Kona coast conditions, unique volcanic formations, and signature dives like the manta ray and blackwater experiences sets it apart. While Maui has Molokini Crater and Oahu has excellent wreck diving, the sheer variety, reliability, and unique marine encounters make scuba diving the Big Island a top choice for dedicated divers.
When to dive Kona?
You can dive Kona any time of year. The summer months (May-September) offer the warmest water and calmest seas, making it a peak season for divers seeking perfect conditions. The winter (October-April) brings the humpback whales, and while the surface can have more chop, the underwater world remains spectacular. Ultimately, there is no bad time for Kona diving; the best time simply depends on whether you prefer the calmest conditions or the chance to hear whales during your dive.