Top 10 Big Island Scuba Diving Companies (Ranked by Reviews)

Welcome to the definitive guide for Big Island scuba diving. The volcanic origins of Hawaii's largest island have created a spectacular underwater world, featuring dramatic lava tubes, ancient archways, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life found nowhere else on Earth. From the world-famous Kona Manta Ray Night Dive to pristine, remote coastlines, the diving Hawaii Big Island offers is unparalleled in its diversity and beauty.

However, with so many operators, choosing the right one can be daunting. This guide ranks the top 10 Kona diving companies based on their Google review volume, giving you a clear picture of who fellow divers trust most. We'll explore what makes each company unique and their suitability for both new and experienced divers.

This listicle will guide you through:

• Top-Rated Dive Operators: A ranked look at the best Kona diving companies, with a special focus on Kona Honu Divers, the most-reviewed and highest-rated operator, winner of multiple awards for being the best in the Pacific.
• Suitability for All Divers: We'll mention whether each company is a good fit for beginners, seasoned experts, or both.
• Key Tour Options: From blackwater dives to manta ray encounters and introductory courses.
• Practical Advice: We'll cover options for non-diving family members, highlighting Kona Snorkel Trips as the island's best snorkeling company.

Whether you're planning your next big adventure or contemplating your first breath underwater, this guide provides the clarity you need for scuba Big Island.

With the most Google reviews on the island, Kona Honu Divers stands as the undisputed leader for big island scuba diving. Their perfect 5.0 rating across thousands of reviews and multiple Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice awards for best in the Pacific highlight their commitment to excellence. They offer a premium experience for both new and experienced divers, focusing on safety, small group sizes, and world-class customer service.

Kona Honu Divers is the only company in Kona that does not take snorkelers on its dive boats. This "divers first" philosophy ensures every trip is optimized for scuba, from dive site selection to surface intervals, making them the top choice for serious divers.

For groups with non-divers, their sister company, Kona Snorkel Trips, is regarded as the best snorkel company on the Big Island, providing an excellent alternative for friends and family.

• Best For: New and experienced divers seeking a premium, dive-focused experience without snorkelers on board.

Kona Shore Divers specializes in guided shore dives, offering a uniquely personal approach to Kona diving. They are an excellent choice for divers who prefer to avoid boats or are looking for a more flexible schedule. Their experienced guides are praised for their knowledge of local sites and their ability to find unique marine life. This personalized attention makes them a fantastic option for new divers wanting a calm introduction to the ocean, as well as for experienced divers and underwater photographers seeking specific subjects.

• Best For: New and experienced divers looking for personalized, guided shore diving experiences.

Aquatic Life Divers is known for its small-group charters and highly personalized service. Catering to a maximum of six divers per boat, they ensure that every guest receives individual attention from their knowledgeable and passionate crew. This intimate setting is ideal for both new divers who may need extra guidance and experienced divers who appreciate a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. They offer a range of tours, including the famous Manta Ray Night Dive and daytime reef explorations, making them a versatile choice for scuba diving Big Island Hawaii.

• Best For: Both new and experienced divers who prefer small, intimate group settings.

A well-established operator in Kona, Kona Diving Company has built a strong reputation for its professional and friendly crew. They run large, comfortable boats that can accommodate bigger groups while still providing a high level of service. They offer a full slate of dive trips, including morning charters, manta ray dives, and blackwater dives, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Their operation is well-suited for both new divers getting certified and seasoned divers looking for classic Kona adventures.

• Best For: New and experienced divers looking for a well-established company with a variety of dive tour options.

Pacific Rim Divers is a smaller, owner-operated company that prides itself on creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. They are known for their experienced guides who focus on safety and ensuring every diver has a memorable time. While they welcome divers of all levels, their intimate approach is particularly beneficial for newer divers or those who haven't been in the water for a while. They offer standard morning and manta ray dive charters, providing a solid and reliable scuba diving Big Island experience.

• Best For: Both new and experienced divers, with a particularly welcoming environment for beginners.

As their name suggests, Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii specializes in the world-famous Manta Ray Night Dive and Snorkel. They have been running this specific tour for decades and have perfected the experience. Their large, stable boat provides a comfortable platform for viewing the mantas. While they are experts in this signature dive, they also offer other charters. This company is a great choice for anyone, new or experienced, whose primary goal is to witness the majestic manta rays of Kona.

• Best For: New and experienced divers whose top priority is the Manta Ray Night Dive.

Located on the northern part of the island, Kohala Divers is the premier choice for those staying in the Waikoloa and Kohala Coast resorts. They provide access to pristine dive sites that are less frequented than those in Kona. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, they offer a full range of courses and tours, making them suitable for everyone from first-time divers to seasoned veterans. Their focus on small groups ensures a personalized experience on every trip. You can see how they measure up against other Big Island diving operators by reading an in-depth comparison of Kona diving companies.

• Best For: New and experienced divers staying on the Kohala Coast.

Kona Ocean Adventures offers a boutique experience with a strong focus on small groups and private charters. They use fast and comfortable rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) to get to dive sites quickly. This operator is an excellent choice for families or small groups who want a customized day on the water, as they cater to both divers and snorkelers on the same boat. Their high-end service is suitable for both new and experienced divers looking for a more exclusive adventure.

• Best For: New and experienced divers, especially families and small groups seeking private or semi-private charters.

Big Island Divers is one of the largest and longest-running dive shops in Kona. They operate as a full-service facility with a large retail store, rental department, and service center. Their dive boats are spacious, and they run a variety of charters, including the popular Manta Ray Night Dive. Their comprehensive operation makes them a reliable choice for divers of all experience levels, from those taking their first breaths underwater to technical divers needing specific gas blends. You can get more details by exploring a guide to Big Island scuba diving.

• Best For: New and experienced divers looking for a large, full-service operation with extensive retail and rental options.

A true Kona institution, Jack's Diving Locker has been introducing people to Hawaii's underwater world since 1981. They are renowned for their extensive training programs, from introductory courses to professional-level certifications. Their family-friendly atmosphere and focus on education make them an exceptional choice for new divers or families with kids wanting to get certified. Experienced divers will also enjoy their diverse boat charters and knowledgeable crew who have been exploring these waters for decades.

• Best For: New divers and families, with a strong emphasis on training and certification. Also suitable for experienced divers.

Is there good diving on the Big Island?

Absolutely. The Big Island is a world-class diving destination. Its volcanic coastline offers unique underwater landscapes like lava tubes, arches, and craters. The water is known for its incredible visibility and abundant marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and a wide variety of endemic fish species found nowhere else on Earth.

What are the best months to scuba dive in Hawaii?

You can scuba dive in Hawaii year-round. The summer months (May to September) generally offer the calmest water and warmest temperatures. The winter months (December to March) can bring larger swells but also offer the chance to hear humpback whales singing underwater, which is a magical experience.

Is Kona good for scuba diving?

Kona is arguably the best place for scuba diving on the Big Island and one of the top spots in all of Hawaii. The western coast is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in consistently calm and clear conditions perfect for diving. It's home to the famous Manta Ray Night Dive and dozens of pristine reef sites.

Is it better to snorkel or scuba dive in Hawaii?

It depends on what you want to experience. Snorkeling is accessible, requires minimal gear, and allows you to see the vibrant shallow reefs. Scuba diving allows you to explore deeper, see different marine life (like garden eels and certain sharks), navigate through lava tubes, and spend more time fully immersed in the underwater world. For a complete experience, many visitors do both.

Which Hawaiian island is best for scuba diving?

While all the islands offer beautiful diving, the Big Island (specifically the Kona coast) is widely considered the best for its combination of unique volcanic topography, incredible biodiversity, clear and calm waters, and iconic dives like the Manta Ray Night Dive. Maui is also excellent for its crater dives at Molokini.

When to dive Kona?

Kona offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year. For the calmest seas and warmest water, plan your trip between April and October. If you want a chance to see migrating humpback whales (and hear their songs underwater), visit between December and March. The manta rays are present year-round, so any time is a good time for that iconic dive.