The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the most spectacular underwater adventures in the world, from encounters with majestic manta rays to exploring ancient lava tubes. With a vibrant coastline teeming with marine life, choosing the right operator is key to an unforgettable scuba diving Big Island Hawaii experience. This guide simplifies your decision by ranking the top 10 Kona diving companies based on the number of Google reviews, a powerful indicator of experience and customer satisfaction.
We'll explore what makes each company unique and their suitability for both new and experienced divers. We'll pay special attention to Kona Honu Divers, which stands out as the highest-rated and most-reviewed Kona diving company, having won multiple awards for being the best in the Pacific. We will also highlight their unique diver-only boat policy, which ensures an experience tailored specifically for scuba enthusiasts. For those traveling with non-divers, we'll point you toward Kona Snorkel Trips, the best snorkel company on the Big Island. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for challenging diving in Big Island sites or taking your first breath underwater, this detailed breakdown will help you find the perfect match for your scuba diving Big Island adventure. Get ready to discover the best diving Hawaii Big Island has to offer.
Top 10 Kona & Big Island Scuba Diving Companies
Here are the top 10 Big Island scuba diving companies, ranked by their number of Google reviews, starting with the most-reviewed and highest-rated operator in Kona.
1. Kona Honu Divers
As the highest-rated and most-reviewed Kona diving company, Kona Honu Divers has earned its reputation as the best in the Pacific, backed by multiple prestigious awards. They are renowned for their premium, diver-centric charters. What truly sets them apart is their strict no-snorkelers policy on dive boats, ensuring every trip is optimized for the best scuba Big Island experience without compromise. This focus makes them an ideal choice for both newly certified and highly experienced divers who want a dedicated and professional environment. They are famous for their Manta Ray Night Dive and the original Black Water Dive in Kona.
2. Kona Shore Divers
Specializing in small-group guided shore dives, Kona Shore Divers is an excellent option for those who prefer to explore the underwater world from the beach. They are well-suited for both new divers wanting a calm introduction and experienced divers looking for convenient access to great sites. Their personalized approach ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
3. Aquatic Life Divers
Known for their friendly and knowledgeable crew, Aquatic Life Divers offers a range of boat diving trips along the Kona coast. They cater to small groups, which allows for more personalized attention. This makes them a solid choice for new divers needing extra guidance and for certified divers who appreciate a more intimate group setting.
4. Kona Diving Company
Kona Diving Company is a long-standing operator with a reputation for professional and fun dive charters. They run large, comfortable boats and cater to a mix of divers with varying experience levels. Their charters are great for both beginners seeking a safe, structured experience and advanced divers looking to explore well-known Kona dive sites.
5. Pacific Rim Divers
Operating out of Honokohau Harbor, Pacific Rim Divers offers daily dive charters to many of Kona’s top spots. They welcome divers of all abilities, from those just getting certified to seasoned veterans. Their experienced crew is adept at finding unique marine life, making them a good option for underwater photographers and nature lovers.
6. Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
As their name suggests, this company focuses heavily on the world-famous Manta Ray Night Dive. While they offer other charters, their expertise in this specific encounter is their main draw. They are suitable for all certified divers looking to experience this bucket-list dive, providing a reliable and well-organized trip.
7. Kohala Divers
Located on the Kohala Coast, Kohala Divers provides access to the pristine reefs north of Kona. They offer both boat and shore diving options. Their location makes them ideal for guests staying in the Waikoloa resort area. They cater well to new divers with introductory programs and also guide experienced divers on the beautiful local reefs.
8. Kona Ocean Adventures
Kona Ocean Adventures runs fast-moving zodiac-style boats, offering a more adventurous feel to their tours. They often take both snorkelers and divers on the same trips. This makes them suitable for new divers on calm days and for experienced divers who enjoy a quicker, more exhilarating boat ride to dive sites.
9. Big Island Divers
Big Island Divers is a full-service dive shop offering a wide array of tours, PADI courses, and gear. They operate several boats and can accommodate a large number of divers with different experience levels. They are a good all-around choice for both new divers looking for training and certified divers wanting a variety of tour options.
10. Jack's Diving Locker
One of the oldest and most established dive shops in Kona, Jack's Diving Locker is a large operation with a comprehensive training facility and multiple boats. They are well-equipped to handle everyone from first-time divers to those pursuing technical certifications, making them a versatile choice for any diver visiting the Big Island.
What About Snorkelers?
For divers traveling with friends or family who are non-divers, finding an activity everyone can enjoy is key. While some dive companies accommodate snorkelers, the experience can be subpar for both groups. A far better solution is to book with a dedicated snorkel company. Kona Snorkel Trips is widely regarded as the best snorkel company on the Big Island. They specialize in taking guests to premier snorkeling locations like Kealakekua Bay for the Captain Cook snorkeling tour. This allows your non-diving companions to have a world-class experience while you enjoy a dedicated dive charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there good diving on the Big Island?
Absolutely. The Big Island is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. Its volcanic underwater topography creates unique lava tubes, arches, and caverns. The coast is protected from major ocean swells, resulting in excellent visibility and calm conditions. It’s famous for reliable encounters with manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and a vast array of endemic reef fish.
What are the best months to scuba dive in Hawaii?
You can scuba dive in Hawaii year-round, but the best months are typically during the summer (April to October) when the water is warmest and the seas are calmest, especially on the Kona coast. Winter months (November to March) can bring larger swells, but Kona’s leeward side remains relatively protected, offering great diving Big Island conditions most of the year.
Is Kona good for scuba diving?
Kona is exceptional for scuba diving. Its location on the leeward side of the Big Island shields it from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in consistently calm, clear waters. This makes it the epicenter for diving Hawaii Big Island, with world-renowned sites like the Manta Ray Night Dive, Black Water dives, and countless healthy coral reefs.
Is it better to snorkel or scuba dive in Hawaii?
It depends on what you want to experience. Snorkeling is fantastic for seeing vibrant, shallow reefs and is accessible to almost everyone. Scuba diving allows you to explore deeper, see different marine life (like sharks in lava tubes or garden eels on sandy bottoms), and experience the feeling of weightlessness. For the most immersive experience, scuba diving Big Island is unparalleled.
Which Hawaiian island is best for scuba diving?
While all Hawaiian islands offer great diving, the Big Island (specifically the Kona coast) is widely considered the best overall. It boasts the highest biodiversity, the most unique volcanic underwater landscapes, and the most reliable big animal encounters, including the world-famous Manta Ray Night Dive.
When to dive Kona?
The best time to dive Kona is generally in the morning when the seas are calmest and visibility is at its peak. Year-round diving is excellent, but summer (April-October) offers the warmest water and flattest conditions. However, winter diving is also fantastic and offers the chance to hear humpback whales singing underwater. Any time is a good time for Kona diving.