While Kona has some of the best diving in Hawaii that doesn’t mean Hilo has bad diving. It’s just different. And if you’re willing to go from shore you can see some really great stuff there.
Other Great things to do in Hilo
Hilo Scuba Diving
Hilo Boat Diving
1 Tank Boat Dive
If you’re just looking for a quick 2.5 hour trip to Hilo’s best reefs the 1 Tank Boat Dive is the one. Since Hilo isn’t really known for its diving the reefs are in excellent condition. Hop aboard
2 Tank Advanced Remote Tropical Reef By Boat
For a twice the fun and the best bang for your diving buck the 2 Tank Boat Dive in Hilo is the way to go. Visit Hilo’s best reefs for scuba diving or snorkeling on this 4 hour charter.
Boat Dive Requirements
- 15 dives or more
- Been Diving within the Last 2 years
- 8yrs+
- Minors with adult only
- Not suitable for people
- Pregnant
- Over 300lbs
- Back Problems
Hilo Shore Diving
Sea Turtle Cove Shore Dive
The most popular dive on the Hilo side of the Big Island is the Sea Turtle Shore Dive. This dive is great if you don’t want to have to drive to Kona or if you like an easy slower pace in diving. Take you time to stroll into the waters off of Hilo’s Spencer beach.
Requirements
- 8yrs+
- Minors with adult only
- Not suitable for people
- Pregnant
- Over 300lbs
- Back Problems
2 Tank Shore Dive
The 2 Tank Shore Dive is great for divers who get seasick easily. You can dive at your own pace and get the most bang for your guided diving dollar.
Requirements
- 8yrs+
- Minors with adult only
- Not suitable for people
- Pregnant
- Over 300lbs
- Back Problems
Beach Night Dive
For the diver that wants to see more reef critters the Beach Night Dive is the one! All of the little shrimp, crabs, lobster, and octopus can be seen best at night. Interesting behavior like eels feeding is best seen at night.
Requirements
- 8yrs+
- Minors with adult only
- Not suitable for people
- Pregnant
- Over 300lbs
- Back Problems
Scuba Refresher
Dust off those diving cobwebs and rinse off your skills in this simple Scuba Refresher Course.
Requirements
- 8yrs+
- Minors with adult only
- Not suitable for people
- Pregnant
- Over 300lbs
- Back Problems
Hilo Dive Packages
Looking to do some serious diving while you’re in Hilo? Check out their Dive Packages which include multiple dive outings.
For the DIY’ers
Rent some scuba gear and head out to Carlson’s beach for some solid local diving in Hilo’s most popular shore dive spot. There’s one shop to get your Scuba Gear Rental from in Hilo.
Hilo Snorkeling Tours
While Hilo doesn’t have a big snorkeling tour industry there is some good snorkeling to be had. Hilo is great for its coral and sea turtles. You can go snorkeling in Hilo from the shore or by boat for the best reefs.
Do you get seasick easily? Go and swim with sea turtles on this Sea Turtle Beach Snorkel.
Want to visit some of the best reefs Hilo has to offer? Book the Reef Snorkel Tour by Boat and visit the best snorkeling on the east side of the Big Island.
Things to Do in Hilo
Umauma Falls Zipline
Our hands-down favorite biplane on the whole island this is an epic series of zips running down a tropical river and over fields. The double zip over waterfalls is so epic!
Restrictions:
- Ages 4+
- Weight 35lbs – 275 lbs. max
- Pregnant women, those with serious medical conditions, and persons with prior back/neck injuries are not permitted
FAQ’s
Does Hilo Have good Snorkeling?
Yes. Hilo has good snorkeling if you know where to go. Hilo’s waters can be murky and colder compered to other islands and the western Kona side of the Big Island. There can also be dangerous currents so it’s best to go with a guide.
What is the Difference between Hilo and Kona Snorkeling?
Snorkeling in Hilo is quite different from Kona snorkeling. Hilo’s water is colder and murkier in general than Kona’s warm pristine conditions. Hilo also typically has more current than Kona. This is mostly due to geography where hilo gets a lot more rainfall than Kona.
Can you swim with manta rays in Hilo?
The manta ray swim is located in on the west side of the Big Island in Kona. While it is possible to encounter manta rays in Hilo it’s not guaranteed and isn’t offered as a standalone tour. Companies on the west side like the top rated Kona Snorkel Trips offer nightly manta ray snorkeling tours.
Which Side of the Big Island is best for snorkeling?
The Kona, or western side, of the Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in the state of Hawaii. While there is decent snorkeling in Hilo the Kona side is going to be warmer, clearer, and have less current. There are also many more Kona snorkel tours available than Hilo snorkel tours.
