Scuba Diving
The Big Island's underwater world is the setting for a dramatic diving experience. With generally warm and calm waters, vibrant coral reefs and rock formations, and plunging underwater drop-offs, the Kona and Kohala coasts offer premier scuba diving. There are also some good dive locations in East Hawaii, not far from the Hilo area. Divers find much to occupy their time, including marine reserves teeming with tropical reef fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, an occasional and critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and even some playful spinner dolphins. On special night dives to see manta rays, divers descend with bright underwater lights that attract plankton, which in turn attract these otherworldly creatures. The best spots to dive are all on the west coast.
Equipment, Lessons, and Tours
There are quite a few good dive shops along the Kona Coast. Most are happy to take on all customers, but a few focus on specific types of trips. Trip prices vary, depending on whether you're already certified and whether you're diving from a boat or from shore. Instruction with PADI, SDI, or TDI certification in three to five days costs $600 to $850. Most instructors rent dive equipment and snorkel gear, as well as underwater cameras. Most organize otherworldly manta ray dives at night and whale-watching cruises in season.
Jack's Diving Locker. Good for novice and intermediate divers, Jack's has trained and certified tens of thousands of divers since 1981, with classrooms and a dive pool for instruction. Four boats that accommodate up to 18 divers and 6 snorkelers visit more than 80 established dive sites along the Kona coast, yielding sightings of turtles, manta rays, garden eels, and schools of barracuda. They even take you lava tube diving. Snorkelers can accompany their friends on the dive boats or take guided morning trips and manta night trips, and dolphin-watch and reef snorkels. Combined sunset/night manta ray dives are offered as well. Kona's best deal for scuba newbies is Jack's two-part introductory dive from Kailua Pier. 75-5813 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740. 808/329–7585; 800/345–4807; www.jacksdivinglocker.com. Tours from $135.
Kohala Divers. The Kohala Coast's lava-tube caves, vibrant coral reefs, and interesting sea life make it a great diving destination. This full-service PADI dive shop has been certifying divers since 1984. A one-day intro dive course has you in the ocean the same day. A four-day, full certification course is offered, too. The company also rents equipment and takes divers to the best diving spots. Kawaihae Harbor Shopping Center, Hwy. 270, Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743. 808/882–7774; www.kohaladivers.com. One-day dive course, from $185.
Nautilus Dive Center. Across from Hilo Bay, Nautilus Dive Center is the oldest and most experienced dive shop on the island. It offers a broad range of services for both beginners and experienced divers. Owner Bill De Rooy has been diving around the Big Island since 1982, has personally certified more than 2,000 divers, and can provide you with underwater maps and show you the best dive spots in Hilo. He also provides PADI instruction, one- and two-tank dives, and snorkeling tours. 382 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720. 808/935–6939; www.nautilusdivehilo.com. Certification from $400.
Shan's Scuba. For a personalized scuba-certification experience, certified PADI MSDT instructor Shannon Rhodes-Velasquez offers complete certification; cost includes book, training materials, and most dive equipment. Specializing in small groups, she's particularly good with those who feel intimidated about learning to dive. If you plan ahead, you can learn online with PADI before arrival, and Shannon will certify you in the water for a discounted price. Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704. 808/938–8119. From $450.
Torpedo Tours. Owner-operators Mike and Nikki Milligan, both dive instructors, love to take divers out on their 40-foot custom dive boat, the Na Pali Kai II. They specialize in small groups, which means you'll get personalized attention and spend more time diving and less time waiting to dive. Morning excursions feature two-tank dives. Both snorkelers and divers can try the torpedo scooters—devices that let you cover more area with less kicking. Manta ray night diving and snorkeling at Garden Eel Cove are offered. This is the only company that fishes between dives. Honokohau Harbor, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740. 808/938–0405; www.torpedotours.com. Dives from $129.
Big Island Divers. This company offers several levels of certification as well as numerous excursions, including night dives, two-tank charters, and in-season whale watching. 74-5467 Kaiwi St., Kailua-Kona, 96740. 808/329–6068; bigislanddivers.com. From $135.
