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Scuba Diving on the Big Island of Hawaii

by Bob G., Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Homes Friend and Frequent Guest

 

 

Some of Hawaii’s best scuba diving can be found on the Kona side of the Big Island! It is known for its visibility and calm waters, generally protected from the winds by the massive slopes of the mountains and volcanoes.

Swim through reefs teeming with life!
When scuba diving on the Big Island, it’s best to take a boat charter with a local dive master who knows the best spots and can readily assess the changing weather patterns. While several PADI dive operators leave from Kailua-Kona, or further South at Keauhou, divers staying with Paradise in Hawaii at the Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea resort areas have a short drive to Kawaihae Harbor for a boat dive with Kohala Divers, a PADI 5-STAR Dive Center offering instruction, boat charters, and a full rental and retail operation.

A colorful world under the waves!
In my two recent trips to the Big Island, I spent twenty days diving with Kohala Divers. Crystal clear blue water reveals beautiful finger coral, along with a huge variety of fish and invertebrates, green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, and more.
It’s awesome to dive in small, private groups, that take an interest in both big and small creatures. During all my recent dives, we never saw another dive boat!

Endless activity to discover and enjoy!

 Explore the depths off the coast of the Big Island.
 If you’re up for a unique night-time adventure, the manta ray night dive leaves from Honokohau Harbor, North of Kailua-Kona. Tour companies set up giant lights on the ocean floor in spots where mantas frequent. Attracted by the plankton in the water, certified scuba divers on the ocean floor are treated to an amazing show as giant mantas glide and somersault in mesmerizing patterns. The mantas often swim within inches of scuba divers!
When looking for a place to scuba dive look no further than the Big Island! The perfect place to get close to nature and create memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family!
For more information about swimming with the manta rays check out our blog post about the experience!