There is not a place to moor the dive boat so this is classified a drift dive.  While nothing like the drift you would experience in Cozumel, this is a drift-type boat entry and exit

Big Island

Hammerhead Point

Paradise Pinnacle has a tall pinnacle that starts at 30' and goes down to 90'.  There is a smaller pinnacle to the east along with some crevices to explore moving toward the shore.  This site is considered "long range" by local dive companies so it does not get the dive traffic most of the other dive sites get to the north.
Best way to explore is start at the top, circle down the tall pinnacle to the bottom, then move to the smaller pinnacle and crevices to the east.



Paradise Pinnacle

For Gorilla Diving only! When the weather is cooperating, this is a great site to explore the raw, underwater lava formations and the marine life within. Never dive this spot unless the surf is low. We recommend a guided dive to begin with, if you have never dived this side of the island.

Directions: Starting from Hilo Bay, head South on Highway 11 (Kanoelehua Ave) for 7.4 miles to Kea'au. Head South on Highway 130 for 7.5 miles. Make a left on Pahoa Pohoiki Road (132) and travel for 7.3 miles, and turn right on Highway 137. Take this scenic road South for 8 miles until you see the parking below.

Kehena

Isaac Hale is boating, camping, sunning and diving all-in-one! You will find view of a rugged underwater environment here that you will never find on the West side of the Island.

The boat ramp to the left offers a very easy entry. Only attempt this dive after talking to a dive shop about the local conditions. It is best to dive with a guide if you have never dived here before.

Directions: Starting from Hilo Bay, head South on Highway 11 (Kanoelehua Ave) for 7.4 miles to Kea'au. Head South on Highway 130 for 7.5 miles. Make a left on Pahoa Pohoiki Road (132) and travel for 7.3 miles. You will enter the park at the end of the road.

Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki)

For the intermediate diver, Leleiwi will offer something new on every dive. Rugged coast line and wonderful underwater vistas await you!

Directions: Beginning at the intersection of Kanoelehua Ave and Kalanianaole Ave at South Hilo Bay, heat East toward Leleiwi Point on Kalanianaole Ave. Travel 3.3 miles to the entrance below.

Leleiwi Beach Park

For a protected diving experience, try Richardson. This park is perfect for non-divers and kids. While you are exporing the underwater sights, you're companions can sun and stroll in some amazing beauty.

Directions: Beginning at the intersection of Kanoelehua Ave and Kalanianaole Ave at South Hilo Bay, heat East toward Leleiwi Point on Kalanianaole Ave. Travel 3.6 miles to the entrance below.

Richardson Beach Park

Miloli'I Bay is a great dive for a day's outing. Take a couple of tanks, water and a lunch and be prepared to be overwhelmed with relaxation. The small village is fairly isolated and children abound, so be very careful and respectful when driving and parking in this area. Remember that you are guests in their community.

Here, the entry is quite easy: just walk down the shore and ease your way into the water. You'll find the best diving around the point to your right. Be aware of small boat traffic.

Directions: Miloli'I Bay can be found after mile mark 90 on Highway 11, about 30 miles South of Kailua. Now the adventure begins: take a right on the Miloli'I intersection and wind your way several miles of lava fields, through residential area (watch for kids!) to the bay. Drive slowly and carefully, as you will not want to make a mistake on this road.

Miloli'i Bay

We will be "hooka" diving using an inflatable boat on the big island of Hawaii this Thanksgiving, so shore entry is very important too us.  We are sure some of the dive sites you have described will be visited. One beach not mentioned on your site is Hookena state beach park south of Kona. Having snorkeled there I wonder how it compares with the other sites you've reviewed. Thanks for a very good web site.



Hookena State Beach Park

Alakaha Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Big Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Alakaha Bay

The Place of Refuge (also known as Two Steps) is a 'must-do' site. The drive to get there is wonderful, the entry is easy, and the diving is great. Turtles abound! The facilities are a little sparse. Take some water and a picnic lunch. There are porta-potties on the site.

Directions: From Kealakekua Bay, you can continue to travel South on Highway 160 for 3.2 miles to find the turn off. If this is your first destination of the day, you can take a faster route: from Kailua, drive south on Highway 11 for about 19 miles, well past Captain Cook. Take a right on Highway 160, Ke Ala o Keawe Road, (about mile mark 104) to Kealakekua Bay, and wind your way about 3.5 miles down to the ocean.

Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park)



West side of Big Island, on Highway 160.

Kealakekua Bay is also known as Old Wharf.

Hammerhead Point

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Hammerhead Point