The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

The ‘youngest’ island in the chain, the ‘Big Island’ offers active volcanic evidence of its continuing growth, as well as sun-filled beaches with unique snorkeling and diving locations (for all levels of expertise and enjoyment!).

You can also find a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for the Big Island at https://www.lovebigisland.com/great-snorkeling-spots-hawaii/

Big Island

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

Snorkel out of the cove following the reef on the left. Start the dive at 25 feetand continue the dive keeping the shoreline on the left.

There is a ledge of pahoehoe lava with crevasses, a large archway cavern and sandy chutes.

The sandy area is at 50 feet.

4 mile marker of Ali'i Drive just south of Kailua

La'-a-loa Bay is also known as Mile Marker 4.

Kailua-Kona

La'-a-loa Bay

Mile Marker 4 is small beach with easy entry. Several lava tubes may be found a short swim to the left.

Directions: Mile Marker 4 is, as the name implies, found right at the 4 mile marker of Ali'i Drive just south of Kailua.

Mile Marker 4

Pahoehoe Beach Park is a well-groomed park with all the necessary facilities. Parking and dive entry are very convenient.

Directions: You'll find Pahoehoe Beach Park at mile 3.7 on Ali'I Drive, just South of Kailua.

Pahoehoe Beach Park

Kahalu'u Beach Park is a wonderfully popular park for sunbathers, snorkelers, and beginner divers. The fish are plentiful, and the turtles are abundant. Facilities are excellent.

Directions: You'll find Kahalu'u Beach Park at mile 4.8 on Ali'I Drive, just South of Kailua.

Kahalu'u Beach Park

The zone in front of the Kona Surf Hotel, in Keauhou on the west coast of the Big Island, was the first manta ray viewing site. The official name is Kaukalaelae Point, but most people know it as “Manta Village”. 

In May 2000, the Kona Surf Hotel was closed and the lights were turned off. As the plankton stopped accumulating, the manta rays stopped frequenting the area. It's not recommended to snorkel here as there is a lot of boat traffic because the channel drops off quickly.

In October 2004, the resort reopened as the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. James teamed up with the resort re-creating a favorable manta ray venue. A short time later, manta rays returned and many new mantas have been identified and named since.

Keauhou Bay (Manta Village)

This is a great night dive spot. Mantas are really fabulous (success rate is about 80%). If you miss them, typical marine life found in this area are garden eels, squirrel fish, goat fish, butterfly fish, moray eels and invertebrates.

This great spot is second only to Manta Ray Village. The Sheraton hotle shines lights down into the water which attracts plankton. In search of a meal, manta rays soar in and gourge themselves. Get in the water at sundown and get on the bottom and wait. Soon manta rays come to eat. Horrid surge though. Extremely difficult to find a good spot where you won't get beat up by the rocks and surge. 

Just at the entrance of Keauhou Bay, south of Kailua. Look in front of the newly built Kona Surf Hotel on the southern point of Keauhou Bay.

Rather difficult access. Park at the Sheraton's hotel parking lot and gear up and walk to the rocky beach. Find a decent spot to step in and watch out for the slippery rocks and surge. Can be quite nerve racking at night or even during the day. 

Manta Ray Madness is also known as Sheraton Manta Ray, Manta Ray Night dive, Sheraton Point.

Manta Ray Madness

Start the Pelagic Dive in Kona, Hawaii just after dusk, floating tethered offshore in the deep dark sea. Just wait to see what goes by, usually not descending any lower than 50 feet. The mesmerizing jellies put on a colorful display that can only be described as breathtaking. Some zooplankton, that only rises to the surface to feed when the lights go out, are now visible to us. Our lights are but small twinkles in the vast blackness of the sea.

Pelagic Blackwater Night Dive

Kailua Bay, although right on the main drag through the Kailua coast, is a much overlooked diving spot. Access is very easy, and the sights are worthwhile.

Directions: You can't miss the harbor right in the heart of Kailua.

Kailua Bay

Paaoao 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.

Paaoao Bay

The Old Kona Airport beach is a popular weekend relaxation spot for the locals. But not to worry! There is plenty of parking on the old asphalt runway that stretches the length of the beach.

Directions: The entrance is a very short drive, just North of Kailua. Drive to the North end of Kuakini Road just a mile or so out of town, take a left and follow the road toward the ocean until you reach the entrance.

Old Kona Airport Beach

Large rock arch with a nice sandy area. Taken there by Torpedo Tours

Kona

South Golden Arches is also known as Kona South.

La'-a-loa Bay

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at La'-a-loa Bay

Recommended dive shops