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

Nce dive site; good for both Scuba and Snorkeling. Just take care of boat traffic comming from Honokohau Harbor!

On Highway19, go to the north from Kailua-Kona. After the junction of 19 and 190, drive 2.4 miles and turn off to Alua Beach.

Kailua-Kona

Alua Beach

Alua Beach is a pleasant little cove that has easy access to a popular boat diving site. Take water and a snack with you. There are facilities nearby (water, restrooms) in the harbor proper, but not at the beach. Watch for the boat traffic, as they may not be watching for you. It is not recommended to snorkel here for that reason.

Directions: On Highway19, coming North from Kailua-Kona, the turn off will be 2.4 miles from the junction of 19 and 190

'Alula Beach (Kona Dog Beach)

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

Big Arch

By day, garden eels can be viewed in a sandy arena at about 70-80 feet, protruding from the sand like weeds in a garden. But approach slowly, because at the slightest sign of intrusion, these shy eels retract quickly back into the sand! The surrounding reef is abundant with beautiful staghorn and finger coral heads.

This site has also become the "hangout of choice" for the famous Kona manta rays. Over 60 different rays, distinguished by unique spots on their under bellies, have been named and cataloged.  For divers, it is a shallow dive requiring little more than an easy descent under the boat and a short swim over to a designated area to rest against a rock on your knees and enjoy the show while directing your light toward the surface to attract plankton!

Garden Eel Cove, located north of Honokohau Harbor about 20 minutes by boat, lies just offshore from Kona International Airport.

Garden Eel Cove

Great dive for lava tubes&occasional Manta Ray . Good viz. Should be carefull of swell.

Boat or shore dive.

Old Kona Airport

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

Kona

South Golden Arches is also known as Kona South.

South Golden Arches

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

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

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

Large steel pipes that were used to try to generate energy by difference in sea water temp. They go down over a 1000 ft. Can be entered. They're about 5-6 ft wide.



Pipe Dreams

The dive site “Manta Heaven” is located in Makako Bay that is just around the corner of Keahole Point, the most western tip of the Big Island. It’s offshore of the Kona International Airport. During daylight hours, the dive site is called “Garden Eel Cove”. 

In the summer of 1999, the manta rays essentially abandoned the Kona Surf Hotel as a feeding area. There were no sightings for many weeks. James knew that he could find the manta rays somewhere along the coastline and had heard from local boat captains that manta rays were being seen during the day at Garden Eel Cove. His friends Mike Ho and Mike & Nicki Milligan had done night dives in the bay and a manta swam by.

Alua Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Alua Beach

Recommended dive shops