🌴 The Big Island is a world-class scuba diving destination with healthy coral reefs, underwater volcanic formations and an abundance of marine life. With visibility often exceeding 100 ft (30 m) and water temperature staying comfortable year-round, the Big Island offers excellent conditions for divers of all levels.
The 5 Best Dive Sites in Hawaii (Big Island)
As rated on TheScubaDirectory
Kahalu'u Beach, Hawaii (Big Island)
Dive Type:
Easy entry Food vendor on site Restroom on site Salt water Shore Showers on site Snorkel site
Kahalu'u Beach offers some of the island's best snorkeling. The bay is protected and access into the water is simple making this a great spot for snorkelers of all levels. Expect to see coral heads, sea turtles and a variety of reef fish. There are restrooms, showers, and food venders on site.
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Mile 4 Marker, Hawaii (Big Island)
Dive Type:
Salt water Shore
Mile 4 Marker is a local favorite and popular shore
diving site located along the Kona coast. Depending on water
conditions, this site can be challenging to access when the
waves are breaking onshore so it is best to dive this site on
a day when the ocean is calm.
Visibility is typically excellent and you will see amazing
lava formations and underwater architecture. This is a shallow
site so divers will have plenty of bottom time to explore.
Manta Ray Night Dive (Garden Eel Cove), Hawaii (Big Island)
Dive Type:
Boat Salt water Snorkel site
The world-famous Manta Ray Night Dive is truly a
thrilling and unique experience offering divers and snorkelers
the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures
in their natural habitat. Although this is a night dive,
expect an under-water light show!
Multiple dive torches are
set on the ocean floor to attract plankton, witch in turn
draws in the manta rays. Enjoy the show as mantas swoop
overhead and feed on the plankton. Do not forget your camera!
Place of Refuge (Two Step), Hawaii (Big Island)
Dive Type:
Easy entry Salt water Shore Snorkel site Wall
Place of Refuge or “Two Step” is a popular dive site
and snorkeling location on the Big Island of Hawaii. The name
“Two Step” is due to the two natural rock ledges that serve as
entry and exit points for divers and snorkelers. On a calm day,
water entry is a breeze but be mindful if waves are coming in.
Beneath the surface, divers and snorkelers can explore ancient
underwater lava formations and vibrant coral reefs. Keep a
lookout for eels, sea turtles, octopus, and dolphins.
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Kailua Pier, Hawaii (Big Island)
Dive Type:
Easy entry Restroom on site Salt water Shore Showers on site Snorkel site
Kailua Pier is a popular spot for beach goers,
snorkelers, and shore divers. Located in central downtown
Kona, parking can sometimes be the most challenging part of this dive.
Entry is simple from a sandy beach and expect to encounter
large schools of fish and interesting rock formations.
