Looking for SCUBA diving adventures in Kona, Hawaii? Big Island Divers offers world-class SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and night diving that’s a must-do when on the islands. Find out what makes an underwater adventure with them special.
Highlights
- Kona has great SCUBA diving, vibrant coral reefs, and marine life for all levels.
- The Manta Ray Night Dive is the highlight of any trip to Hawaii. See manta rays in their natural habitat for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Big Island Divers provides everything: equipment rentals, dive certifications, and a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
Discover SCUBA Diving in Kona
The Kona Coast is a dream destination for SCUBA enthusiasts, offering some of the best diving in Hawai‘i. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the western side of the Big Island is teeming with spectacular dive sites. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying SCUBA for the first time, daily charters cater to all experience levels — making it easy to plunge into this underwater paradise.
From shallow reef dives teeming with colorful fish to deeper excursions exploring lava tubes and underwater arches, there’s a dive for every kind of adventurer. Popular options include two-tank dives, night dives, and private charters tailored to your interests and skill. Imagine drifting through schools of yellow tang and butterflyfish, or spotting moray eels and sea turtles nestled among the coral garden — each dive feels like entering another world.
Kona’s calm, leeward waters provide excellent visibility year-round, enhancing every moment beneath the surface. No two dives are ever the same here; one day you might be greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins, the next you could be floating beside a reef shark in the distance.
If you’re ready to explore what lies below, Kona offers the perfect stage for unforgettable underwater experiences. Just bring your sense of wonder and prepare to discover the magic of the Big Island.
Copperband butterflyfish or the beaked coral fish (Shutterstock)
The Manta Ray Night Dive is a Must-Do
This unforgettable adventure offers a rare chance to witness manta rays up close in their natural habitat — and it’s available to both snorkelers and divers. As the sun sets off the Kona Coast, specialized dive lights are placed in the water to attract plankton. These, in turn, draw in the graceful manta rays, who swoop and glide through the beams of light in a mesmerizing underwater ballet.
Open to participants ages 10 and up, the experience typically lasts about 45 minutes, with guests either floating on a buoy on the surface or diving below, depending on their preference and certification. Watching these gentle giants loop and spiral just inches away is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Kona’s waters are home to over 200 manta rays, some with wingspans of up to 16 feet. Unlike stingrays, they have no barbs or stingers, making the encounter completely safe. Their size, grace, and the surreal setting of a moonlit ocean make this one of Hawai‘i’s most unique marine experiences.
For visitors to the Big Island, a manta ray night dive is an absolute must-do. It’s not just a dive — it’s an intimate, otherworldly encounter with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures and a memory that will last long after your fins are dry.
While manta ray sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are wild animals, Big Island Divers is committed to enriching the experience of divers and snorkelers. If manta rays don’t show up during your trip out to sea, they offer either another dive for a reduced rate or another trip for free to ensure you have an amazing experience underwater. Food supply and surf conditions can affect their presence, making each night an adventure.
“The Manta Ray night dive on the Hawaiian Island of Kona is rated as one of the top night dives in the world. It was an incredible experience!”— @erinsgrandadventure
Manta Ray gliding overhead in Kona, Hawaii
Advanced Blackwater Dives
Big Island Divers’ also offer advanced and technical night dives. Miles offshore, you’ll encounter nocturnal marine life such as pelagic squids, juvenile fish, and sometimes even dolphins or sharks.
Like drifting through space, during a blackwater night dive you’re tether to the boat while you explore the abyssal depths. You’ll see otherworldly creatures that look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie – an experience like no other. The blackness of the waters and the need for perfect buoyancy make it a challenge that’s designed for experienced divers looking to test their skills.
Big Island Dive Shop
At Big Island Divers, you can get fully equipped for your underwater adventure with their extensive dive shop. With a 2,000-square-foot retail area, they have all the diving and snorkeling gear you may need for sale or rent. For added convenience during your island stay, rented items can be left at the shop overnight after your dives – no need to transport gear back and forth.
Boats and Crew
Big Island Divers’ boat crew is highly trained and knowledgeable in diving safety. The boats are specifically designed for dive trips and have all the necessary safety equipment and conveniences to make your dive experience top-notch. There’s plenty of room to move around while traveling to the dive sites and are designed with ease of access in mind to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.
“MANTA RAY night dive last night was AMAZING… The rays were very active and engaging. So glad we did this!! My Kona Adventures crew was great!” — My Kona Adventures
Additional Dive Courses and Certifications
Big Island Divers offers a range of diving certifications and specialized training courses to improve your skills. These are for both novice and experienced divers and offer a pathway for skill advancement and new certifications.
The blackwater dive is one of the more advanced courses. To do this dive you need to have logged at least 50 dives and have excellent buoyancy control as there are no visual cues underwater. Despite the challenges, completing a blackwater dive can be super rewarding if you meet the prerequisites.
Wear full wetsuits to protect yourself from jellyfish during these dives. Carrying lights underwater can improve visibility and allow you to see and enjoy the unique sea creatures you encounter while staying safe throughout this deep-sea adventure.
Book Your Trip with Big Island Divers
Booking an adventure with Big Island Divers means you’re in the capable hands of their professional crew. The team will customize each dive to your preferences to ensure a unique and unforgettable experience. When planning your dive trip make sure to check the local forecast as Hawaii’s weather is dynamic. Consider scheduling your trip during winter for a chance to see humpback whales – an added bonus to your island adventure.
Remember to bring essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water for hydration. Always respect ocean wildlife: keep a safe distance and don’t touch it.
Summary
In short, Big Island Divers’ underwater adventures on the Big Island of Kona are amazing. Whether you want to watch manta rays during a night dive or dive deep into the blackwater, their experienced boat crew, and top-of-the-line dive boats will make sure every aspect of your trip is taken care of for an unforgettable experience.
Don’t wait – get in the water off Kona and be amazed by the marine life and coral formations. Whether you’re diving for the first time or already experienced at diving Big Island Divers promises an adventure beneath the waves that will last long after your trip is over.
FAQs
What is the minimum age for the Manta Ray Night Dive?
You must be 10 years old to join the Manta Ray Night Dive. If you’re younger, you can hire a private divemaster.
What equipment do I need for blackwater dives?
Full wetsuits for protection against jellyfish and bright dive lights for visibility.
Can I rent diving gear from Big Island Divers?
Yes! Big Island Divers has diving gear for rent and you can even leave it overnight at their shop.
What should I bring on my dive trip?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a water bottle, an underwater camera, and an adventurous spirit.
What marine life will I see while diving in Kona?
Manta rays, yellow tangs, coral gardens and lava tubes. Kona is an underwater heaven!
What else should I know?
Stay hydrated, check the local weather before you head out, and respect the ocean wildlife.
