The Big Island of Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant marine life. As a result, it is a popular destination for scuba divers from around the world.
The island offers an abundance of dive sites that cater to divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dive sites on the Big Island.
Manta Ray Night Dive
The Manta Ray Night Dive is one of the most famous dive sites on the Big Island. This dive site is located off the coast of Kona and offers an opportunity to witness manta rays up close and personal.
The dive is conducted at night when the manta rays come to feed on plankton that is attracted to the lights. Divers are positioned on the ocean floor while the manta rays gracefully swim above them. The experience of seeing these giant creatures glide through the water is truly breathtaking.
Turtle Pinnacle
Turtle Pinnacle is another popular dive site on the Big Island. Located off the coast of Kona, this dive site is home to an abundance of green sea turtles.
Divers can expect to see these gentle creatures gliding through the water and resting on the ocean floor. The dive site also offers an opportunity to see a variety of tropical fish, eels, and octopus.
Garden Eel Cove
Garden Eel Cove is located off the coast of Kona and is a popular dive site among advanced divers. The dive site features a sandy bottom with a coral reef that is home to an array of marine life, including garden eels that can be seen poking their heads out of the sand.
The dive site also features a number of underwater lava tubes and swim-throughs that make for an exciting dive.
Kohala Coast Dive Sites
The Kohala Coast on the Big Island is home to a number of dive sites that offer a range of experiences.
Some of the popular dive sites in the area include Black Coral Forest, which is known for its stunning coral formations and abundant marine life, and Lapakahi State Historical Park, which offers an opportunity to explore an ancient Hawaiian fishing village that dates back to the 15th century.
The Kohala Coast dive sites also offer an opportunity to see humpback whales during the winter months.
Pawai Bay
Pawai Bay is a popular dive site located on the west coast of the Big Island. The dive site features a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, octopus, and eels.
The highlight of the dive site is a coral garden that is home to a variety of coral formations and marine life. The dive site is popular among beginner and intermediate divers due to its calm waters and easy access.
Honokohau Harbor
Honokohau Harbor is located off the coast of Kona and is a popular dive site for both beginner and advanced divers. The dive site features a variety of marine life, including octopus, eels, and tropical fish.
The highlight of the dive site is a series of underwater lava tubes and swim-throughs that make for an exciting dive.
Kona Coast Dive Sites
The Kona Coast on the Big Island is home to a number of dive sites that offer a range of experiences.
Some of the popular dive sites in the area include Golden Arches, which is known for its stunning coral formations and abundance of marine life, and Red Hill, which is home to a large population of garden eels.
The Kona Coast dive sites also offer an opportunity to see spinner dolphins and humpback whales during the winter months.
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a popular dive site located on the west coast of the Big Island. The dive site features a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, tropical fish, and colorful coral formations.
The highlight of the dive site is the underwater statue of Captain James Cook, which was erected in memory of the famous explorer who was killed in the area. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers, with depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet.
Puako Wall
Puako Wall is a popular dive site located off the coast of Waikoloa. The dive site features a steep wall that drops down to a sandy bottom at a depth of around 100 feet.
Divers can expect to see an abundance of marine life along the wall, including colorful fish, eels, and octopus. The dive site is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers due to the depth and sometimes-strong currents.
Honaunau Bay
Honaunau Bay, also known as Two-Step, is a popular dive site located on the west coast of the Big Island.
The dive site features a shallow coral reef that is home to an array of marine life, including green sea turtles, tropical fish, and octopus.
The highlight of the dive site is the underwater lava tube that divers can explore. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet.
Kawaihae Reef
Kawaihae Reef is a popular dive site located off the coast of Kawaihae. The dive site features a coral reef that is home to an array of marine life, including colorful fish, eels, and octopus.
Divers can explore the reef at depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers and is a great option for those looking for a relaxed dive.
The Big Island of Hawaii offers an abundance of dive sites that cater to divers of all skill levels. From the famous Manta Ray Night Dive to the colorful coral gardens of Pawai Bay, there is something for everyone on the Big Island.
With crystal clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes, it's no wonder why the Big Island is a popular destination for scuba divers from around the world.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the Big Island has plenty to offer and is a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.
