Dive sites in Hawaii (Kona)

Top Dive Sites

Site 1: Manta Ray Night Dive

Description: The Manta Ray Night Dive off the Kona coast is one of the most famous dive experiences in Hawaii, if not the world. As the sun sets, divers descend into the ocean, guided by expert dive leaders, to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With the aid of underwater lights, plankton is attracted, which in turn attracts large numbers of manta rays performing their ballet-like feeding maneuvers.

Marine Species: While the spotlight remains on the manta rays, you’ll also encounter an array of marine life such as Hawaiian green sea turtles, nocturnal fish species, and occasionally dolphins.

Unique Encounters: The highlight of this dive is undoubtedly the gentle manta rays, with some having wingspans reaching up to 14 feet. Their close, graceful acrobatics make for an incomparable underwater experience.

Photography: This dive offers spectacular photographic opportunities. The lights illuminate the mantas, providing ideal conditions for capturing their ethereal movements. It’s recommended to use wide-angle lenses and external strobes for the best shots.

Suitability: This dive is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers due to its relatively shallow depth and supervised environment. However, comfort with night diving is essential.

Site 2: Garden Eel Cove

Description: Located north of Honokohau Harbor, Garden Eel Cove is a versatile dive site, famed for its remarkable underwater topography and vibrant marine life. Known for its sloping reef, volcanic formations, and impressive coral heads, this site provides a varied and fascinating dive experience both day and night.

Marine Species: Expect to see garden eels peeking out from the sandy bottom, along with a plethora of reef fish, octopuses, and moray eels. During the manta ray night dives, these majestic creatures also frequent the area.

Unique Encounters: A significant draw here is the garden eels themselves, which appear like a dancing meadow swaying with the current. This location can also host manta rays at night, adding an element of surprise to your dive.

Photography: Offers excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography. The visibility and light conditions are usually favorable, and capturing the garden eels and diverse reef scenes can be quite rewarding.

Suitability: Suitable for divers of all levels. The dive site starts shallow and extends to deeper waters, allowing for a range of dive profiles. Night diving here adds an advanced dimension to the experience for those looking for a bit more challenge.

Site 3: Crescent Beach

Description: Situated near Kealakekua Bay, Crescent Beach presents a stunning combination of undersea wonders and historical significance. The dive begins at a secluded bay and extends into a coral reef garden rich with marine biodiversity and panoramic underwater landscapes.

Marine Species: Home to spinner dolphins, an array of colorful reef fish, parrotfish, and often visited by sea turtles. The healthy coral reef is also a habitat for various invertebrates like sea stars and urchins.

Unique Encounters: Spinner dolphins are frequent visitors and can often be seen performing their namesake spinning jumps. Additionally, divers might have the chance to explore underwater arches and lava tubes that characterize the site.

Photography: This site is a haven for photographers; the crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility. It’s ideal for both macro photography of coral and invertebrates as well as wide-angle shots capturing the overall beauty of the reef and its resident larger animals.

Suitability: Best suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to its sometimes challenging entry via rocky shorelines and potential for stronger currents. However, the reward lies in the abundant marine life and striking underwater features that await discovery.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The waters around Kona typically range from 75°F (24°C) in the winter months to 80°F (27°C) during the summer. While the variance isn’t stark, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit for extended dives, particularly during the cooler periods. A 3-5mm wetsuit usually suffices to keep divers comfortable.

Visibility: Visibility in Kona’s waters is generally exceptional, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters). During the summer months, the clarity peaks, making it an ideal season for underwater photography and exploration. However, it’s worth noting that occasional plankton blooms might reduce visibility but also attract larger marine life.

Currents and Tides: Currents around Kona can be tricky and vary depending on the dive site. Some spots experience strong currents, especially during tidal changes, which can challenge even seasoned divers. Conversely, there are sheltered dives with minimal current, ideal for beginners. It’s essential to check local tide charts and consult with dive shops or guides before heading out.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and ensure someone knows your dive plan.
• Be aware of boat traffic, particularly near popular dive sites; using a dive flag is prudent.
• Hydrate well before and after dives to combat dehydration, a common issue in tropical climates.
• Consider surface currents and wave action when entering and exiting the water to avoid injuries.
• Familiarize yourself with local marine life, particularly species that can pose a hazard, such as eels and certain jellyfish.

Regulations:

• Respect all marine life and maintain a no-touch policy to protect the ecosystem and yourself.
• Be cautious around coral reefs, as they are fragile and easily damaged. Always stay buoyant and avoid standing on or touching the coral.
• Dispose of trash properly and avoid single-use plastics to help keep the oceans clean.
• Divers must adhere to local fishing and marine park regulations, which may include restricted areas and protected species.
• Ensure all equipment is up to date and serviced regularly to prevent malfunctions under water.

Wrap Up

Diving in Kona, Hawaii offers a tantalizing blend of spectacular underwater landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and unique diving encounters. From the mesmerizing Manta Ray Night Dive to the vibrant reefs of Garden Eel Cove, and the fascinating lava tubes at The Pinnacles, each site has its own distinct charm and thrilling experiences. These dive sites cater to all levels, whether you’re a beginner awed by colorful coral reefs or an experienced diver seeking the thrill of exploring underwater caverns. With favorable water temperatures, excellent visibility, and a robust infrastructure supporting dive tourism, Kona stands out as a premier diving destination. Dive into Kona’s waters and discover an underwater world like no other.