Central Pacific

Diving in Hawaii

The Big Island's leeward Kona Coast offers steep volcanic slopes, lava tubes and drop-offs close to shore, with little runoff or sand to cloud the water. The area is best known for the manta ray night dive at Keauhou Bay and Makako Bay, but also holds reef fish, occasional pelagics, and humpback whales passing offshore in winter.

What you can see

Manta Rays in Hawaii High confidence

Well documented, and reliably seen in season.

Best time: Year-round, with the calmest seas April to October

Sea Turtles in Hawaii High confidence

Well documented, and reliably seen in season.

Best time: Year-round — and Hawaii is the one place they bask on land daily

Know before you go

Best season: Diving and manta viewing run year-round, with April to October offering the calmest seas and fewest cancellations.
Conditions: Water runs roughly 24–27°C through the year, with visibility commonly beyond 30 meters. A 3mm wetsuit is standard; 5mm if you are doing several tanks a day in winter.
Getting there: Most dive trips leave by boat from Honokohau Harbor or Keauhou Bay near Kailua-Kona, reached via Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), which has direct mainland flights and inter-island connections from Honolulu.