Hawaii Island - Diving in the Big Island of Hawaii! Introducing the charm of diving and popular dive sites!

With a nickname of "Big Island.
Known Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is affectionately called "The Big Island" by the locals.

It is a resort island visited by divers from all over the world with its powerful volcanoes, mountains of spectacular scale, and beautiful beaches.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The island of Hawaii is home to Hilo, the second largest city on Hawaii Island after Honolulu on Oahu, and is bustling with tourists from all over the world.

Touring the sights of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii's only World Heritage Site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, famous for its astronomical observation, and the nostalgic old town of Hilo is very appealing.

Marine activities are very popular, so try snorkeling, kayaking, or diving.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii are Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport.

There are direct flights to the Big Island of Hawaii from Haneda and Narita airports, which take 8 to 10 hours.

It is also convenient to take a direct flight from any city in Japan to Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu and transfer to a domestic flight from there.

The flight time from Honolulu Airport to Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport on the island of Oahu is approximately one hour.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Snorkeling, diving and other marine sports are very popular on the Big Island of Hawaii.

As the name of the Big Island suggests, the probability of encountering big creatures is so high that it has become the dream of divers from all over the world.

In addition, Hawaii Island is not only home to the ocean, but also to magnificent mountains, where you can observe celestial bodies,

It is full of various attractions.

Let's take a closer look at the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

There are many natural wonders, including the sacred Waipio Valley, where Hawaiian royalty once lived, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls State Park, and the World Heritage Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Many of them have no extra human touch.

You will be impressed by the grand scale that nature has created.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea Volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is also known as the most active volcano in the world.

See such a powerful volcano up close and experience the energy of the earth.

This is one of the most popular spots, partly because you can drive around and explore Kilauea Volcano.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii are among the clearest in the Hawaiian Islands, so clear that on a clear day you can see 40 to 50 meters down.

Enjoy snorkeling and diving in the beautiful emerald green waters.

Hawaii Island is also home to the famous black sand beach of Punaluu Black Sand Beach, where you can view the black sand beaches typical of the volcanic island.

You will be able to see Hawaii's sacred green sea turtles and fully enjoy the beautiful ocean.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Apart from marine sports, the most enjoyable aspects of a trip to Hawaii include shopping and gourmet food tours.

Hawaii Island has many large shopping malls, including Queen's Market Place, Farmer's Market, and the famous Big Island Candies, where you can purchase gifts for yourself and enjoy picking out souvenirs.

Many Hawaiian gourmet dishes are suited to the Japanese palate and can be enjoyed at every mealtime.

Fill your belly and your soul with local food such as loco moco, steaks and burgers, and plenty of sweets such as acai balls and pancakes.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The island of Hawaii was once inhabited by Polynesians, and the various cultures of Polynesians and immigrants to the Kingdom of Hawaii are intermingled.

Traditional cultures, such as hula dancing and fire dancing, have been cultivated over the long history of Polynesia.

In Hilo, Hawaii, you can also experience the history of Japanese immigrants.

 

Diving on the Big Island of Hawaii!

The Big Island of Hawaii offers diving for beginners and advanced divers alike.

The Kona area offers a variety of dive sites, and night diving is very popular because of the manta rays that can be seen.

In the sea, you can have a great time swimming with colorful coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

 

What is Diving?

Diving is an activity in which one dives into the sea carrying an oxygen cylinder on one's back, swims underwater, and enjoys the spectacular view of the ocean.

The average diving depth is about 18 to 20 meters, and the dive time is said to be about 40 to 50 minutes.

Professional divers can dive down to around 40 meters, allowing them to enjoy an even deeper ocean world.

 

Types of Diving

Although you must have a license to do full-scale diving, first-time divers can enjoy experience diving with an instructor on the Big Island of Hawaii.

There are many different types of diving, which we will discuss in detail.

 

Experience Diving

If you do not have a diving license but would like to dive into the beautiful waters of Hawaii, try diving for yourself.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you will practice underwater breathing with an instructor in a swimming pool or on a shallow beach before actually diving into the ocean.

There are two ways to experience diving: entering the ocean from the beach or from a dive site on a boat.

In the experience diving, the depth to be dived is about 5 to 10 meters, and the dive time is about 30 minutes.

Once you get to know the world of the sea through diving experiences, you may be so captivated by it that you will want to get a license.

 

fun diving

Fun diving is only available to licensed divers.

After taking a course on minimum knowledge, skills, and safety, the student will be certified and receive a license called a "C Card.

Licensed divers can dive with other licensed divers as buddies.

A buddy is two people who dive together as two trusted companions who check each other's safety.

For "open water" fun diving, you can go to a depth of 18 meters,

If you get a higher license, you will be able to dive to a depth of 40 meters.

 

skin diving

The difference between skin diving and scuba diving is that you do not need a license and you do not carry oxygen cylinders on your back.

With a snorkel and fins, you will be able to dive into the ocean to see coral reefs and tropical fish, and even swim with dolphins.

One of the features of skin diving is to enjoy how long and deep you can dive by using fins and a swimming technique called jackknife to dive deeper.

 

How to enjoy diving

There are many dive sites in the Hawaiian Islands, and the underwater life you can see differs depending on where you dive.

Experience with your own eyes and skin how the ocean can look so different from place to place through an actual diving experience.

 

Diving Attraction

You will feel as if you are in an aquarium, and you will see a view in the ocean that you have never seen before.

Let's take a closer look at the appeal of such diving.

 

Enjoy one of the most beautiful seas in the world!

Hawaii Island is formed by volcanoes and has a very rich marine terrain.

Therefore, you can enjoy a different view from every point of the dive, whether it is a beautiful arch or a mysterious cave.

In addition, various styles of diving, such as drift and reef diving, are available, and both beginners and experts will be very satisfied with the experience.

Dive down to 40 meters and you will find a dark, quiet, and mysterious marine world.

If you are interested in deep-sea life, we encourage you to pursue a license above open water.

Once you reach 40 meters, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view that you will never forget in your lifetime.

 

Observe a wide variety of marine life

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii offers the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of underwater life, some of which you have never seen before.

Many endemic Hawaiian species also live here, so dive in and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view.

 

Night diving is also recommended!

Did you know that you can also dive at night?

 

Night Diving Attractions

Night diving is also recommended, diving into quiet, dark waters to see large fish that are active at night.

The sea at night when the scene is at its most beautiful and mysterious.

 

Popular Creatures Found in Diving

The Hawaiian Islands are home to a wide variety of creatures, and the high probability of encountering Hawaii's endemic species, popular dolphins, and large manta rays and sharks make it a favorite destination for divers from around the world.

Dive in and observe marine creatures that you have only seen in aquariums up close and personal.

 

tropical fish

Divers can dive while viewing colorful tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, including the cute bears that were used as models for Nemo.

Yellow, orange, and blue-colored tropical fish, as well as many species endemic to Hawaii, inhabit the area, and swimming in the ocean with tropical fish is one of the best parts of diving.

 

sea turtle

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there is a very high chance of encountering sea turtles, which are known as Honu, the guardian gods of the sea that bring good luck.

They will not run away from you when you swim close to them during the dive, and you will feel as if you are swimming with them, which will be a blissful experience.

 

dolphin (or other small toothed whales, such as porpoises and belugas)

Dolphins are the idols of aquariums.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there are many chances to see groups of wild dolphins, parents and their children,

If you are lucky, you can even dive and swim with them.

On the way to the dive site, you may also be able to see dolphins jumping, a spectacle similar to a dolphin show.

 

manta ray

The Kona area on the Big Island of Hawaii has a very high probability of encountering manta rays and is a coveted dive site for divers from around the world.

You can see the powerful manta rays so close that you can touch them, making for an exciting diving experience.

Night diving is very popular on the Big Island of Hawaii, where manta rays come to feed on the plankton that gather in the underwater light as it gets dark.

 

shark

The probability of encountering tiger sharks is very high on the Big Island of Hawaii, and many divers visit Naia Bay.

Although sharks have a strong image of being scary, you will surely feel their beauty when you see them swimming majestically in the sea.

 

Popular Dive Sites on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here are some popular dive sites on the Big Island of Hawaii that you should not miss.

You are sure to encounter manta rays, dolphins, sharks, and other big fish, making for an impressive diving experience.

 

Manta Cove

Manta Cove offers a 90% chance of seeing manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Do a night dive and feel the power of manta rays.

 

Point Features

Manta Cove, located in the Pacific Ocean area of the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a very high chance of seeing manta rays and attracts divers from all over the world.

The manta rays that gather in the light and feed on plankton are a sight to behold.

In addition to a single powerful manta ray, if you are lucky, five or ten may appear and be seen swimming freely in the sea.

View the majestic manta rays at Manta Cove.

 

Access

Manta Cove is located near the Old Kona Airport and can be reached in about 15 minutes with a rental car from downtown Kona.

 

Keauhouhou

It is also known as the birthplace of the island of Hawaii and is a sacred power spot.

The probability of encountering manta rays is high on such a beautiful beach, attracting many divers.

 

Point Features

Keauhou Bay, located south of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, is designated as a marine protected area and features beautiful, clear waters.

The water temperature is around 25 degrees throughout the year, making it a sanctuary for divers from all over the world.

Keauhou Bay means "pathway of the gods" in Hawaiian, and is a sacred and historic place.

Diving on such beaches is a wonderful experience, swimming with wild dolphins, powerful manta rays, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fish.

 

Access

From Kona International Airport, drive your rental car south on Highway 11, turn right onto Kamehameha III Road, and follow the coastline.

The trip from the airport takes approximately 15 minutes.

If you are staying in the city of Kailua-Kona, you can also rent a car and drive south on Alii Road,

Keauhou Bay is accessible in 15 minutes.

 

Niabey.

Nai'a Bay is one of the most coveted spots on the Big Island of Hawai'i for divers from around the world to encounter big fish.

Nai'a is the Hawaiian word for dolphin.

Enjoy diving in Neah Bay with a chance to swim with dolphins.

 

Point Features

In Neah Bay, you can enjoy diving while viewing tiger sharks, dolphins, and other big game.

You will be able to enjoy the powerful marine world with the sudden appearance of long-beaked dolphins and large manta rays.

The probability of encountering tiger sharks is high, and Nai'a Bay is a great place to swim with sharks.

Nai'a Bay, where the water clarity is 40 to 50 meters, is a dynamic marine world that you are sure to enjoy.

 

Access

From the town of Kona, drive along the coast on Isle Drive in a rental car and head south.

It is accessible by rental car from Kona International Airport in about 20 minutes.

 

Recommended Diving Tours

Here are some of the diving tours we recommend for the Big Island of Hawaii.

For first-time divers, we recommend a tour company with Japanese staff for language support.

Please refer to our popular diving tours and enjoy diving in Hawaii Island safely.

 

Experience Diving Deluxe

This tour includes diving, snorkeling, shopping in Kona, sunset viewing from the boat, and finally night diving to see manta rays.

This Japanese tour is recommended for those who want to try diving for the first time and for those who want to see manta rays by night diving.

You will have a great time and enjoy the marine world all day long.

 

manta ray night dive

Enjoy the popular manta ray night diving on the Big Island of Hawaii with a Japanese instructor.

You will be excited to dive at night, where you can see the big manta rays swimming in the ocean to feed on plankton at night, close at hand.

Please join us and enjoy the Kona Sea to the fullest.

 

fun diving

This tour allows you to fully enjoy fun diving on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Two dives during the day and a manta ray night dive at night are available for a full day in the ocean.

Come out to the waters of Kona to see the big fish with our experienced instructors who will make you feel at ease.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to diving on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The waters are clearer than those of Oahu, and the chances of encountering sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, tiger sharks, and other big game are very high.

If you want to try diving, you should definitely try it on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food on the Big Island of Hawaii, and see the world of the sea by diving.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.