The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

The ‘youngest’ island in the chain, the ‘Big Island’ offers active volcanic evidence of its continuing growth, as well as sun-filled beaches with unique snorkeling and diving locations (for all levels of expertise and enjoyment!).

You can also find a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for the Big Island at https://www.lovebigisland.com/great-snorkeling-spots-hawaii/

Big Island

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States





Honaunau Bay is also known as Two Step.

Honaunau-Napoopoo

Honaunau Bay

The Place of Refuge (also known as Two Steps) is a 'must-do' site. The drive to get there is wonderful, the entry is easy, and the diving is great. Turtles abound! The facilities are a little sparse. Take some water and a picnic lunch. There are porta-potties on the site.

Directions: From Kealakekua Bay, you can continue to travel South on Highway 160 for 3.2 miles to find the turn off. If this is your first destination of the day, you can take a faster route: from Kailua, drive south on Highway 11 for about 19 miles, well past Captain Cook. Take a right on Highway 160, Ke Ala o Keawe Road, (about mile mark 104) to Kealakekua Bay, and wind your way about 3.5 miles down to the ocean.

Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park)

Alakaha Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Big Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Alakaha Bay

We never tire of visiting Ke'ei. The quiet village, the wonderful ocean views, and the excellent diving make for a pleasant afternoon. On this dive, you may be greeted by garden eels, and a rare daylight sighting of a manta ray. The people of Ke'ei have always been nice to us, so be respectful of their property and privacy so we may continue to be welcomed.

Parking is the right, and the dive entry is from the small boat ramp on the left. Kick out until you're in about 20 feet of water, drop down, and continue out until you see the sandy bottom, home to the garden eels.

Directions: Less than a quarter mile South from Kahauloa Bay, take your first right just before refuse transfer station to your left.

Ke'ei Beach

Kahauloa Bay is in the midst of a quiet residential area. Be respectful of the locals' privacy and parking areas.

Directions: Less than a quarter mile South from Kealakekua Bay.

Kahauloa Bay

We will be "hooka" diving using an inflatable boat on the big island of Hawaii this Thanksgiving, so shore entry is very important too us.  We are sure some of the dive sites you have described will be visited. One beach not mentioned on your site is Hookena state beach park south of Kona. Having snorkeled there I wonder how it compares with the other sites you've reviewed. Thanks for a very good web site.



Hookena State Beach Park



West side of Big Island, on Highway 160.

Kealakekua Bay is also known as Old Wharf.

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakedua Bay is a wonderful diving area also shared by kayakers. The bay has been designated a State Park, and you'll easily see why. The view is spectacular, the water is clear, and wildlife abundant. Don't miss diving this site.

Directions: From Kailua, drive south on Highway 11 for about 13 miles to get to Captain Cook. Take a right on Highway 160 (mile mark 110.5) to Kealakekua Bay, and wind your way about 4 miles down to the ocean.

Captain Cook (Kealakekua Bay)

Paaoao Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Big Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Paaoao Bay

This is a great night dive spot. Mantas are really fabulous (success rate is about 80%). If you miss them, typical marine life found in this area are garden eels, squirrel fish, goat fish, butterfly fish, moray eels and invertebrates.

This great spot is second only to Manta Ray Village. The Sheraton hotle shines lights down into the water which attracts plankton. In search of a meal, manta rays soar in and gourge themselves. Get in the water at sundown and get on the bottom and wait. Soon manta rays come to eat. Horrid surge though. Extremely difficult to find a good spot where you won't get beat up by the rocks and surge. 

Just at the entrance of Keauhou Bay, south of Kailua. Look in front of the newly built Kona Surf Hotel on the southern point of Keauhou Bay.

Rather difficult access. Park at the Sheraton's hotel parking lot and gear up and walk to the rocky beach. Find a decent spot to step in and watch out for the slippery rocks and surge. Can be quite nerve racking at night or even during the day. 

Manta Ray Madness is also known as Sheraton Manta Ray, Manta Ray Night dive, Sheraton Point.

Manta Ray Madness

The zone in front of the Kona Surf Hotel, in Keauhou on the west coast of the Big Island, was the first manta ray viewing site. The official name is Kaukalaelae Point, but most people know it as “Manta Village”. 

In May 2000, the Kona Surf Hotel was closed and the lights were turned off. As the plankton stopped accumulating, the manta rays stopped frequenting the area. It's not recommended to snorkel here as there is a lot of boat traffic because the channel drops off quickly.

In October 2004, the resort reopened as the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. James teamed up with the resort re-creating a favorable manta ray venue. A short time later, manta rays returned and many new mantas have been identified and named since.

Honaunau Bay

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Honaunau Bay

Recommended dive shops