![]() ![]() Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is home to a four-hundred-year-old place of refuge and is a sacred historic site on the Big Island. Altogether, this is an excellent dive for beginners or advanced divers who want to see eels, octopus, and sea turtles. Divers can explore ancient underwater architecture created by lava flows centuries ago in addition to a bustling coral garden home to an incredible variety of colourful reef fish. Water entry is a breeze at this shore dive thanks to the tiered lava formation along the shore. Read a detailed first-hand account of diving at Garden Eel Cove (nicknamed Manta Ray Heaven) here. The variety of underwater bathymetry here makes for a. Without a doubt, this is a surreal, spectacular, and thrilling experience all at the same time. Most divers describe the manta ray night dive off Kona as otherworldly. You’ll be greeted with giant manta rays soaring overhead while feeding on plankton. After the sun sets, descend to a sandy bottom about 30ft (9m) beneath the surface. You can expect to see wildlife you typically don’t see in the daytime, like jellyfish and other translucent creatures.Most divers describe the manta ray night dive off Kona as otherworldly. This is a night dive tethered to a line connected to the dive boat. The reef manta ray is the second largest ray species in the world next to its close relative. There is a huge broken pipe here and coral has built upon it.īlackwater Dive – One dive we didn’t do is the blackwater dive. One of the most colorful dive sites in North Male Atoll. Pipe Dreams – I loved this dive because we saw so much life. Dive instructors are experts at this dive and make sure you don’t get lost back to the boat.Ĭrescendo – This was one of our favorite dives in Hawaii because we saw three huge tiger sharks! This dive happens at dusk, so it is a night dive. ![]() Don’t miss Frank, the eel that stays in the middle light. You sit for about 45 minutes while manta rays swoop above the lights to feed. Dive companies bring huge lights to place on the seafloor while divers sit in a big circle, like a campfire. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, located just north of Kailua-Kona, their boat will take you to a location just offshore on the Kona Coast where manta rays like. This is THE dive people come for and it makes many “best dives in the world” lists. ![]() Manta Night Dive – Of course, I have to mention this one. If you’re diving with a company, they know which sites to visit based on the audience and conditions, but they’ll take recommendations. Because of elevation, you should not visit Mauna Kea or the north part of the island near Waimea within 24 hours after diving.įrogfish camouflage Best Dive Sites on the Big Island If you’re planning to summit Mauna Kea, keep in mind the moon cycle for the best views. Plan your diving around activities above water too. Humpback whales are likely from December to March. We dove in September, one of the warmest months, and wore 5mm wetsuits. The average water temperature is 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While there are manta rays on the other islands, sightings aren’t as good or reliable, so if you’re hoping to see manta rays while in Hawaii, head to the Big Island. You’ll need it to get around the Big Island.ĭiving is enjoyed year-round in Hawaii. The best place to see manta rays in Hawaii is on the Big Island, specifically on the Kona coast. There are high elevation places around the island, so plan your vacation to avoid these the day after diving.Make time to get breakfast, find the marina, and do a final bathroom break to be on time. ![]() Map out places to get a quick lunch if you are diving all day.Visit the dive shop the day before your first dive to get your gear in order. ![]()
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