Kona Freedivers

Located near the centre of Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island, Kona Freedivers has been a fixture of the local diving community since 2017. The centre focuses on the technical and discipline-specific aspects of breath-hold diving, catering to those looking to progress from basic skills to advanced competitive levels.

The geography of the Kona coast provides a unique environment for freedivers. The steep volcanic drop-offs allow you to reach depths exceeding 30 metres just a short distance from the shore, providing immediate access to deep water and complex lava formations.

The team is composed of expert instructors, many of whom are record holders in the freediving community. This high level of expertise is central to their training programmes, particularly for those pursuing professional or competitive paths.

Kona Freedivers is the only centre in the Hawaiian Islands to offer Fii (Freediving Instructors International) courses. This makes them a primary destination for divers seeking specific international certification in breath-hold disciplines.

Beyond freediving, the instructors are specialists in spearfishing, providing the technical knowledge required for successful and safe underwater hunting. The centre also maintains a specialised boutique for those looking to upgrade their kit, offering everything from custom-made wetsuits to high-performance carbon fins and spearguns.

The training programme is built around the Fii (Freediving Instructors International) curriculum, offering Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Freediver courses. These are designed to take a diver from fundamental buoyancy and breath-hold skills through to advanced depth and discipline training.

For those interested in underwater hunting, the centre provides dedicated Spearfishing courses. These programmes combine technical freediving skills with the specific requirements of successful spearfishing in the local environment.

The centre operates the Ocean Warrior, a fast boat designed to reach dive sites quickly. This vessel is well-equipped for trips out to the Kona coast, ensuring you spend more time in the water and less time in transit.

On board, you will find waterproof boxes to keep your cameras and personal belongings dry. The boat is also stocked with a selection of cold drinks, snacks, and tropical fruits to keep you hydrated and energised between dives.

The on-site boutique is a dedicated space for freedivers and spearfishers, carrying high-end equipment such as carbon fins, specialised spearguns, and custom wetsuits. They also offer a programme for those looking to trade in older spearguns.

For those who prefer not to carry their own kit, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and weight belts. If you are looking to purchase new equipment, the centre allows you to test masks before you buy, with the cost of the test deducted from your purchase.

The marine life at the Kona coast is defined by large pelagics. You can expect to encounter various species including sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. Depending on the time of year, whales are a regular presence in these waters.

For those looking for more specific encounters, the area is known for sightings of whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sperm whales, humpback whales, and pilot whales. These large animals are often found moving through the deeper sections of the coast.

The reef and canyon environments support a wide variety of fish, including various species of sharks and pelagic fish that patrol the edges of the lava formations.

The Kona coast is characterised by its rugged volcanic terrain, which creates a variety of habitats from shallow reefs to deep canyons. The steepness of the drop-off is a defining feature of the local diving conditions, allowing for easy access to deep water.