Kona Honu Divers, Inc.

Located in Kailua-Kona, Kona Honu Divers has established itself as a premier destination for divers seeking the best of Hawaii's underwater world. The centre is built around a reputation for high safety standards and well-maintained equipment, catering to both those looking for their first breaths underwater and experienced divers seeking technical challenges.

The area is world-renowned for its pelagic encounters, particularly the nocturnal feeding of manta rays. The centre focuses on delivering these specific experiences through organised boat trips that utilise the unique topography and biological rhythms of the Kona coast.

The team at Kona Honu Divers brings over 200 years of combined industry experience to the water. This depth of knowledge ensures that whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, the guidance you receive is grounded in practical, real-world expertise.

As a PADI affiliated centre, they offer a structured approach to training and exploration. The crew is trained to provide a high level of service, ensuring that the logistics of your dive day—from gear preparation to boat handling—are managed professionally.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses to suit every stage of your diving career. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can enrol in the Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, or Boat Diver programmes.

For divers looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre provides Peak Performance Buoyancy, Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox), and Rescue Diver training. They also offer the Reactivate programme for those returning to the water after a break.

The centre operates custom-built dive boats designed specifically for the needs of divers. These vessels are spacious and well-equipped to handle the local conditions, providing a stable platform for both day trips and night dives.

On board, you will find amenities including heated showers, padded seating, and shaded upper decks to protect you from the sun. The boats are stocked with snacks and water to keep you hydrated between dives. For those looking to extend their bottom time, Nitrox is available on board.

Kona Honu Divers provides a full range of equipment hire for divers who prefer not to travel with their own kit. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks, all maintained to high standards.

The centre also features an on-site shop that stocks diving, freediving, and spearfishing equipment, alongside professional repair services. For night divers, torches are available to ensure you can navigate the darkness and observe the marine life clearly.

The local waters are famous for their large pelagic species. You can expect to encounter manta rays during night dives, as well as various tropical fish and corals that thrive across the reef flats and walls.

During certain times of the year, Humpback whales may be seen in the area. The open ocean also hosts a variety of jellyfish and other pelagic creatures, particularly during blackwater night dives.

The reef ecosystems are built upon a diverse array of corals and tropical fish species, providing a complex habitat for much of the local marine life.

Diving in Kona is possible year-round, with the best period for manta ray observations typically occurring between May and September. During these months, the presence of plankton is highly predictable due to nocturnal light attraction.

Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching at least 30 metres. Water temperatures typically range between 21°C and 27°C, depending on the season.