Pacific Rim Divers

(331 reviews)

0.5 km

Easy to arrange, good communication before dive date…read more Daniel was great on all briefings, great spots, really good debriefs. Everyone was great!

I can't say enough good things about Kona Diving Company. We have dove with them on three separate…read moretrips to the Big Island and absolutely love them. We've done morning dives, the manta dive, as well as the twilight and night dive and every experience has been incredible. The staff is fantastic and always takes such great care of us. I would recommend this shop to both new divers and seasoned divers alike. We've met some really amazing people through these trips and every outing has been organized, safe, and genuinely fun. The boat is spacious, they provide snacks and drinks during the surface interval, and they handle all of your gear setup which makes everything so easy and stress free. The team is super knowledgeable and does a great job grouping divers based on experience level so everyone has a good time. I'd also love to give a big shout out to Daniel and Cody who are always a blast and so much fun to dive with. Maxine is an awesome boat captain and Ashley was incredible dive master as well. She led our manta dive a year ago, gave such a great pre dive presentation, and was super thoughtful and fun to dive with on two separate occasions. Honestly, because of this dive shop we keep coming back to the Big Island and continue rebooking with them every trip. Highly recommend and I wouldn't look anywhere else for diving in Kona!

Underground camp fire to Attract the rays.

Tiny Pom-Pom Crab

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Sunset

Big Island Divers

(563 reviews)

0.8 km

I completed my open water scuba certification with BID, and it was a great experience. With over…read more11,000 hours of dive experience, my instructor, Fernando, was the best. He was patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive. The night dive with the mantas was out of this world! Our captain, Micha, along with her crew, and our dive captain, Haley were all top notch! I'm planning my return trip for 2027. I highly recommend the outfit!

Hubby went on a pelagic black water dive the night before and was very impressed with the…read moreprofessionalism of Fernando and Ashton. We've been on several black water dives before and day are part of our top list. The next day we took apart in the two tank afternoon dive and manta dive. Again, Fernando and Ashton were very thorough with the dive briefing and safety. I particularly liked how he emphasized not standing or touching the reef as well as not harassing the wildlife. I've witnessed many dive masters, who don't do this perhaps fearing unsatisfied or offended guests? I also really liked how Hawaiian culture was integrated into the dive briefings. Under the water, he helped spot various endemic creatures. Another thing we really liked for the manta dive was the small group. On past excursions we've been with larger groups and were later to the site. Whereas this time we were first to the site and we were treated to a spectacular showing of mantas. Overall, we had an amazing experience with Big Island Divers.

Dragon moray

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Jack's Diving Locker

(584 reviews)

1.2 km

If you plan on diving in Kona be sure you book your trip with Jack's Dive Locker! The dive masters…read moreput safety first and were all very knowledgeable and fun. This was my first night dive and they made it comfortable and enjoyable. The night dive was the Manta ray dive. Incredible! 12 rays that fed right over our heads for an hour. Just MAJESTIC! Book with Jack's and have the time of your life on one of the greatest dives around! Thank you to Keller, George, L, Presley and Captain Joe.

My wife, Kallie, and I had not done a full open-water dive since 2017, so when we planned our Kona…read moretrip, we decided to return to Jack's Diving Locker--the same company we had dived with back in 2008, according to our dive logs. The booking process was extremely easy. I called with several questions, and the staff was helpful, informative, and reassuring. Because it had been so long since our last actual dive, we chose to book a private divemaster for the two of us. We had completed a refresher in June 2025 for a planned dive weekend that unfortunately never happened, so we knew we would probably be a little rusty. Jack's also saved the day before we even got in the water. My personal Atomic prescription mask unexpectedly failed when the strap attachment tore out of the mask itself. I was worried I would either have to cancel or spend the dives as "Mr. Magoo," but the shop had prescription masks available and fitted me with one that worked perfectly. That level of preparedness and customer service made the entire dive day possible for me. Our divemaster, Sabrina, was absolutely fantastic. She was pleasant, friendly, social, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient throughout the entire experience. During our first dive, I had some difficulty clearing my ears. Sabrina stayed calm and helped me work through it, reminding me of techniques I had used years ago when I was diving more regularly and occasionally had "bad ear days." Both Kallie and I were a little rusty on that first dive, but Sabrina never rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. By the second dive, my ear issues had resolved, we were both much more relaxed, and the old muscle memory started coming back--including some of what I learned during my Peak Performance Buoyancy certification. The difference between the first and second dives was huge, and Sabrina's patience and guidance were a major reason why. Sabrina also went above and beyond outside the dives themselves. While chatting with us about the rest of our trip, she recommended the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm as a "must visit." We had somehow missed it in our planning, immediately looked it up, and booked the VIP experience, where Kallie and I each get to hold a seahorse twice. That recommendation made our trip even better. I would recommend Jack's Diving Locker--and Sabrina as a private divemaster--**100,000% and without hesitation** to anyone, especially divers returning after a long break. The entire experience was professional, safe, relaxed, accommodating, and genuinely fun. Sabrina also took all of the underwater photos from our dive day, which gave us some fantastic memories of the experience: https://arroyo.smugmug.com/2026-Photos-and-Pics/HI-Vacation-Big-Island/Day-3-Kona-Diving

View from the "shark" boat

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Kona Shore Divers

5.0

(28 reviews)

0.2 km

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

I was looking for a more personalized, guided tour for my boys and me--not one of those big group…read moreexcursions--and Kona Shore Divers absolutely delivered. A buddy tipped me off about this place, and I'm so glad I took his advice. Chris was the perfect guide--laid-back, professional, and dialed in to all the righteous dive spots. The shore entry was an adventure in itself, and we ended up exploring the same stunning reefs the pricey boat tours take you to. These were hands-down the best dives we've had in the islands. Now it's my turn to pass it on: if you're reading this, do yourself a favor and call Kona Shore Divers. You won't be disappointed--i hō'omau i ka moana (keep exploring the ocean)!

Friendly staff. More than accommodating for any needs. Best dive shop hands-down. Went well above…read moreand beyond to make sure I had a great time. We'll definitely use again.

Dive Master Chris Lee instructing from his "office".

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Checking out the waves, the intended path of shore entry, and enjoying the Pacific Ocean.

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

(174 reviews)

4.1 km

Our group had a fantastic experience with Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii. The directions were accurate,…read moreeverything was well organized, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful from start to finish. Our crew included Mike, Justin, Eric, and another Mike (I think!). I wish they had introduced themselves a little more clearly because every one of them deserved recognition--they were all fantastic. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, but what stood out most was how genuinely respectful and non-judgmental the entire crew was. At many popular tourist attractions, it's understandable that after giving the same presentation countless times, things can start to feel rushed or impersonal. That was absolutely not the case here. Every crew member seemed genuinely happy to be there. They welcomed every question with patience and respect, and if the answer to something was "no," they took the time to explain why instead of simply dismissing it. As a parent, I especially appreciated this because it's just as valuable for children as it is for adults. Justin did an amazing job teaching us about manta rays before we got in the water. He took the time to show everyone charts and photos, explain their behavior, and answer questions. It made the experience much more meaningful than simply showing up and jumping in the water. Once we were in the water, one of my kids became a little overwhelmed by all the gear and new variables. Mike handled it beautifully. He stayed calm, encouraged them to sit on top of the float board until they felt comfortable, and made sure they were doing okay before moving the board farther from the boat. That patience and reassurance made a huge difference. I have two suggestions that aren't complaints at all--just ideas that I think would make an already excellent experience even better. First, it would be helpful to give guests a quick overview of the evening at the very beginning. Something like: "We'll have about a __-minute boat ride out, anchor at the site, pass out and fit gear, wait for sunset, then enter the water one at a time and hold onto the floating boards for about 45 minutes before returning to the boat and heading back to the harbor." Having that roadmap would have helped both my kids and me know exactly what to expect. Second, I would recommend letting guests know to bring an extra towel to sit on during the boat ride. The ridged metal benches became a little uncomfortable after a while, and a folded towel would have made a big difference (we were allowed to move around the boat which was also awesome- just for those who didn't want to). Overall, this was an incredible experience. We came for the manta rays, but what we'll remember just as much is the crew. They were knowledgeable, professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We felt welcomed as people--not just another group of tourists--and that made all the difference. I would absolutely recommend Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii.

Not all the manta ray tour companies are the same. This one is amazing!! Leo the snorkel tour guide…read moretook us right to the Mantas and even moved us with the mantas to make sure we were always getting a front row view and interactive experience with the mantas. There was also hot chocolate offered, ginger chews, complimedry drinks, and we seemed to be in the water lonever than most the other companies. We also were given a thorough brief and while in the water we're being educated and guided regarding the mantas. One of the best experiences I've ever had and I am an avid scuba diver who has traveled the world.

Sunset 3/11/25

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Sunset 3/11/25

Kona Honu Divers

(417 reviews)

0.7 km

Very professional and friendly crew! Did the night manta dive (July 2026) and was an incredible…read moreexperience. Sarah gave an informative and entertaining dive briefing and kept a close eye on all of us as we were mesmerized by the many mantas! The mantas were magnificent and graceful as they fed on the natural plankton in the water. Many times had to duck my head down they were swimming so close to me. Highly recommend this experience with Kona Honu divers!

Went on a two-tank morning dive with Kona Honu Divers on 07/17/2026. From the time I signed up…read moreuntil I was shaking hands with Captain John, their communication and customer service were excellent. No problems finding the boat at the Marina, and the dive staff that day were beyond outstanding. Anna, Sara, and Captain John made these dives the best dive trip I have ever taken. I was placed with dive pro Anna, and from the very start she exuded confidence and experience you always hope for when going on a dive with a dive group you have never been with before. Safety was paramount, and nothing was left to chance before we set off into the deep blue. When your dive master and dive pros are just as excited to see marine life as the divers are, you know you are on the right boat. It made the dives so much more fulfilling for me, seeing Anna so excited to find us and point out different marine life during our dives. Anna is a true "Ocean Whisperer," and I will absolutely seek her out and Kona Honu Divers in the future when I return to Kona, HI. Thank you, Anna, for the great dives you took us on and your passion for diving, the ocean, and all that is in it! Thank you, Kona Honu divers, for providing the absolutely best diving experience anyone can ask for.....til next time! Mahalo!!

A small shrimp on a sea whip

Diver ready to get wet

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Inside the dive shop

Kona Ocean Adventures

(207 reviews)

4.2 km

We've done the night manta ray snorkel with Kona Ocean Adventures many times, and there's a reason…read morewe keep coming back! This was my 5th trip, my parents' 9th, and my kids' 3rd--and we wouldn't choose anyone else. The crew is consistently professional, knowledgeable, and focused on both safety and making sure everyone has an unforgettable experience. They genuinely care about the mantas and the guests, and you can tell they love what they do. Every trip has been incredible, and Kona Ocean Adventures has continued to deliver a first-class experience! If you're trying to decide which company to book with, stop looking--Kona Ocean Adventures is the one. We'll be back again and again. Mahalo for another amazing night!

What an amazing experience! We were a group of scuba divers and a snorkeler. We had 2 dive/snorkel…read morespots. This first dive we saw a shark, fish, and an eel. The 2nd dive was incredible!! We sat at the bottom of the ocean with lights and HUGE manta rays swam all around us! Kate was our dive guide and I can't remember the snorkel guides name but they were both great! I hadn't dove in about 2 years and Kate was so patient with me. I was a little nervous but she made me feel at ease. My husband even saw a baby tiger shark when he was snorkeling! They provided fruit, hummus sandwiches and drinks. If you're on the Big Island this is a must! They even took go pro videos and sent them to us!!

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Aquatic Life Divers

5.0

(162 reviews)

4.2 km

Super awesome! Scuba and snorkel guides were great! Saw mantas, monk seal, and shark!read more

We had the absolute best experience diving with Aquatic Life Divers. From start to finish, the…read moreentire crew--Carlos, Mary, Kim, and Dylan--were beyond incredible. You can tell right away that they genuinely care about what they do and about making sure every diver feels safe, and comfortable. We did a discover dive with Kim, and we truly cannot say enough amazing things about her. She was so patient, calm, and encouraging every step of the way. She took the time to explain everything clearly, checked in often to make sure we felt comfortable. If we were nervous at any point, she immediately picked up on it and helped us relax. Because of her, we were able to fully enjoy the experience and take in how beautiful everything underwater was. The rest of the crew was just as fantastic. Carlos, Mary, and Dylan all brought such a great energy--friendly, professional, and super knowledgeable. They worked together seamlessly, making everything feel organized and easy, while also keeping the vibe fun and relaxed. If you're even thinking about diving, this is 100% the team you want to go with. We would recommend them to anyone, whether it's your first dive or your hundredth. Such an unforgettable experience--we'll definitely be back!

Manta ray night dive from the boat

Woohoo!

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Mantas

Hawaii Island & Ocean Tours

4.5

(415 reviews)

9.7 km

I had a blast on this daytime snorkeling tour. I got to climb aboard the RIB navy seal type boat,…read moreit felt like an adventure. The guides took the tour out to the Captain Cook Monument, where the snorkeling was cool. The water was clear, the marine life plenty, and it ended up being one of the best snorkeling spots I've experienced. One tip: be sure to rent the flippers when you sign up. They made a huge difference and helped a lot in the water. They are not provided from the all in tour price. For the tour price you get the ride and snorkel mask with a floaty. They also rent life jackets if you need that. This tour is definitely geared toward people who are comfortable swimming and being on an open-air boat. If you're nervous in the water or can't swim or prefer a more relaxed boat ride, this isn't it. If you're looking for excitement, it's hard to beat. What really made the experience special were the crew members. Our captain and lifeguard were laid-back, friendly, and made everyone feel safe while keeping the atmosphere fun. The highlight for me was racing along the coastline at nearly 50 knots, bouncing across the waves and taking in incredible views of the island. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Think twice before booking with this company…read more I chose this excursion because it was shorter (2.5 hours) while still including snorkeling and a tour of the Captain Cook area. Unfortunately, the experience did not meet expectations. The first issue was the check-in process. The confirmation email tells guests where to meet but does not provide clear instructions on where to check in. Parking at this harbor is extremely limited, and Kona traffic can be very congested. Ironically, the company's own confirmation email emphasizes allowing a one-hour buffer before and after the tour and specifically advises guests not to schedule anything within an hour of the excursion. That warning exists for a reason. Despite everyone else arriving on time, our departure was delayed by nearly 30 minutes because the crew chose to wait for two guests who were stuck in traffic. As a result, every passenger who arrived as instructed lost approximately 30 minutes of a tour they had paid for while standing in the heat waiting. It felt unfair that those who planned accordingly were penalized because others did not. I expressed my irritation to the lifeguard assigned to our boat and was met with a dismissive response rather than an acknowledgment of the inconvenience. Once we finally departed, the captain welcomed everyone and said to let the crew know if we needed anything. During the safety briefing, I asked if my son could have some water. Instead of simply providing it or explaining when it would be available, I received a sarcastic response, and my son was not given any water. While the scenery and destination are beautiful, the customer service and handling of these situations left much to be desired. Better communication, adherence to the published schedule, and more respectful interactions with guests would have made for a much better experience.

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Big Island Watersports

4.3

(66 reviews)

0.3 km

In Kona there aren't too many spots to pick up rental supplies which is honestly too bad. We went…read morehere wanting to rent jet skis which a friend had in the past and the guy was extremely rude. He had informed us that they don't do jet ski rentals and he doubts anywhere on the island does. He really got under my friends skin and was acting very weird about the situation. We had found out from a parasailing company that people had gotten hurt on the jet skis and they were currently banded from renting in the big island. Idk why this big island water sports guy couldn't explain it to us like them. He left a bad taste in our mouths and made us not wanna rent anything from him.

I was riding with a group of guys I met at the island. And "Apparently" one of the guys "had" an…read moreaccident on the jet ski and they charge him $250.00 for the damage ( make sure YOU guys Check your jet ski your riding before and after because the damage was already there and the poor guy had to pay for someone else damage... but that's not it .. after that I check my bank account and they also had charge me $250.00 ... It's a company, they should have insurance or have a better protocol for their damaged equipment so renters don't have to deal with damages and get scammed by them. That's not cool !!!

Our Dry Bar and hangout area

MEMORIES!!!!

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Ok buddy we cant throw Nana off lol...

Kahalu'u Beach Park

4.4

(396 reviews)

7.6 km

Great beach! It has shade and some good views. Definitely a good place to bring the family as it is…read moresomewhat protected. Parking is expensive kind of a bummer. The area itself didn't have much amenities, but definitely have palm trees and shade, which was nice in the afternoon. Happy to make it on our first day

We swim here regularly, year-round. IMHO this is the best all-around snorkeling beach on the…read moreisland, but as with any ocean activity the surf and tide will affect your experience, so ask the lifeguards or the volunteers for advice. This protected bay has over 120 species of resident fish, and usually has clear water. Other than urchins (7 species) there is no marine life to worry about. Turtle sitings are more likely at high tide when their salad bar (the algae on the rocks) is available. Typically from 9 to 3 daily the Reef Teach volunteers have photo guide books and other reference materials available, along with free advice, defog spray, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water access is the narrow and shallow rocky channel in front of the lifeguard station by the parking and pavilion. Swim fins or sand shoes are recommended. The locals value their feet and swim through it even at low tide when it is only a foot deep. Coming back in you can actually swim all the way back to the sandy channel. The water is usually noticeably warmer and clearer away from the entry. The bay is shallow with only a few places that are even 8' deep at high tide. Unless you really need to, don't stand on the bottom or coral - fins and feet damage it.

| #intenselypassionatephotography

Locals

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Water is way more blue. Pic not doing justice.

Makalawena Beach

(50 reviews)

16.9 km

This was a nice clean beach to settle into for the day. The water was clear and had a lot of see…read morelife to see snorkeling. I hung out for a long time following a squid watching it change to its surroundings.

As some travel experts have pointed out, Makalawena Beach is arguably the best beach on the Big…read moreIsland that cannot be reached by road. That's right, there are two ways to reach this beautiful white sand beach and gem by hiking, and the path I took was via the Kekaha Kai State Park's main parking lot, and first that is a rough 20-minute drive with 4x4 vehicles like Jeeps from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway to that trailhead. Then it's about another 30-minute hike in each direction and you go on lots of loose lava rocks and it can get hot, so make sure you have sunscreen, a good bucket hat, and plenty of water. I don't know about the second way in, so I could not speak to that method. But in any case, it is so worth the time and effort when it was all said and done. There were a few crowds when getting to Makalawena Beach but not super busy at all. You'll find other tide pools, palm trees, and other native plants. Waves are rather rough at times, but it is still swimmable for the most part.

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Magic Sands Beach

4.0

(67 reviews)

5.9 km

Come back after a month. Still beautiful but no luck with the sunset. Free parking across the…read morestreet, velvety white sands, amenity and lifeguards, restaurants and quick food next door. Always has music( you might not want though plenty of rock to sit on to watch the beautiful sunset.

Right off Ali HWy with marking along the street. There are waves which makes this beach perfect for…read moreboogie boards or just riding the waves. There's a lifeguard that goes on the megaphone to warn people to stay away from the rocks, watch your kids, and go under the bigger waves because those waves hit! It was so fun. It's fun watching people ride the waves too. It's not the biggest area but so beautiful. There are a lot of people so it can get crowded. I had so much fun!

Romantic sand and sun and sea

Sunset was around 6 pm. The beach was busy but not overcrowded.

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Restaurant

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Tim L.

0

1

0

8 months ago

When on the Big Island of Hawaii, if you plan to dive or learn to dive, Pacific Rim Divers is hands down the top operation to go with! Prior to my trip in November of 2025, I had not been to Kona in several years and didn't know that Patrice & Frank had sold the operation. I spoke with one of the current owners, Kai, who assured me that they ran things the same as had been done in the past and I was not disappointed! Kai, Allison & Alexia are so knowledgeable, professional and laid back that I felt immediately comfortable and like a member of the family. Their assistance on board and in the water makes diving so easy and pleasurable. Like bottom time? How about 70-80 minutes per dive? Their dive profiles and planning allow for a return to within sight of the boat after about 50 minutes. From there each diver can continue enjoying the beautiful Kona coast diving and/or return to the boat as their gas consumption or desire allows. So Enjoyable, never rushed always a pleasure! read more

Pacific Rim Divers - scuba - Updated August 2026

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Kona Diving Company

(331 reviews)

Easy to arrange, good communication before dive date…read more Daniel was great on all briefings, great spots, really good debriefs. Everyone was great!

I can't say enough good things about Kona Diving Company. We have dove with them on three separate…read moretrips to the Big Island and absolutely love them. We've done morning dives, the manta dive, as well as the twilight and night dive and every experience has been incredible. The staff is fantastic and always takes such great care of us. I would recommend this shop to both new divers and seasoned divers alike. We've met some really amazing people through these trips and every outing has been organized, safe, and genuinely fun. The boat is spacious, they provide snacks and drinks during the surface interval, and they handle all of your gear setup which makes everything so easy and stress free. The team is super knowledgeable and does a great job grouping divers based on experience level so everyone has a good time. I'd also love to give a big shout out to Daniel and Cody who are always a blast and so much fun to dive with. Maxine is an awesome boat captain and Ashley was incredible dive master as well. She led our manta dive a year ago, gave such a great pre dive presentation, and was super thoughtful and fun to dive with on two separate occasions. Honestly, because of this dive shop we keep coming back to the Big Island and continue rebooking with them every trip. Highly recommend and I wouldn't look anywhere else for diving in Kona!

Big Island Divers

(563 reviews)

I completed my open water scuba certification with BID, and it was a great experience. With over…read more11,000 hours of dive experience, my instructor, Fernando, was the best. He was patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and supportive. The night dive with the mantas was out of this world! Our captain, Micha, along with her crew, and our dive captain, Haley were all top notch! I'm planning my return trip for 2027. I highly recommend the outfit!

Hubby went on a pelagic black water dive the night before and was very impressed with the…read moreprofessionalism of Fernando and Ashton. We've been on several black water dives before and day are part of our top list. The next day we took apart in the two tank afternoon dive and manta dive. Again, Fernando and Ashton were very thorough with the dive briefing and safety. I particularly liked how he emphasized not standing or touching the reef as well as not harassing the wildlife. I've witnessed many dive masters, who don't do this perhaps fearing unsatisfied or offended guests? I also really liked how Hawaiian culture was integrated into the dive briefings. Under the water, he helped spot various endemic creatures. Another thing we really liked for the manta dive was the small group. On past excursions we've been with larger groups and were later to the site. Whereas this time we were first to the site and we were treated to a spectacular showing of mantas. Overall, we had an amazing experience with Big Island Divers.

Jack's Diving Locker

(584 reviews)

If you plan on diving in Kona be sure you book your trip with Jack's Dive Locker! The dive masters…read moreput safety first and were all very knowledgeable and fun. This was my first night dive and they made it comfortable and enjoyable. The night dive was the Manta ray dive. Incredible! 12 rays that fed right over our heads for an hour. Just MAJESTIC! Book with Jack's and have the time of your life on one of the greatest dives around! Thank you to Keller, George, L, Presley and Captain Joe.

My wife, Kallie, and I had not done a full open-water dive since 2017, so when we planned our Kona…read moretrip, we decided to return to Jack's Diving Locker--the same company we had dived with back in 2008, according to our dive logs. The booking process was extremely easy. I called with several questions, and the staff was helpful, informative, and reassuring. Because it had been so long since our last actual dive, we chose to book a private divemaster for the two of us. We had completed a refresher in June 2025 for a planned dive weekend that unfortunately never happened, so we knew we would probably be a little rusty. Jack's also saved the day before we even got in the water. My personal Atomic prescription mask unexpectedly failed when the strap attachment tore out of the mask itself. I was worried I would either have to cancel or spend the dives as "Mr. Magoo," but the shop had prescription masks available and fitted me with one that worked perfectly. That level of preparedness and customer service made the entire dive day possible for me. Our divemaster, Sabrina, was absolutely fantastic. She was pleasant, friendly, social, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient throughout the entire experience. During our first dive, I had some difficulty clearing my ears. Sabrina stayed calm and helped me work through it, reminding me of techniques I had used years ago when I was diving more regularly and occasionally had "bad ear days." Both Kallie and I were a little rusty on that first dive, but Sabrina never rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. By the second dive, my ear issues had resolved, we were both much more relaxed, and the old muscle memory started coming back--including some of what I learned during my Peak Performance Buoyancy certification. The difference between the first and second dives was huge, and Sabrina's patience and guidance were a major reason why. Sabrina also went above and beyond outside the dives themselves. While chatting with us about the rest of our trip, she recommended the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm as a "must visit." We had somehow missed it in our planning, immediately looked it up, and booked the VIP experience, where Kallie and I each get to hold a seahorse twice. That recommendation made our trip even better. I would recommend Jack's Diving Locker--and Sabrina as a private divemaster--**100,000% and without hesitation** to anyone, especially divers returning after a long break. The entire experience was professional, safe, relaxed, accommodating, and genuinely fun. Sabrina also took all of the underwater photos from our dive day, which gave us some fantastic memories of the experience: https://arroyo.smugmug.com/2026-Photos-and-Pics/HI-Vacation-Big-Island/Day-3-Kona-Diving

Kona Honu Divers

(417 reviews)

Very professional and friendly crew! Did the night manta dive (July 2026) and was an incredible…read moreexperience. Sarah gave an informative and entertaining dive briefing and kept a close eye on all of us as we were mesmerized by the many mantas! The mantas were magnificent and graceful as they fed on the natural plankton in the water. Many times had to duck my head down they were swimming so close to me. Highly recommend this experience with Kona Honu divers!

Went on a two-tank morning dive with Kona Honu Divers on 07/17/2026. From the time I signed up…read moreuntil I was shaking hands with Captain John, their communication and customer service were excellent. No problems finding the boat at the Marina, and the dive staff that day were beyond outstanding. Anna, Sara, and Captain John made these dives the best dive trip I have ever taken. I was placed with dive pro Anna, and from the very start she exuded confidence and experience you always hope for when going on a dive with a dive group you have never been with before. Safety was paramount, and nothing was left to chance before we set off into the deep blue. When your dive master and dive pros are just as excited to see marine life as the divers are, you know you are on the right boat. It made the dives so much more fulfilling for me, seeing Anna so excited to find us and point out different marine life during our dives. Anna is a true "Ocean Whisperer," and I will absolutely seek her out and Kona Honu Divers in the future when I return to Kona, HI. Thank you, Anna, for the great dives you took us on and your passion for diving, the ocean, and all that is in it! Thank you, Kona Honu divers, for providing the absolutely best diving experience anyone can ask for.....til next time! Mahalo!!

Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

(174 reviews)

Our group had a fantastic experience with Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii. The directions were accurate,…read moreeverything was well organized, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful from start to finish. Our crew included Mike, Justin, Eric, and another Mike (I think!). I wish they had introduced themselves a little more clearly because every one of them deserved recognition--they were all fantastic. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, but what stood out most was how genuinely respectful and non-judgmental the entire crew was. At many popular tourist attractions, it's understandable that after giving the same presentation countless times, things can start to feel rushed or impersonal. That was absolutely not the case here. Every crew member seemed genuinely happy to be there. They welcomed every question with patience and respect, and if the answer to something was "no," they took the time to explain why instead of simply dismissing it. As a parent, I especially appreciated this because it's just as valuable for children as it is for adults. Justin did an amazing job teaching us about manta rays before we got in the water. He took the time to show everyone charts and photos, explain their behavior, and answer questions. It made the experience much more meaningful than simply showing up and jumping in the water. Once we were in the water, one of my kids became a little overwhelmed by all the gear and new variables. Mike handled it beautifully. He stayed calm, encouraged them to sit on top of the float board until they felt comfortable, and made sure they were doing okay before moving the board farther from the boat. That patience and reassurance made a huge difference. I have two suggestions that aren't complaints at all--just ideas that I think would make an already excellent experience even better. First, it would be helpful to give guests a quick overview of the evening at the very beginning. Something like: "We'll have about a __-minute boat ride out, anchor at the site, pass out and fit gear, wait for sunset, then enter the water one at a time and hold onto the floating boards for about 45 minutes before returning to the boat and heading back to the harbor." Having that roadmap would have helped both my kids and me know exactly what to expect. Second, I would recommend letting guests know to bring an extra towel to sit on during the boat ride. The ridged metal benches became a little uncomfortable after a while, and a folded towel would have made a big difference (we were allowed to move around the boat which was also awesome- just for those who didn't want to). Overall, this was an incredible experience. We came for the manta rays, but what we'll remember just as much is the crew. They were knowledgeable, professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We felt welcomed as people--not just another group of tourists--and that made all the difference. I would absolutely recommend Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii.

Not all the manta ray tour companies are the same. This one is amazing!! Leo the snorkel tour guide…read moretook us right to the Mantas and even moved us with the mantas to make sure we were always getting a front row view and interactive experience with the mantas. There was also hot chocolate offered, ginger chews, complimedry drinks, and we seemed to be in the water lonever than most the other companies. We also were given a thorough brief and while in the water we're being educated and guided regarding the mantas. One of the best experiences I've ever had and I am an avid scuba diver who has traveled the world.

Kona Ocean Adventures

(207 reviews)

We've done the night manta ray snorkel with Kona Ocean Adventures many times, and there's a reason…read morewe keep coming back! This was my 5th trip, my parents' 9th, and my kids' 3rd--and we wouldn't choose anyone else. The crew is consistently professional, knowledgeable, and focused on both safety and making sure everyone has an unforgettable experience. They genuinely care about the mantas and the guests, and you can tell they love what they do. Every trip has been incredible, and Kona Ocean Adventures has continued to deliver a first-class experience! If you're trying to decide which company to book with, stop looking--Kona Ocean Adventures is the one. We'll be back again and again. Mahalo for another amazing night!

What an amazing experience! We were a group of scuba divers and a snorkeler. We had 2 dive/snorkel…read morespots. This first dive we saw a shark, fish, and an eel. The 2nd dive was incredible!! We sat at the bottom of the ocean with lights and HUGE manta rays swam all around us! Kate was our dive guide and I can't remember the snorkel guides name but they were both great! I hadn't dove in about 2 years and Kate was so patient with me. I was a little nervous but she made me feel at ease. My husband even saw a baby tiger shark when he was snorkeling! They provided fruit, hummus sandwiches and drinks. If you're on the Big Island this is a must! They even took go pro videos and sent them to us!!

Torpedo Tours

(84 reviews)

Diving with Torpedo Tours was such a great experience. The crew was excellent Rachel and Mike My…read moredaughter and I are new divers and my husband seasoned.... I can hardly tell you it words what a great time we had... I look forward to coming back and diving with them again! We went on a two tank dive. We dove Crescent bay to 85ft and Eel cove to 60ft! Rachel made sure I was comfortable as I had a bit of a mask issue and they loaned me another mask which made my next dive even better and more enjoyable!! I use to snorkel but diving is where it all happens right there in front of you! Thank you for a beautiful day When we come back we will only dive with them Best Dives ever

Rachelle and Mike are wonderful! Rachelle told us so much…read moreabout the Manta Rays and is so passionate about them. Then she took us all over the bay to find us the perfect spots to see the Mantas. And Mike is a great Captin! I highly recommend Torpedo Tours.

Sunlight On Water

4.7

(302 reviews)

Swimming with the manta rays was AMAZING. I would recommend going with Sunlight on the Water…read more Patrick and Taylor were fun and we made us feel safe and comfotable. Patrick shared pictures with us at the end.

Captain Taylor. Preston and Patrick were phenomenal!! They did EVERYTHING within their control to…read morehelp find a Manta Ray!! Patient kind and everything you want for a crew to make you feel comfortable and at ease in the water!!!!! Perfect!

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