Kona Honu Divers
About
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Kailua-Kona with Kona Honu Divers, where the magic of Hawaii's underwater world comes alive through expertly guided adventures. As an established operator on the Big Island's stunning west coast, this dedicated team has built a reputation for creating unforgettable aquatic experiences that showcase the incredible marine life thriving in Kona's pristine waters. Their name pays homage to the beloved Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that grace these waters, reflecting their deep connection to the local marine ecosystem.
From thrilling manta ray night snorkeling encounters to intimate private charters aboard the Honu One, Kona Honu Divers offers a diverse range of underwater adventures tailored to every skill level. Whether you're seeking a refresher dive experience, discovering scuba diving for the first time, or joining their popular morning two-tank dives, each excursion is designed to reveal the breathtaking beauty beneath Kona's surface. Their commitment to providing personalized experiences shines through in their private charter options and specialized diving programs.
With years of experience navigating Kona's waters and an extensive collection of 32 carefully crafted tours, Kona Honu Divers combines local expertise with genuine aloha spirit. Explore their incredible selection of underwater adventures and discover why so many visitors trust them to create magical memories beneath Hawaii's waves.
Activities (19)
2-Tank Local Morning Dive Charter
Discover what makes Kona's underwater world so special with this 2-tank local morning dive charter Kailua-Kona adventure through Kona Honu Divers. There's something magical about slipping beneath the surface here on the Big Island's west coast, where ancient lava flows have created an underwater playground unlike anywhere else in the Pacific. The beauty of a morning departure? You'll hit the water when conditions are at their absolute best. Calmer seas and crystal-clear visibility make these early dives perfect for everyone—whether you're just getting your fins wet or you've been diving for decades. Your dive crew knows these waters intimately and handpicks two distinct sites that showcase what makes Kona diving legendary. Picture this: you're gliding through ancient lava tubes carved by molten rock that once flowed from Mauna Loa into the sea. These volcanic formations have become thriving coral gardens where yellow tangs dart between the rocks like living sunshine. Parrotfish crunch away at coral, while graceful angelfish cruise the reef's edges. But keep your eyes peeled for the bigger players—manta rays and dolphins call these waters home, and you never know when they might decide to join your dive. Each of the two sites brings its own personality. Maybe you'll start shallow, getting up close with the reef's smaller residents before moving to deeper walls where pelagic species patrol the blue. The natural swim-throughs and caverns formed by centuries of lava meeting ocean create an underwater landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Between dives, there's time to decompress (literally and figuratively) on deck. Share stories with your fellow divers, hydrate, and soak in views of the Big Island's dramatic coastline stretching toward the mountains. Your professional dive crew handles all the technical details—equipment checks, safety briefings, underwater guidance—so you can focus on the experience. This 2-tank local morning dive charter runs on island time, adapting to conditions and the group's skill level to ensure everyone gets the most out of their underwater exploration. Kona Honu Divers provides all the gear you need and the local expertise that makes the difference between a good dive and an unforgettable one. Ready to see why divers from around the world make the pilgrimage to Kona? Contact Kona Honu Divers directly for current pricing and availability—rates change with the seasons, and these 2-tank local morning dive charter Kailua-Kona spots fill up fast, especially during peak diving months.
Premium Advanced 2 Tank Long Range Charter
For serious divers seeking Big Island adventures beyond the ordinary, Kona Honu Divers offers something truly special: their premium advanced 2 tank long range charter in Kailua-Kona. This isn't your typical tourist dive—it's a 7.5-hour expedition aboard a fast 33-foot World Cat that ventures into waters where most boats fear to tread. What sets this charter apart is access. While other operators stick to the same crowded sites, this premium advanced 2 tank long range charter takes you to the Big Island's most remote diving locations. The boat's speed and range open up possibilities that simply don't exist elsewhere, from pristine reefs untouched by heavy traffic to encounters with the ocean's larger residents—whales, dolphins, and impressive pelagic fish. Your destination depends on the day's conditions, but both options deliver exceptional diving. Head south, and you'll explore South Kona's dramatic lava tubes and flourishing reefs, with excellent chances of spotting bigger marine life during the scenic coastal cruise. Choose north instead, and you're bound for Kaiwi Point's distinctive reef formations and specialized critter hideouts. Lucky groups might even access exclusive sites like LAX or Touch of Grey—locations that exist on very few dive operators' maps. Between dives, there's time to appreciate what you've accomplished. A full boxed lunch comes with the package, giving you a chance to swap stories with fellow divers while taking in the Big Island's spectacular coastline from the comfort of a premium vessel designed for these longer journeys. Kona Honu Divers includes everything essential for remote diving success: professional dive guides who know these waters intimately, tanks, weights, and complimentary Nitrox to maximize your bottom time at depth. The expedition launches from Honokohau Marina, but this isn't a trip for casual divers. Safety standards are stringent, requiring participants to be at least 18 years old with 25 logged dives and recent experience within the past six months. Your buoyancy control needs to be solid—expect to achieve 60+ minutes on an 80cf tank and bring a dive computer. At $269 per certified diver, this premium advanced 2 tank long range charter in Kailua-Kona requires a minimum of three divers and offers free cancellation up to 72 hours in advance. Equipment rental costs extra, so bring your certification cards, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Complete your online waiver by 5 PM the evening before departure. This experience targets divers who understand the difference between diving and truly exploring. If you're looking for untouched sites far from the crowds, this is how you access the Big Island's underwater wilderness in its purest form.
Black Water Night Dive
Experience the extraordinary underwater world of pelagic creatures on a black water night dive in Kailua-Kona with Kona Honu Divers. This isn't your typical reef dive — you'll dive over 4,000 feet of open ocean water to witness rare marine life that migrates from the deep ocean to surface waters under cover of night. Your adventure begins at Honokohau Marina, where you'll receive a thorough dive briefing before heading into the deep Pacific. The magic happens with a 60-foot tether suspension system that keeps you safely positioned while fascinating pelagic animals — including siphonophores and cephalopods — drift past in their natural habitat. Picture yourself observing as extraordinary creatures appear and disappear in your dive light's beam. It's an otherworldly experience that's completely different from traditional reef diving. This black water night dive Kailua-Kona adventure is definitely for advanced divers only. You need to be at least 18 years old with a minimum of 50 logged dives, and you must have been diving within the last six months. Excellent buoyancy control is non-negotiable, and you'll need to be self-reliant underwater. Good health is essential — no heart conditions allowed. The good news? All your equipment is included: tanks, weights, and dive lights, plus that crucial dive briefing to prepare you for this specialized technique. The entire experience lasts 3 hours, departing from Honokohau Marina. Make sure to check in 15 minutes before departure time. Don't forget your dive certification card (physical or electronic copies work), a reusable water bottle, and sun-protective clothing. Here's something important: waivers must be signed by 5 PM the evening before your black water night dive Kailua-Kona experience. The company enforces a strict 72-hour cancellation policy for full refunds, though trip protection is available for an additional 9% cost. They reserve the right to leave 15 minutes after scheduled departure time and may cancel for safety or weather conditions. Only mineral sunscreens are allowed to protect Hawaii's marine environment, and you'll need to arrange your own transportation to the marina. This remarkable pelagic diving adventure offers a rare chance to discover the mysterious creatures that call Hawaii's deep ocean waters home after dark.
2 Tank Night Manta Dive Charter
Experience the magic of swimming with manta rays on this unforgettable 2 tank night manta dive charter Kailua-Kona adventure with Kona Honu Divers. This extraordinary 5-hour diving experience seamlessly blends daylight and night diving at the renowned manta ray site, giving certified divers an incredible underwater encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Your adventure kicks off with departure from Honokohau Marina, where you'll complete your first tank dive at the manta site during daylight hours. This initial dive lets you get comfortable with the underwater terrain before the main event. Between dives, you'll unwind with a debrief session and small meal while soaking in the sunset from the boat. After a comprehensive manta ray briefing, you'll gear up for the spectacular night dive — the moment when manta rays gather to feed in the illuminated waters. This intimate experience caps out at 18 divers maximum, with no more than 6 divers per guide. That means you'll get personalized attention throughout your entire 2 tank night manta dive charter Kailua-Kona adventure. Kona Honu Divers takes care of all the essentials: tanks with free nitrox, weights, and dive lights, plus snacks, sandwiches, water, and hot tea or chocolate. They operate their custom 46-foot Newton vessel, The Honu One, which comes equipped with camera tables and rinse buckets to handle underwater photography equipment of all sizes. What you'll need to bring: your certification card (physical or e-card), sun-protective clothing, towel, and reusable water bottle. All participants must be certified divers who have dived within the last two years and be in good health with no heart conditions. This charter welcomes divers ages 10 and up, though divers ages 12-17 must dive with a parent or guardian. Check-in happens at the scheduled time, and mandatory waivers are due by 5 PM the evening before. Getting to Honokohau Marina is on you — transportation isn't included. Equipment rental is available if you need gear, and remember to stick with mineral sunscreens only to protect our marine environment.
Private Charter Honu Lele
Escape the crowds and craft your perfect ocean adventure with the private charter Honu Lele in Kailua-Kona, where you have complete control over your Big Island marine experience. This exclusive charter aboard a swift 33-foot vessel accommodates up to six passengers, giving you the flexibility to customize your itinerary based on your group's preferences for snorkeling or scuba diving activities. With the private charter Honu Lele Kailua-Kona experience, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to planning your day on the water. Want to explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling? Prefer to dive deeper with scuba gear? The fully customizable nature of this charter means every moment gets tailored to your interests. The vessel's fast design ensures you'll spend more time enjoying the ocean and less time getting there, while the intimate six-passenger capacity guarantees personalized attention throughout your adventure. Your charter comes with all necessary snorkel or scuba gear included, so you can focus on the experience rather than equipment logistics. A boxed lunch and drinks keep you energized throughout the day, though you'll want to bring a reusable water bottle and sun-protective clothing. The operator requires reef-safe sunscreen only—toxic sunscreens are prohibited to protect Hawaii's marine ecosystem. All participants must be in good health with no heart conditions, and it's recommended to contact the operator prior to booking if you have any special needs. The private charter Honu Lele operates for 5 to 7 hours, with pricing varying based on your chosen duration. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure, and remember that waivers must be signed by 5 PM the evening before your charter. Transportation to the harbor isn't included, so allow extra time for morning traffic, especially if you're staying south of Kailua-Kona. Book your exclusive Big Island charter today for an intimate ocean adventure designed entirely around your group's vision.
Level 1 Freediver
Discover the meditative art of freediving with Kona Honu Divers' Level 1 Freediver certification in Kailua-Kona, where you'll learn to explore the Big Island's pristine underwater realm powered by nothing more than a single breath. This intensive 2-day program follows the FII (Freediving Instructors International) curriculum, blending classroom theory with hands-on pool sessions and open water practice to safely guide you toward depths of 66 feet (20 meters). While scuba diving relies on equipment, freediving forges an intimate bond between you and the ocean—one that demands mental discipline, refined breathing control, and deep respect for Hawaii's marine ecosystems. Your freediving journey unfolds over two carefully structured days. Day 1 kicks off with classroom fundamentals from 7:45 AM to 12:00 PM, where you'll master essential breathing techniques, equalization methods, and the safety protocols that keep freedivers secure underwater. Following lunch (which you'll need to bring or grab nearby), confined water training runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, giving you the chance to rehearse these new skills in a controlled pool setting. Day 2 transitions to the real deal: open water dives in Kona's crystalline Pacific from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by your final exam and certification ceremony from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The instruction prioritizes building solid technique and genuine comfort in the water before attempting deeper descents. Come prepared with your complete freediving kit—mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt, and wetsuit (3mm thickness recommended)—as personal gear isn't provided with the course. Don't forget practical items like towels, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and a hat for sun protection. Since lunch isn't included, plan to pack your own meal or explore local eateries during the midday break. Course prerequisites include being at least 16 years old, maintaining good health without cardiovascular conditions, and completing required medical statements and liability waivers before your first session. At $398 per person, this Level 1 Freediver course in Kailua-Kona needs a minimum of two students to proceed. Meet promptly at 7:45 AM at the Kona Honu Divers facility in Kailua Kona, where free cancellation remains available up to 72 hours before your course date for a complete refund. Reserve your spot now and join Hawaii's growing community of certified freedivers exploring the island's legendary underwater treasures.
Enriched Air Diver Course
Master the art of enriched air diving with Kona Honu Divers' comprehensive Enriched Air Diver Course in Kailua-Kona. This specialized certification program teaches you to safely dive with Nitrox, which extends your bottom time and reduces surface intervals during your Big Island underwater adventures. Here's what makes this course particularly valuable: upon completion, you'll enjoy complimentary Nitrox fills on all Kona Honu Divers boat charters, making it an excellent investment for serious divers. The one-hour enriched air diver course Kailua-Kona program blends essential theory with hands-on tank analysis training. You'll tackle the PADI Enriched Air eLearning coursework before you arrive, then dive into practical Nitrox tank analysis sessions at the dive shop. Safety protocols and proper gas analysis techniques take center stage, ensuring you're fully prepared to dive with enriched air mixtures. The course itself doesn't include boat trips, shore dives, or transportation, though these can be booked separately to put your new skills into practice right away. Designed for divers ages 12 and older, this certification requires completion of medical forms and confirmation of good health with no heart conditions. The course requires a minimum of two students to operate. General bookings follow a 72-hour cancellation policy, while courses specifically have a one-week cancellation policy. Trip protection is available for 9% additional (not available for students), allowing full refunds minus fees for cancellations within the 72-hour window. Check-in happens at Kona Honu Divers, where all waivers must be signed in advance. Participants should bring a reusable water bottle and sun-protective clothing, using only reef-safe sunscreen. Your course package includes the PADI Enriched Air eLearning code and the practical tank analysis session—everything needed for certification. Book your spot in this essential enriched air diver course Kailua-Kona program and unlock the benefits of extended dive times on Hawaii's spectacular reefs.
Private Charter Black Water
Dive into the mysteries of the deep ocean with a private charter black water diving adventure. This 3-hour expedition takes you into the open ocean for an intimate encounter with extraordinary pelagic creatures that rise from the depths under cover of darkness. Your private charter black water dive offers a rare chance to observe unique creatures like larval fish, invertebrates, siphonophores, and cephalopods in their natural deep-water habitat. You'll explore waters reaching 4,000 feet deep, staying safely tethered to the boat while these fascinating creatures migrate upward during their nightly feeding ritual. It's an unparalleled underwater experience perfect for small groups looking for an exclusive diving adventure. All necessary scuba gear comes included with your charter, so you'll have everything needed for this specialized night diving experience. The adventure begins as you depart for your private night dive to observe open-ocean pelagic animals in their natural environment. You'll want to bring your certification card if applicable, plus a reusable water bottle and sun-protective clothing for the journey. This private charter accommodates up to 6 passengers and requires participants to be in good health with no heart conditions. Certified divers must provide proof of certification. Check-in requires arriving on time, with all waivers signed by 5 PM the evening before your charter. Do not underestimate driving time, as morning traffic conditions are quite congested and slow moving, especially if you are staying South of Kailua-Kona and driving North to the harbor. The operator reserves the right to end the charter at its designated time regardless of your arrival time, with no refunds given for no-shows. Transportation to the departure point isn't included. The experience includes additional fees for sales tax (4.4386%), harbor use fee (3%), and booking fee (5%). Full payment is required 30 days prior to departure, with full refunds available for cancellations made at least 7 days in advance. The operator reserves the right to cancel for weather, ocean conditions, mechanical issues, or safety concerns, and will reschedule based on availability or provide a full refund. Book this extraordinary private charter black water diving experience in Kailua-Kona for an exclusive glimpse into the ocean's nocturnal world.
Advanced Open Water Diver Course
Take your diving skills to the next level with this comprehensive advanced open water diver course from $595. Over three action-packed days, you'll complete your PADI Advanced Open Water certification through six exciting adventure dives while exploring Kona's spectacular underwater environments. The program culminates with Kona's world-famous Manta Night Dive experience. Your journey begins with Peak Performance Buoyancy training during two-tank morning dives, then moves into specialized adventure dives focusing on deep diving and underwater navigation skills. Master Scuba Diving Instructors guide you through naturalist or fish identification training before the ultimate highlight – completing your certification alongside Kona's legendary manta rays during the night dive. The program follows a structured three-day format. Day 1 runs from 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM, covering buoyancy control and your first adventure dive. Day 2 focuses on deep diving techniques and navigation skills, while Day 3 combines naturalist training with the unforgettable manta ray encounter. All required SCUBA gear comes included, along with your PADI eLearning code for theoretical preparation. To join this advanced open water diver course, you must be 18 years or older with completed Open Water certification and good health (no heart conditions). Complete your PADI eLearning through Kona Honu Divers before arrival, or pay a $90 fee. Medical forms completion is required before the course. The course requires a minimum of two students to run. Daily check-in happens at 7:45 AM, and waivers must be signed in advance. Guests arriving more than 15 minutes late receive no refund, as operators reserve the right to depart 15 minutes after scheduled start time. Bring a reusable water bottle and sun-protective clothing with reef-safe sunscreen only. Transportation isn't included. A 7-day cancellation policy applies for full refund. If operators cancel due to weather, ocean conditions, or safety concerns, they'll reschedule based on availability or provide full refunds, contacting guests via provided phone or email. This comprehensive advanced open water diver course represents an excellent investment in your diving future.
Open Water Course
Earn your PADI Open Water certification through this comprehensive 3-day course in Kailua-Kona, where Kona's top instructors will guide you from beginner to certified diver. This program combines pool-based confined water training with four real-world open water dives, giving you the foundation to explore underwater environments. Your certification journey starts with Day 1's confined water session at the pool, running from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Here, you'll master essential diving skills in a controlled environment before heading out to sea. Days 2 and 3 bring the excitement of real ocean diving on the boat—Day 2 runs 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM for dives 1 and 2, while Day 3 spans 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM for your final two certification dives. During these open water sessions, you might encounter Hawaii's incredible marine life, including sharks, manta rays, and dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. Premium rental gear comes included: Cressi BCDs, Atomic regulators, SUUNTO dive computers, and 5mm full wetsuits, plus all learning materials, snacks, and water onboard. You'll need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins (available for purchase with a 10% student discount), along with sun-protective clothing and a reusable water bottle. Students must complete eLearning modules and sign waivers beforehand, and transportation isn't provided. The island has limited car rentals, so Turo is recommended for car rentals. This open water course Kailua-Kona welcomes participants ages 18 and older who are in good health without heart conditions. Arrive 15 minutes before each day's start time—additional fees apply for late arrivals, and departures occur 15 minutes after the scheduled start time. Don't underestimate driving time, as morning traffic conditions are quite congested, especially if you're staying south of Kailua-Kona and driving north to the harbor. The program maintains a strict 7-day cancellation policy. With small group sizes and personalized instruction, this open water course Kailua-Kona provides excellent training for underwater exploration.
Open Water Referral Dives
Complete your scuba diving certification with open water referral dives Kailua-Kona through Kona Honu Divers' comprehensive 2-day program from $XX. If you're 18 or older and have already knocked out your knowledge sessions and pool work, this specialized course lets you finish your Open Water certification in Hawaii's waters. You'll complete your open water referral dives Kailua-Kona aboard a custom 46-foot Newton dive vessel, where Master Scuba Diving Instructors will guide you through all four required certification dives. The first day runs 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM and covers Open Water dives 1 and 2. Day two spans 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM for dives 3 and 4, wrapping up with your final paperwork. Professional instruction, snacks, and water are included onboard, though you'll need to arrange your own transportation to the harbor. Family members can join you on your certification day, turning this milestone into a shared adventure. You'll need to be in good health with no heart conditions and fill out a medical questionnaire beforehand. The program requires at least two students to run, and all waivers must be signed in advance. Bring a reusable water bottle and sun-protective clothing, and stick to reef-safe sunscreen only. This 2-day Open Water referral course operates under a strict 7-day cancellation policy with no refunds for cancellations made within 7 days. Arrive promptly at 7:45 AM on day one and 7:30 AM on day two—the boat departs 15 minutes after scheduled start time, and no refunds are given for guests more than 15 minutes late or no-shows. Morning traffic can get heavy, especially when driving from areas south of Kailua-Kona, so give yourself extra time. The company reserves the right to cancel for weather, ocean conditions, passenger count, mechanical issues, or safety concerns, offering a full refund or reschedule option. Cancellation notifications will be made via phone or email provided in your reservation.
Level 2 Freediver
Master the art of deeper freediving with Kona Honu Divers' Level 2 Freediver certification course, set against the stunning backdrop of Kailua-Kona's crystal-clear waters. This intensive 3-day FII Level 2 program takes certified freedivers to new depths—literally training you to safely reach 132 feet (40 meters) while building the advanced skills and confidence needed for serious breath-hold diving. What sets this level 2 freediver Kailua-Kona course apart is its thorough approach to intermediate training. You'll dive deep into 7 hours of classroom work that covers everything from how your body responds underwater to the physics of diving and crucial safety protocols. The real magic happens during the practical sessions: 2.5 hours of confined water training where you'll master equalization techniques and breathing exercises, followed by 4.5 hours of open-water depth training in Hawaii's pristine ocean conditions. The program zeroes in on that critical 66 to 132-foot depth range, where many divers face their biggest challenges. You'll learn to navigate common misconceptions about diving abilities while developing the risk management skills that separate recreational divers from those ready for serious spearfishing and advanced freediving adventures. The FII Level 2 Freediver manual and workbook come with your enrollment, giving you comprehensive reference materials for your journey. Here's what you need to know about gear: personal freediving equipment isn't included, so you'll need to bring or rent essentials like mask, snorkel, long blade fins, wetsuit, weight belt, and freediving computer. Fortunately, everything's available right at the shop. Classes meet at 74-5583 Luhia Street in Kailua-Kona—punctuality matters since you'll receive detailed schedules as your course date approaches. At $695, this level 2 freediver Kailua-Kona certification requires participants to be at least 16 years old with current FII Level 1 certification or equivalent qualification. You'll need to complete a medical statement, and depending on your health status, physician approval might be necessary. The good news? Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 72 hours before your course begins. With nearly 7,000 Google reviews backing their 5-star rating, Kona Honu Divers brings serious expertise to this intermediate program. Whether you're eyeing deeper spearfishing adventures or simply want to explore Hawaii's underwater realm with greater skill and safety, this course delivers the technical foundation and real-world experience to take your freediving to the next level.