Kona Honu Divers
Activities (19)
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
Certified scuba divers ready to push their underwater experience further will find this night dive charter unlike anything else on the Big Island. Kona Honu Divers runs a guided two-tank charter from Honokohau Marina that puts you face-to-face with manta rays after dark - one of the most remarkable marine encounters available on any Big Island snorkel tour or scuba diving adventure. Priced from $249 per person, the charter is open to divers ages 10 and up who hold at least an Open Water certification. What to Expect The charter runs for 300 minutes and includes tanks, weights, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable guide throughout. Divers ages 10-11 require a private guide, so check with the operator for availability if you are bringing younger kids. Guests ages 12 and up dive as part of the guided group. You must be a comfortable, independent diver who can function well within a group - this is a shared experience and everyone on board deserves a premium trip. Anyone with heart conditions should not participate. Mantas are the headline, but the whole night-diving environment along the Kona Coast is extraordinary. Visibility, bioluminescence, and the sheer drama of descending into dark water set this far apart from daytime reef dives. To round out your Big Island diving week, the Morning Reef Snorkel and Whale Watch makes a great daytime counterpart, and the Kealakekua Bay Captain Cook Monument Snorkel is perfect for non-divers in your group. Good to Know Meeting point: Honokohau Marina in Kona - no hotel pickup is provided Bring: swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a water bottle Not included: gratuity and transportation Swimming required: yes Bring your certification card, show up on time, and get ready for a night underwater you will be talking about long after you leave the Big Island.
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.
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
Already certified in Open Water and ready to go deeper? The advanced open water diver course in Kailua-Kona is the natural next step. Priced from $1,099 per person, this three-day program is built for confident swimmers aged 18 and older who want sharper skills and bigger diving experiences in the warm, clear waters off the Big Island. Groups cap at four guests, so instruction stays personal from start to finish. What the Three Days Look Like Across six total dives aboard the Honu One at Kailua-Kona Harbor, you will complete five Adventure Dives covering buoyancy, deep diving, underwater navigation, and a fish identification or naturalist dive. The course closes with Kona's famous manta ray night dive - one of the most memorable ways to earn a certification anywhere in scuba diving. A guide and safety briefing are included. Gear rental, meals, and transport are not included, so plan accordingly. An eLearning module must be finished before your first day on the water, and you should allow three to five days after booking for an instructor to reach out with scheduling details. Good to Know Before You Book Small-group ocean diving means weather can affect scheduling. Health restrictions apply for pregnancy, back problems, heart conditions, and recent surgery - review the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire before booking. Arrive on time; late arrivals of 15 minutes or more are not refunded. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Wildlife commonly seen includes manta rays and tropical fish. If you are still weighing your options, the PADI Scuba Diver Course is a solid introductory choice, and once you hold your advanced open water card, the Enriched Air Nitrox Course is worth a look. Few destinations match the Big Island for diving conditions, and earning your advanced certification here means building real skills in genuinely rewarding water.
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.
Spearfishing
Learn spearfishing techniques in Kailua-Kona through this 2-day certification course from Kona Honu Divers. You'll learn essential techniques from world-renowned spearfishers and freedivers who focus on safety and sustainable spearfishing methods in Hawaii's waters. This program combines classroom theory with hands-on ocean experience. Your journey begins with an evening Zoom session from 6:15pm-9:00pm, setting the foundation for the full day of instruction ahead. Day two opens with classroom learning from 8:00am-11:00am, where you'll cover safety protocols and sustainable spearfishing methods. After breaking for lunch, you'll participate in the 12:00pm-4:00pm water session, where you'll practice ocean hunting techniques. The program wraps up with a final examination from 4:00pm-5:00pm. To join this spearfishing Kailua-Kona course, you must be 16 years or older and hold FII Level 1 Certification. While all spearfishing gear comes included, you'll need your own freediving equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weight-belt, and dive knife. Don't own this gear yet? All personal gear is available for rent or purchase at the shop. For the ocean portion, pack your own lunch, towel, sunscreen, water, and hat. Good health is essential for this spearfishing certification, with no heart conditions permitted. You'll need to complete a medical statement, with physician approval required if necessary. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who also holds Level 1 certification. Waivers must be signed in advance. You may make changes or cancellations up to 72 hours prior to your course and receive a full refund. Cancellations made inside of 72 hours will not be refunded. The company reserves the right to cancel for weather, ocean conditions, safety, or mechanical issues with rescheduling or full refund available. Arrive promptly at the scheduled time. Morning traffic conditions are congested and slow moving, especially if staying South of Kailua-Kona and driving North to the harbor. No refunds are given for students more than 15 minutes late. The course covers spearfishing gear plus classroom and ocean instruction sessions, though transportation and personal freediving equipment aren't included.
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.
About
Kona Honu Divers has been showing folks the underwater side of the Big Island for decades now, and honestly, they've got this whole operation dialed in. Based right here in Kailua-Kona where the water stays clear and the reefs are absolutely alive, this local crew named themselves after the honu—our beloved Hawaiian green sea turtles—and they've earned every bit of their stellar reputation.
These guys know exactly where to take you. Their two-tank morning trips aboard the Honu Lele hit the coral gardens that'll blow your mind, while their manta ray night dives? Pure magic. Seriously, people fly in from everywhere just for that experience. If you're looking to push your limits, they run advanced courses and even blackwater dives—imagine floating in open ocean at night watching creatures emerge from the deep that you've never seen before.
But here's what really makes them special: the dive masters actually know these waters inside and out. They're not just pointing out fish—they're sharing the stories behind what you're seeing, explaining the marine biology, talking about what these places mean to Hawaiian culture. Whether you're working on your advanced cert or it's your first time hoping to spot a manta, they'll match the dive to exactly what you're ready for and what gets you excited.
It's that personal touch combined with serious local knowledge that keeps people coming back. When you dive with Kona Honu, you're not just another tourist—you're diving with people who truly love these waters.