10 Kona Scuba Diving Tips

By: Evelyn De Matias

Break Studios Contributing Writer

For a more pleasurable diving adventure ,these 10 Kona scuba diving tips will help you pack your things and fly off to Hawaii to experience a magnificent Kona scuba diving experience. Consider these helpful tips to guide you as you embark in an exciting scuba diving trip to the Hawaiian Island.

  1. Make advance travel plans. You will enjoy the convenience of getting into Kona with everything ready for you. Make advance plans for your trip including airline reservations and accommodation arrangements. You can choose to stay in hotels or villas that can make the arrangement for your scuba diving adventure.
  2. Ensure you are a certified diver. You cannot enjoy the privilege of renting diving equipment if you are not a certified diver. There are many diving sites in Kona that require varieties of scuba diving skill levels. You should know which dive site is best suitable for your scuba diving experience.
  3. Rent diving equipment only from reputable dive shops. Although the resort where you plan to stay can arrange this for you, do not rely on them for everything. Ask about the background and reputation of the dive shop that will supply your rented diving gear and equipment to ensure getting only the best quality scuba diving gears.
  4. Dive with a guide. A certified scuba diving guide can take you to the best dive sites in Kona. This is an advantage of taking an expert guide to take you where the most beautiful aquamarine dive sites are located.  
  5. Learn about the dive sites where you are going. Make sure to know the current condition and know your scuba diving itinerary. Do not hesitate to ask your guide about vital information regarding the different diving sites where you are heading.
  6. Dive safely. It is most prudent for you to observe the surf condition before deciding to dive. Know the entry and exit points of the dive site. This is especially important if you are scuba diving without a guide. Inform the reception of the resort where you are staying about your diving itinerary to make known of your whereabouts.
  7. Snorkel first before you scuba dive. This will help you get familiarized with the water condition and possible hazards. Check for sharp rocks and corals. Always dive with a buddy and do not try to scuba dive beyond your capabilities.
  8. There are about 80 dive sites in Kona. It is best to secure a map and study which dive sites are most suitable for your scuba diving skills. If you want to visit as many dive sites as you can, an overnight stay would not be enough. You can also arrange a personalized scuba diving itinerary where you can choose the dive sites to visit.
  9. Know the best scuba diving sites. Each dive site in Kona has its own distinctive wonders. If you want to enjoy watching dolphins, take a dive at Nai’a. The Turtle Pinnacle is known as the turtle cleaning station where you can find good numbers of turtles and surgeon fish in the area. Canyons and arches give a good topography scuba diving experience at the Kaloko Arches where octopi are also seen.
  10. Take a night scuba diving at Kona’s Big Island Manta Ray Night. This is one of the most thrilling and exciting scuba diving adventures in Kona. The dive site looks like a lighted aquarium where you can see numerous manta rays. Underwater flashlights are provided for divers to allow them to enjoy a night scuba diving moment with the most gracious water creature, the manta ray. Take note that touching the manta rays is strictly prohibited. Make sure not to miss this one from your Kona scuba diving itinerary. 
Posted on: Jan. 19, 2011