Hawaii BI diving....june vs fall vs winter diving?

[wgw04024]

Greetings!

Planning on visiting the BI in 2026. Seems to be plenty of good diving both boat and shore available, on both the west and east side. Other than putting together where and who to go with (for boat dives), one thing I haven't read much in the searched threads is what differences there might be during the various times of year. I do realize late winter would be better for whales.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Living4Experiences]

Please clarify. What and where is Hawaii BI?

 

[wgw04024]

Hawaii Big Island, Kona area, with a little north and south of it.

 

[Living4Experiences]

December, January, and February will have cooler water temps and can be windy, causing low visibility and surge. I've dived all those months. In February this year, it was windy and there was heavy surge on the manta night dives. The water temps were 76-78 degrees F. I've dived there in May and the water temps were slightly warmer, around 79-81 degrees F. Visibility is better.

I was told by the dive guides that September and October are better months for warmer water and better visibility and not so much wind.

I only do boat diving, so I can't speak to shore diving in Kona. I've always stayed in Kailua-Kona (downtown) and drive to the harbor to get on the boats.

 

[justinthedeeps]

Windward side baseline is 5+ft @~10s swell with surge. There are one or two shore spots reliably dived. Have broken a finger in the lava puzzle even on a normal mellowish day. Winter/summer is no guarantee, it's more about whenever the prevailing weather switches sides to the uncommon one (a 'Kona low')

I've been on a boat with a local Hilo shop that will go out in bigger swells if the sun is out. Some of the best diving (and seen visitors seasick to near collapse!)

There's a nice guy who will take Divers to a couple of Puna sites whenever the swell is under ~4ft (not super common though)

Kona pretty much go anytime there isn't a storm (occasionally, diving is out for the week). 2-3ft swell is often above people's limit on Kona side.