Kona Side Diving

[DivingLane]

I always have fun with them. Hopefully you had Flipper for your guide.

Flipper was our guide, great DM. He takes video and pics and posts them on Instagram and will send them.

 

[mauimel]

Thanks, I did read your report before I had made my diving decision. For snorkeling, since my son is only 7 and feels most comfortable with me in the water, I am just going to do a snorkel manta excursion.

Did you find a good guide for the snorkel manta excursion? I am curious to try this.

 

[mauimel]

Aren't the manta sighting off Kona seasonal? I went twice over 2 Christmases and saw nothing, only finding out later that they're not there in early winter.

When were told they are not there? December? I haven't heard about specific timing yet...

 

[mauimel]

Personally I would use Kona Honu as you will have less divers onboard. I don't use Jack's, too crowded for me. My favorite is Kahala Divers up in Kawaihae.

Haven't tried them yet - why are they your favorite?

 

[Zman96]

For the snorkeling we went with My Kona Adventures out of Keahou Bay. Short ride on a 10 passenger zodiac. It was no frills but plenty of time in the water with the mantas. We saw more than a dozen.

 

[mauimel]

For the snorkeling we went with My Kona Adventures out of Keahou Bay. Short ride on a 10 passenger zodiac. It was no frills but plenty of time in the water with the mantas. We saw more than a dozen.

Nice, thanks!

 

[OrcasC205]

Haven't tried them yet - why are they your favorite?

Kohala Divers out of Kawaihae hits the North Kohala Coast instead of the typical sites around Kona. In my experience, the reefs are healthier up there and the diving is a little more challenging.

 

[NorCalDM]

Haven't tried them yet - why are they your favorite?

Less crowed boat and chill. Kohala hits the lesser dived sites up north and is usually the only dive boat at the site. The Kohala coast is great diving and seems to have more live but is more challenging in my opinion which is probably why there is less divers and more life.

 

[bdyslm]

I have brought my list down to 2 ops, Jacks Diving locker and Kona Honu divers. Jacks is a bit more expensive vs KH (also includes nitrox). From others perspectives is Jacks worth the extra money or just go with KH?

Looks like things might have changed or maybe you reversed the names? This is of 4/20/25 and what is shown on their booking system for pricing and availability.

KH includes nitrox. Jacks is $10/tank

Kona Honu Free Nitrox

2 tank manta dive - 1-May $295 3:45-8:45

3-May

Blackwater 2-May $282 06:15-9:15

5-May

Premium Advanced 2 tank 2-May $368 8AM-3pm

4-May

Local 2 tank 3-May $270 7:45AM-1

4-May 0 7:45AM-1


Big Island Divers Nirox +12 w/nitrox

2 tank manta dive - 1-May $271 3-9:30

3-May

Advanced 2 tank 2-May $306 8AM-1:30

4-May

Local 2 tank 2-May $236 8AM-1:30

3-May 8AM-1:30

4-May 8AM-1:30


Jacks Diving Locker Nirox +10 w/nitrox

2 tank manta dive - 1-May 282 3:30-9:30

Blackwater/Pelagic Magic 1-May $263 5:30-10

Advanced 2 tank 3-May $328 8AM-3:30

Local 2 tank 2-May $248 8:30AM-2:30

3-May 8:30AM-2:30

4-May 8:30AM-2:30

 

[Zman96]

When I went in October Kona Honu was a little bit less as I had stated. I was quite satisfied with the service, boat and crew with KH and plan to dive with them again this year in October. I paid 161 plus taxes for a 2 tank dive with nitrox.