Shore Diving Puako
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I haven't dived there in a long time, but it used to be the best place to see sharks.
jonhall
Contributor
Was there in fall of 2019. Dove 5 days off a RHIB with Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures - really enjoyed their op. Although I didn't shore dive, I could see that it would be pretty easy from different places/hotels on shore as long as there was a good entry spot. A couple reefs we dove were about 5-6 football fields from shore. Didn't see anyone shore diving from the small pier in Pauko, but the water definitely wasn't as clear as getting farther away from shore. As I recall, I probably wouldn't have entered the water from anywhere near the pier. The link @MaxBottomtime posted looks like a good spot.
Puako end-of-road is one of our favorite shore diving sites on the big island. The reef is a series of lava fingers that have a lot of wild life. We've seen everything from nudibranchs to turtles to hammerheads there. You may want to go with a guide the first time to see where to enter the water and where to drop.
I have not dove with Kona Shore Divers, but they were at Mile Marker 4 when we were diving there last year and were super friendly and helpful even though we were not diving with them.
My profile photo was taken at Puako in fact.
I have not dove with Kona Shore Divers, but they were at Mile Marker 4 when we were diving there last year and were super friendly and helpful even though we were not diving with them.
My profile photo was taken at Puako in fact.
We shore dive Puako 2-3 times a year and really enjoy it. End-of-road, House 40, House 56, Catholic Church all good sites. Last dove there in May and that trip we saw reef sharks, turtles, tons of eels, spotted eagle ray and a manta did a fly by. The structure is pretty cool as well, arches, lava tubes and caves. Blue Wilderness runs out of the General Store on Puako Road you can rent anything you need there and they are a good source for the shore diving in the area. They also have a RIB they launch out of the Puako boat ramp, fun crew and usually only 4-6 divers.
If you are staying on Puako Road then I would talk to Blue Wilderness as they are in the general store on Puako road. They can rent what you need and may be able to help with a guide. There is plenty of shore diving along Puako Road, the diving itself is easy to navigate but the entry and exits can be tricky getting over the long shollow reef. If the wind picks up it is easy to get blow away from your exit point. The easiest shore dive in the area is Mahukona Beach Park, there is a ladder to get in and out it's shallow and easy to navigate. If you have not dove on the Big Island shore diving may not be the best choice unless you are very comfortable shore diving in general.
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