Diving on the Big Island, Hawaii
Aloha Dive Company
Kailua-Kona
Tel: 800 708 5662 (toll-free)
Tel: 808 325 5560
Dive Makai Charters
Kailua-Kona
Tel: 808 329 2025
divemakai@divemakai.com
Concierge.com's insider take:
The west side of the Big Island—one of the most popular dive destinations in the state—is nearly ideal for underwater exploration: The water is warm, calm, and clear, and there is little wind. Two long-established outfits among the dozen or so dive operators are Aloha Dive Company and Dive Makai Charters. Both have high safety standards, respect the ocean environment, and are straightforward about the day's conditions: Some days you have your pick of dive spots; on others, they'll decide which is the clearest and safest for you. Private day charters are available, as are night dives with manta rays. The latter is hardly an exclusive deal—some nights, it feels like every other diver on the island is out with you—but the manta rays are quite exquisite and very playful.