Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest Apr–Oct · Mild current · 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Current
- Mild
- Water temperature
- 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Visibility
- 15–30m: A broad planning range.
- Experience
- Many lava-reef dives suit Open Water divers.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Reef mantas use Kona's coast year-round, particularly the artificial-light feeding stations.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Green turtles are resident around lava reefs and resting areas.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Spotted eagle rays may pass reef edges and sand channels throughout the year.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nudibranchs occur on Kona reefs, but this broad group has no useful monthly calendar.
See all 8 species
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
Garden Eel Cove (Manta Heaven)
A daytime reef and one of Kona's established manta-night locations.
5–18m · Mild current
Manta Village
A shallow manta-light site off Keauhou.
5–14m · Mild current
Turtle Pinnacle
A boat-accessed lava pinnacle known for turtles and reef fish.
8–24m · Mild current
See all 4 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsEasy. Fly to KOA. Typical trip $–$$.
Route overview
Easy
Day trips from a coastal base, about 0.5h from the airport.
Airport options
KOA
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole
Kailua-Kona harbours and most west-coast dive shops are about 15–35 minutes by road
Typical trip cost
$–$$
under $2,000 to $2,000–4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Two-tank day boats commonly cost about $180–250 USD.
- Manta and blackwater trips are normally separate, often about $150–250 before rental equipment, tax and tips.