Kona Diving Company
Kona Diving Company
5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full view
About
Awarded the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2014-2019 and the Travelers' Choice Award for 2020, Kona Diving Company offers SCUBA diving adventures off of our custom dive boats on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Contact us for certification of all levels, introductory dives & night dives/manta ray dives. Multi-day dive packages available. A wonderful shop and friendly staff will welcome you!
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,239 reviews
Excellent
1,190
Very good
32
Average
6
Poor
8
Terrible
4
Yukiko
Brooklyn, NY55 contributions
Feb 2023
Amongst all the dive shops in Kona, I decided to go out with Kona Diving Company after a friend's recommendation and I'm so glad I went out with them!
The boat crew and our guides were amazing humans - Imran and Trixi were so knowledgable about mantas and the dive site. More than that their friendliness was so infectious that we all became friends at the end.
I booked a trip to Kona so I can dive with Manta Rays for the first time and Mantas decided NOT to come out and play the first night I went out with them, but thanks to Kona Diving Company, they gave me a discount on the second day of diving and I was able to dive with Manta rays!!
It's truly a magical experience to get to see Mantas in real life and I highly recommend Kona Diving Company as your dive shop!
The boat crew and our guides were amazing humans - Imran and Trixi were so knowledgable about mantas and the dive site. More than that their friendliness was so infectious that we all became friends at the end.
I booked a trip to Kona so I can dive with Manta Rays for the first time and Mantas decided NOT to come out and play the first night I went out with them, but thanks to Kona Diving Company, they gave me a discount on the second day of diving and I was able to dive with Manta rays!!
It's truly a magical experience to get to see Mantas in real life and I highly recommend Kona Diving Company as your dive shop!
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jennifer S
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
We used 3 different companies to dive while in Hawaii, and Kona diving stood out as best in class. Their boat had great accommodations including food, drinks, and a hot shower. Their guides we amazing. We did 3 dives with them and Sarah, Trixi, and Daniel were all amazing. If you’re looking for a dive company in Kona, this is it!
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Taylor B
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Friends
For my money, Kona Diving Company is the only way to dive Kona. Everything starts with quick and clear communication from the shop with Casey and Kerstin. Once on the boat, you’re part of the KDC family, in part because you’re with a small group of divers, but also because you’re likely to be with at least one of their regulars. KDC has a large group of repeat customers because they take care of everything so you don’t have to, from picking the best sites to setting up your gear and even taking your wetsuit to wash and dry it. Their captains are as good at calling out wildlife out on the surface as their dive masters are at finding awesome stuff below. We went diving multiple days with Trixi, Dave, Tommy, Emro, and Hailey who all have great attitudes and lead with a “no bad days” attitude. Kona is a beautiful place to dive, and these are the people you want as your guides. I personally recommend taking advantage of their multi-day packages, and if you don’t book at least one manta dive, you messed up.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JPH
24 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We scheduled the two tank afternoon / manta ray dive with Kona Diving Company, and it was absolutely awesome!
After several days of bad weather, the team made the decision that it was safe to dive, so off we went. The scheduling team was very friendly, and Captain Jeff and Lindsay were incredible on the boat. We saw lots of great stuff on the afternoon dive, and then after some good snacks during the surface interval, we got back in for the mantas. If you’re never done this dive, you absolutely have to do it. And if you’ve done it before, do it again. Such graceful creatures, and truly amazing to observe. Don’t miss this!
After several days of bad weather, the team made the decision that it was safe to dive, so off we went. The scheduling team was very friendly, and Captain Jeff and Lindsay were incredible on the boat. We saw lots of great stuff on the afternoon dive, and then after some good snacks during the surface interval, we got back in for the mantas. If you’re never done this dive, you absolutely have to do it. And if you’ve done it before, do it again. Such graceful creatures, and truly amazing to observe. Don’t miss this!
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
redsantana
San Francisco, CA37 contributions
Dec 2022
I dived with KDC in 2018 and they were fine, except we didn't see any mantas on the Manta night dive.
This time, I booked the Manta night dive on 12/13 and a morning dive on 12/14. The staff insisted I take a refresher course, which I completed on 12/12. I also paid for all my dives.
KDC insists that guests cannot make changes or cancellations within 48 hours of a dive. Yet, they called me less than 48 hours before my 12/14 dive to let me know that my 12/14 dive might be canceled. The reason is that they could not find enough people to fill the boat for the 12/14 dive!
By this time, I had already completed the refresher course. So I was pretty set on taking my dives.
KDC offered to put me on the 12/15 morning dive. This would mean that I might use two sets of rental gear (including breathing regulators). I had specifically tried to avoid this COVID risk by originally scheduling my night and morning dives within a 24 hour span (to use the same equipment for both dives).
Normally, I would just reshuffle my schedule.
However, this notice from KDC came so last-minute that it conflicted with a Horseback Ranch ride that I had already scheduled for 12/15. Unfortunately, there are no more Horseback Ranch rides for the duration of my stay, so I will have to miss it due to KDC's last minute change.
Now, the right thing to do is to still run the 12/14 dive without a full boat. Each guest is already paid $300 per person for the product that KDC has sold to us.
Perhaps, KDC can even use this opportunity to train their staffers by adding them to the 12/14 boat. But it seems that KDC cares less about guests, and prefers to make more $$$ by running full boats!
This time, I booked the Manta night dive on 12/13 and a morning dive on 12/14. The staff insisted I take a refresher course, which I completed on 12/12. I also paid for all my dives.
KDC insists that guests cannot make changes or cancellations within 48 hours of a dive. Yet, they called me less than 48 hours before my 12/14 dive to let me know that my 12/14 dive might be canceled. The reason is that they could not find enough people to fill the boat for the 12/14 dive!
By this time, I had already completed the refresher course. So I was pretty set on taking my dives.
KDC offered to put me on the 12/15 morning dive. This would mean that I might use two sets of rental gear (including breathing regulators). I had specifically tried to avoid this COVID risk by originally scheduling my night and morning dives within a 24 hour span (to use the same equipment for both dives).
Normally, I would just reshuffle my schedule.
However, this notice from KDC came so last-minute that it conflicted with a Horseback Ranch ride that I had already scheduled for 12/15. Unfortunately, there are no more Horseback Ranch rides for the duration of my stay, so I will have to miss it due to KDC's last minute change.
Now, the right thing to do is to still run the 12/14 dive without a full boat. Each guest is already paid $300 per person for the product that KDC has sold to us.
Perhaps, KDC can even use this opportunity to train their staffers by adding them to the 12/14 boat. But it seems that KDC cares less about guests, and prefers to make more $$$ by running full boats!
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yannik
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
stephanie and i (yannik) made a night dive and saw some very beautiful mantas and other interesting underwater creatures.
it was an amazing expierience - best dive ever so far! with a very cool team of emra and cody. i can recommend it for everyone.
it was an amazing expierience - best dive ever so far! with a very cool team of emra and cody. i can recommend it for everyone.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark B
7 contributions
Nov 2022
I have been diving for nearly 40 years and Kona Diving Company is one of best. They are extremely friendly, knowledgeable, fun, and safety conscious. They have smaller boats which translates to less divers each trip and more personalized attention. If you are doing multiple days of diving, they will keep your BDC, reg, and wetsuit the entire time and have it ready to go for you the next day. They do not limit your bottom time, only that you stay within air and no-decompression limits. Do not miss out on the manta night dive! It is a bucket list dive!
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leah
Portland, OR8 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We’re newly certified divers and did 3 trips with KDC- a refresher course, manta dive, and a 2 tank morning dive. Every one was great!
We really appreciated the fact that they let you dive your air, have small group sizes, and have an option for a 2-tank manta dive. We had different guides each day and they were all friendly and knowledgeable.
We saw tons of awesome stuff including lots of mantas and even dolphins! We are already talking about another trip to dove with KDC again. Special thanks to Hailey, Daniel, Cody, Trixie, Captain Mike, and Captain Jeff.
We really appreciated the fact that they let you dive your air, have small group sizes, and have an option for a 2-tank manta dive. We had different guides each day and they were all friendly and knowledgeable.
We saw tons of awesome stuff including lots of mantas and even dolphins! We are already talking about another trip to dove with KDC again. Special thanks to Hailey, Daniel, Cody, Trixie, Captain Mike, and Captain Jeff.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debbie R
Clovis, CA14 contributions
Oct 2022
Went to the Big Island specifically for the manta dive. So glad we went with Kona Dive Company. Dove with them for 6 days. Had so much fun, all the guides were awesome. We had Cody, Daniel, Trixie, Lyndsay and Kate. Capt's Mike, Jeff, Jason and Kelly kept us on course and would slow down and let the dolphins hang out with us. It was a no hurry boat. They took their time and would explain what we might see and what to expect. They were experts at finding the small stuff! Don't know how they knew where to look but it was great!!! And can't forget the brownies!!!
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sadie
Los Angeles9 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Kona Diving Company was awesome! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. They let’s us take our time and dive the way we wanted to. I would definitely recommend them while in Kona.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waldemar B
Coquitlam, Canada8 contributions
my two boys are Padi certified but I am only snorkling
It says it has to be minimum two divers or two snorklers . How can I book two divers and one snorkling guys.
If I buy extra place for my wife, is there any ride along discounted price and can you see anything from the boat
Caren L
Campbell River, Canada263 contributions
We saw parties were some members dove and others snorkeled, especially for the night Manta Ray dive. There will likely be a charge for a passenger given limitations to boat size. I would contact the shop by email. They were super responsive this way.
Judy S
Lake Oswego, OR1 contribution
My family of 4 (certified) would like to plan a 1 tank dive sometime between Dec 22 and 25th. The 'wrinkle' is that my son's new wife is not (yet) certified and we'd like to 'try' to do a shallow dive together. What would you suggest...maybe "Snuba" or an intro effort and thena shallow dive?
Glen W
The Cincinnati Region17 contributions
do a discover scuba dive and then go from there to shallow open water. They will accommodate your level.
AbbyRL
Brisbane, Australia478 contributions
Looks like a great company but it seems the emphasis is on deep diving. My husband and I are looking at the manta snorkel and were wondering how it compares to other companies seeing as it isn't what these guys focus on (still they have such great reviews thought they might be worth it regardless). Thoughts?
Mutt978
Leominster, MA7 contributions
They don't focus on deep diving. Their focus is on giving their customers the best dive experience possible. They will ask people what they want to see, and where you have already dove so as not to duplicate dives for people. They try their best to accommodate everyone on board based on their training level and the conditions.
Most of their dives are close to shore. They do a great job with the manta rays also, either for snorkelers or scuba divers.
kauaicouplesmassages
kapaa1 contribution
I would like to do some diving with you guys this summer how old do children have to be is eight years old OK
AnonDiver
New York City, NY40 contributions
The minimum age for diving is 10 years old, but even that is at the discretion of the instructor as 10 year olds can vary wildly in maturity. Diving is safe when done responsibly, but it is still primarily an adult activity.
Lucas F
2 contributions
Hi! Can my 2 year old come on a Manta Ray night trip, while Mom and Dad take turns in the water? Thanks!
Ann C
Sidney, Canada37 contributions
When we did the night dive everyone went into the water at once and stayed there until we were done. It was quite dark and you needed to follow your guide down. I would also have concerns about a 2 year old on board. Space is very limited and it is likely that you would need to pay for a "seat" for the child. That being said you should contact the Dive Shop for specifics.
Do they pick up at marriot courtyard or how do we get there without a car
busitraveler24
Washington DC, DC90 contributions
They did ask if we had a car, so you might be able to catch a ride to the boat. It can't hurt to ask them. They're super friendly! The courtyard is less than a mile from the shop, so you could walk there.
hello
i want to book a mantaray snorkel.
but i cannot swim
can i borrow a life jacket?
give me an answer. plz
WilsonlovesKona
Kauila Kona39 contributions
Lol! Yes!
travel627
wisconsin193 contributions
I will be diving with you in Jan. Can you recommend a place (hotel, bb, condo) to stay? Thank you!
PeggyS262
Baltimore, MD47 contributions
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in town. It was very reasonably priced (including daily breakfast), was just a 5 minute drive to the dive boat site each day, and was in walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants. i also remember that there was a Marriott Courtyard hotel right on the waterfront in town - - it was just a 5 minute walk away from our hotel. Either of these would be good choices during your dive trip.
KatMTL66
Castries, St. Lucia
Good day,
We would like to rent a car for a day or so to see the island. Is there car rentals onsite, and if so how much would it be for Jan 24-25.
If not, where would the closest rental place be, and can we take a bus to get there?
Kyliered22
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Oh and hire the car from kona not hilo airport ... and mokulele Airlines are really inexpensive and fabulous to fly with in their tiny planes. Great for Island hopping