Kohala Divers, Ltd.

Hawaii, United States

The team at Kohala Divers, Ltd. are our go-to for diving the Big Island’s Kona coast. We always appreciate a dive shop that knows its waters inside and out, and these guys have been running trips here since the 70s. That kind of longevity tells you they’re doing something right. We love that they focus on smaller groups, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to spot something specific like a frogfish tucked away in the coral. They run two-tank morning dives, often hitting sites like Puako for its lava tubes and plenty of green sea turtles, or the famed Cathedrals, where the light shafts cut through the archways creating incredible natural spotlights. Our favourite is when they go a little further north towards Kawaihae; the reefs there often feel less pressured and you can drift along with schools of convict tangs. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the humpbacks singing during the winter months, a deep, resonant thrumming that vibrates through your chest even at depth. We’d suggest booking ahead, especially in peak season. They fill up fast because word gets around.