Diving the clear waters around the Big Island is a pleasure, there are lots of fish and interesting dive sites. Most dive operators work with boats from Kona, but for those that just like to wade out into the ocean,  there are excellent shoredive and snorkel sites also.

 

Often your boat is accompanied by playful dolphins, while the occasional tigershark may lurk at the harbor entrance.

 

The Hawaiian reefs sport many species of fish and turtles, notably butterflyfish, unicorns and  Humuhumunukunukuapua'as, Hawaii's state fish. You may encounter one or two white-tipped reefsharks, but the divemaster will tell you they are harmless.

 

One Hawaiian specialty is the so-called one tank Manta Ray night dive.

You all sit in a circle on the seafloor, shine your light up and hope the mantas will appear to scoop up all the small critters caught in the light beams and create a magical dance in the process.

 

Did not happen in July 2001,when I was in the water, but I did saw a sneaky moray eel catch its own supper.