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Top Dive Sites in Hilo You Can Access Without a Boat

Updated: Nov 4


Healthy Coral
Healthy Coral

The Best Shore Diving Locations for Every Skill Level

One of the best-kept secrets of scuba diving in Hawaii? You don’t always need a boat to find world-class dive sites — especially in Hilo.

Unlike other parts of the Big Island where boat dives are the norm, Hilo offers incredible shore diving just steps from the coastline. These spots are perfect for beginners, returning divers, or anyone who wants to explore Hawaii’s underwater world without hopping on a boat.

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we guide divers through these local gems every day. Here's our guide to the top dive sites in Hilo that you can access easily from shore — no boat required.

🐢 1. Richardson Ocean Park

Best for: Beginners, Discover Scuba Divers, and PADI students

This is one of Hilo’s most popular and beginner-friendly dive sites. Protected by natural lava rock formations, Richardson’s calm bay offers shallow entry, mild currents, and plenty to explore — even at depths of just 15–30 feet.

What You'll See:

  • Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu)

  • Schools of yellow tang and butterflyfish

  • Octopus and moray eels hiding in lava crevices

  • Volcanic rock formations and coral gardens

📍 Location: South Hilo, with easy parking and beach access

🐠 2. Leleiwi Beach Park

Best for: Beginner to intermediate divers

Leleiwi features a maze of lava shelves, mini walls, and reef outcrops. It’s a great spot to practice buoyancy and navigate through Hilo’s signature volcanic topography.

Highlights:

  • Excellent visibility on calm days

  • Lava tubes and ledges to explore

  • Colorful reef fish and occasional rays

  • Great for underwater photography

💡 Tip: Go early in the morning for the calmest water.

🌊 3. Coconut Island (Moku Ola)

Best for: First-time divers and confined water training

Though not as deep or wide as other sites, Coconut Island is great for Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Open Water course practice. The sheltered lagoon area provides a safe, shallow space to get comfortable in your gear.

Why It’s Worth a Visit:

  • Super calm water conditions

  • Tidal pools and beginner-friendly depth

  • Unique underwater views of Hilo Bay

  • Perfect for building confidence

📍 Access from Liliʻuokalani Gardens near downtown Hilo.

🌋 4. Four Mile Reef (Carlsmith Beach Park)

Best for: Certified divers or confident beginners

Also known locally as “Four Mile,” this site features a slightly deeper reef with lava ledges, overhangs, and coral heads. While entry is still from shore, conditions can vary — so we recommend diving here with a guide.

Expect to See:

  • More advanced reef formations

  • Parrotfish, wrasses, and puffers

  • Honu resting under ledges

  • Occasional white-tip reef sharks in deeper crevices

🧭 5. Lehia Park (Secret Spot for Locals)

Best for: Intermediate divers seeking adventure

Lehia Park is a less-visited dive site located just north of Hilo. It requires a bit of a hike to get to the water entry, but the reward is a secluded dive experience with little to no crowd.

Features:

  • Untouched reef and thriving coral

  • Advanced lava formations and caves

  • Excellent marine life diversity

  • Best visited with a local guide who knows the entry point

⚠️ Entry can be tricky — ask us about guided dives here.

🧳 What You’ll Need for Shore Diving in Hilo

When diving from shore, it’s good to be prepared:

  • ✅ Reef booties or dive boots (lava rock = sharp!)

  • ✅ A rash guard or wetsuit (we provide these)

  • ✅ Reef-safe sunscreen

  • ✅ Water, towel, and dry clothes for after

  • ✅ A local dive guide — trust us, it’s worth it!

We provide all dive gear, full instruction, and local expertise so you can focus on the fun.

🐠 Why Shore Diving in Hilo Is Worth It

  • No boat = less hassle

  • More bottom time

  • Unique volcanic reef structures

  • Turtle encounters just a few fin kicks away

  • Ideal for beginners and nervous divers

📅 Ready to Dive in Without a Boat?

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we specialize in:

  • Shore dives for beginners and certified divers

  • PADI certification courses

  • Discover Scuba experiences

  • Small group or private dives

  • All gear included

👉 Book a Guided Shore Dive in Hilo Today📍 Hilo, Hawaii📞 (808) 940-4630

Some of the best dives on the Big Island start from the shore — come explore Hilo’s coastline with us.

 
 
 

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Waiolena Beach Park

Richardsons Beach Park

fish and coral reef as seen by a scuba diver

🌊 Why Hilo Scuba Diving Is the Best Company for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Hilo

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When it comes to exploring Hawaiʻi’s incredible underwater world, Hilo Scuba Diving stands out as the top-rated local company for both scuba diving and snorkeling.
Whether you’re a certified diver ready to explore volcanic reefs or a beginner who wants to snorkel with sea turtles, our team of passionate local guides delivers the safest, most personal, and most authentic ocean experience on the Big Island.

 

🐠 Dive and Snorkel the Real Hawaiʻi

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Unlike the busy, tourist-heavy dive spots on the Kona side, Hilo offers a more natural and untouched ocean experience.
The east side of the island is home to vibrant coral reefs, lava arches, and a stunning variety of marine life — and no one knows it better than our crew at Hilo Scuba Diving.

We take you beyond the typical tourist sites to discover hidden reefs, lava rock formations, and crystal-clear tide pools full of life.
It’s the perfect destination for both divers and snorkelers who want to see Hawaiʻi’s wild side up close.

 

🌺 Why Choose Hilo Scuba Diving

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At Hilo Scuba Diving, we’re not just a tour company — we’re a team of professional divers, instructors, and ocean enthusiasts who love sharing the magic of Hilo’s underwater world. Here’s what makes us the best choice for your next ocean adventure:

 

🤿 Local Expertise You Can Trust

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Our guides and instructors are locally trained professionals who dive and snorkel these waters every day. We know the safest conditions, the best wildlife spots, and the ideal times to explore each reef.

 

👥 Small Groups, Personalized Attention

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We keep our dive and snorkel groups small so you get the one-on-one attention you deserve. Whether you’re learning to dive or snorkeling for the first time, our team focuses on your comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

 

🎓 Certified Training & Beginner Support

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Ready to take the next step? We offer PADI certification courses for beginners and advanced divers — plus guided snorkeling tours that are perfect for families, couples, and non-swimmers who want to experience the ocean safely.

 

🐢 Incredible Marine Encounters

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From Hawaiian green sea turtles and schools of tropical fish to colorful coral gardens and volcanic rock formations, every dive and snorkel with us is an unforgettable adventure.

 

🌿 Eco-Friendly Ocean Practices

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We’re committed to protecting Hilo’s reefs and wildlife. We use reef-safe sunscreen, teach responsible diving and snorkeling techniques, and support local reef conservation efforts.

 

📍 The Best Dive and Snorkel Spots in Hilo

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Our guided tours take you to Hilo’s top-rated ocean locations, including:

  • Carlsmith Beach Park (Four Mile): Calm lagoons perfect for snorkeling and turtle encounters.

  • Leleiwi Beach Park: A local favorite for beginner divers and snorkelers.

  • Puhi Bay: A deeper volcanic dive site for certified divers looking to explore lava rock terrain.

  • Richardson Ocean Park: Clear water, colorful reefs, and ideal conditions for families.

Every trip is customized based on ocean conditions and your comfort level — ensuring the safest and most memorable experience possible.

 

💦 Experience the Magic of Hilo’s Underwater World

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Whether you want to dive deep below the surface or float peacefully above it, Hilo Scuba Diving is your best choice for ocean adventures on the Big Island.
Our friendly, experienced team makes it easy to connect with the ocean, see amazing wildlife, and leave with memories you’ll treasure forever.

👉 Book your dive or snorkel tour today and discover why locals and visitors alike call Hilo Scuba Diving the best dive shop and snorkeling company in Hawaiʻi.

Hilo, HI 96720

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