Why Hilo Is Hawaii’s Best Kept Secret for Shore Diving

mikedyson1
Jul 14, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2025

When most people think about scuba diving on the Big Island of Hawaii, they immediately picture the sunny, dry coast of Kona. But just across the island lies a hidden gem that divers in the know have quietly fallen in love with: Hilo.

With its lush coastline, unique lava rock formations, and rich marine biodiversity, Hilo is one of the most underrated and rewarding places to scuba dive in all of Hawaii — especially for those who love shore diving.

Here’s why Hilo is Hawaii’s best kept secret for shore diving — and why it should be at the top of your Big Island dive list.

🌺 1. Easy Shore Access Without the Crowds

Unlike many popular dive spots in Hawaii that require a boat trip and a crowd of tourists, Hilo offers direct-from-the-shore diving in protected, beginner-friendly bays. You can walk right off the lava rocks or beach and be surrounded by thriving reefs within minutes.

And the best part? No waiting for a boat. No big groups. Just you, your guide, and the ocean. Shore diving in Hilo is often peaceful, intimate, and way more flexible than dive tours elsewhere on the island.

🪸 2. Unique Lava Formations and Reef Structures

The east side of the Big Island was formed by flowing lava — and you’ll see the result the moment you drop below the surface. Hilo’s underwater terrain features:

Lava tubes and arches
Rocky fingers stretching out from shore
Natural swim-throughs and mini canyons

These formations make for fun navigation and attract a variety of marine life. The contrast between rugged lava rock and soft coral growth is visually stunning — and uniquely Hilo.

🐠 3. Incredible Marine Life You Won’t Want to Miss

While Hilo may not offer the 100-foot visibility of Kona, what it does offer is incredible biodiversity and a chance to see creatures that often hide during the day or avoid high-traffic areas. Common sightings include:

Hawaiian green sea turtles
Moray eels
Leaf scorpionfish
Octopus
Frogfish
Nudibranchs
Schools of goatfish, tangs, and butterflyfish

With fewer divers in the water, marine life here tends to be less shy and more curious, making for some amazing encounters — especially if you love photography or macro critters.

🧘 4. Perfect for Beginners and Learning Divers

If you’re new to scuba diving or looking to get certified, Hilo offers an ideal environment. Calm bays, shallow reef systems, and easy walk-in entries make it a stress-free place to take your first breaths underwater.

At Hilo Scuba Diving, we specialize in:

Discover Scuba Diving (no certification needed)
PADI Open Water Certification
Guided shore dives for beginners and returning divers

We keep our groups small so you get personal attention, a slower pace, and time to truly enjoy the experience — no rushing, no pressure.

🌙 5. Unforgettable Night Diving Experiences

Looking for something truly unforgettable? Hilo’s shore dive sites are just as incredible at night. When the sun sets, the reefs transform — eels come out to hunt, octopuses change color, and plankton light up the water with bioluminescence.

Night diving from shore is one of the safest and most accessible ways to experience this surreal environment — and you don’t have to jump off a boat in the dark to enjoy it.

📍 Top Shore Diving Spots in Hilo

Some of our favorite shore dive locations include:

Richardson Ocean Park – calm, protected, and great for spotting turtles
Leleiwi Beach Park – home to arches, rock fingers, and loads of reef fish
4-Mile (James Kealoha Beach Park) – wide, beginner-friendly entry with coral and sand patches
Coconut Island (Moku Ola) – shallow and ideal for new divers or intro courses

These spots are easy to access, safe for most skill levels, and absolutely packed with life.

🤿 Why You Haven’t Heard More About Hilo Diving

So why is Hilo still under the radar for most divers? Simple: it’s not as commercial. Kona has more boats, more marketing, and more infrastructure — but that doesn’t mean it’s better. In fact, Hilo’s low-key vibe is exactly what makes it so special.

If you're looking for a dive experience that's more personal, more natural, and more connected to local Hawaiian life, Hilo is the place to be.

📅 Ready to Dive the Hidden Side of Hawaii?

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island and want to get off the beaten path, we’d love to show you the magic of Hilo diving. At Hilo Scuba Diving, we offer: