KAILUA-KONA SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Two-Tank Morning on the Honu Lele: Turtles, Lava-Grown Reefs and Kona Blue
A five-hour, small-group scuba charter from Honokohau Marina that runs two local dives to view endemic fish, green sea turtles, octopus and reef formations carved by ancient lava flows.
Two-Tank Morning on the Honu Lele: Turtles, Lava-Grown Reefs and Kona Blue.
Spend a clear Kona morning aboard the Honu Lele for an exclusive two-tank dive trip that threads through reefs shaped by ancient lava and teems with endemic tropical fish, green sea turtles and the occasional elusive octopus. The operator runs this as an intimate small-group experience so the dives feel like private explorations of Hawaii’s unique underwater landscapes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Exclusive small-group charter
The trip is intentionally limited to a small party—only six divers—so each two-dive morning feels focused and uncrowded, with room to linger on encounters and features.
Endemic fish, honu and octopus
Expect to see Kona’s endemic tropical fish and frequent green sea turtle sightings; divers may also spot hidden octopuses among the reef’s crevices.
Reefs carved by ancient lava
The dive sites showcase underwater terrain formed by old lava flows—jagged ledges, arches and rubble fields that create complex habitat for marine life.
What the day feels like
What the morning feels like
This is a morning at-sea: a departure from Honokohau, two organized local dives on Kona reefs, and a return to the marina within roughly a five-hour window—designed to maximize bottom time and marine sightings while keeping the group small and manageable.
THE FORMAT
Exclusive small-group charter
The trip is intentionally limited to a small party—only six divers—so each two-dive morning feels focused and uncrowded, with room to linger on encounters and features.
THE WILDLIFE
Endemic fish, honu and octopus
Expect to see Kona’s endemic tropical fish and frequent green sea turtle sightings; divers may also spot hidden octopuses among the reef’s crevices.
THE SEASCAPE
Reefs carved by ancient lava
The dive sites showcase underwater terrain formed by old lava flows—jagged ledges, arches and rubble fields that create complex habitat for marine life.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your dive card (physical or e-card), a reusable water bottle, and sun-protective clothing; use reef-safe sunscreen only.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need proof of certification?
Yes. Proof of open water certification or higher is required to join the charter.
What happens if I have not dived in the last two years?
A successful checkout dive is required before joining the charter if you have not dived in the last two years.
How long is the charter?
The trip duration is approximately five hours.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting location is Honokohau Marina, Kailua Kona, HI.
What time does the charter depart and return?
The charter departs from the marina at 8:00 AM and returns around 1:00 PM.
How many divers are on each trip?
The charter is an exclusive small-group experience limited to six divers.