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SCUBA Diving Hilo
Shore Diving -
Hilo, Hawaii
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Some
of the best diving and snorkeling in the world happens off the
coasts of this archipelago. Enjoy easy access to these great local
shore diving sites on the Hilo side of the Big Island.
Visibility is not as splendid as Kona, but sea life is just as
incredible. You will see dozens of sea turtles every dive on
the Hilo side.
For a preview of
Hilo, Hawaii shore diving, view the video on the left. |
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Beach
& Ocean |
Snorkeling | Snorkeling Tips | SCUBA
Diving | Diving Tips
 We
are going to show you our favorite shore diving spots on the Big
Island of Hawaii. This is not a comprehensive list of all
shore diving locations on the Big Island, but merely a personal guide
of our most frequented shore diving sites.
Visibility is
typically better on the Kona side of the Big Island.
Visibility is subject to wind and surf conditions.
We have divided our
Diving Guide between the two sides of the Big Island, Hilo and
Kona. Click below to view our favorite Hawaii shore diving spots.
 Take a Virtual Tour of a
Hawaiian
Coral Reef
More info and photos of the Hawaii
Green
Sea Turtle
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Leleiwi Beach Park
Location - Approx. 4 miles East of Hilo on Keaukaha Coast.
Water Entry / Exit - Climb over the low rock wall onto the
lava point. Enter the water to the right on the low
shelf. Watch your step on the slippery lava rock, and be
careful of the waves when entering the water. You may have to
time your entry to right after the wave hits the lava shelf.
Do not attempt to enter in high surf.
Diving Route - Expect to see over a dozen sea turtles here (I
average over 20 sightings each dive). The drop off is close to shore
- the reef stretches from about 20' to below 60'. There is a nice
sea arch about 50 meters from shore that you can swim through. Lots
of smaller fish and good coral. Entry and exit via lava shelf on the
water - watch for the tides and sea swells - exiting is a bit
tricky, just time it with the incoming sets. Enjoy this dive site
year round and say hello to the turtles.
Extras - parking lot, picnic tables, roofed pavilion.
Directions - Take Rte 11 South / Kanoelehua until it ends
(near airport) at Banyan Drive; turn right onto Kamehameha; drive
along the coast approx. 5 miles. The parking lot and sign to
the park will be on the left side. More information about
Leleiwi Beach Park
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Richardson's Beach Park
Location - Approx. 4.5 miles East of Hilo on Keaukaha Coast.
Water Entry / Exit - Easy via the black sand beach.
Diving Route - Watch out for surfers. Snorkel out and around (South) the lava rock outcrops.
Drop down as you approach the channel in between the rocks.
This will lead you to
a nice reef and lots of fish and usually sea turtles too.
Continue to follow the reef to the East and South. Maximum
depths of about 60 feet.
Extras - Lifeguard on duty; showers and bathrooms, black sand
beach; take the time to venture South along the beach to the lava
rock tidal pools.
Directions - Take Rte 11 South / Kanoelehua until it ends
(near airport) at Banyan Drive; turn right onto Kamehameha; drive
along the coast approx. 6 miles (pass Leleiwi Beach) until just
before the road ends. The parking lot and sign to the park
will be on the left side.
More information about
Richardson's Beach Park |
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