The Big Island of Hawaii isn’t just famous for its volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests — its underwater world rivals any on the planet. With vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales, it’s a paradise for divers of all levels. We particularly love the 2-Tank Daytime Scuba Dive Boat Trip for its comprehensive experience, excellent marine encounters, and friendly crew. If you’re new to scuba, the Introductory Beach Scuba Dive offers a gentle, supervised start. For those needing a quick refresher, the Pool Scuba Refresher is a perfect way to regain confidence before venturing into the ocean.
Whether you’re after a full day of exploring the coral gardens or just want to try snorkeling in a controlled environment, Big Island’s diving experiences cater to all interests and skill levels. Below is a detailed look at each tour, helping you decide which fits your Hawaii vacation best.
1. 2-Tank Daytime Scuba Dive Boat Trip
At number one, this 2-Tank Daytime Scuba Dive Boat Trip with Jack’s Diving Locker is a classic for good reason. This Kona-based operation, the oldest dive shop on the island, offers a reliable, high-quality experience. It includes two guided dives or snorkel tours, giving you plenty of time to explore the reefs, where you might spot reef fish, eels, octopus, turtles, and even dolphins. If visiting during winter, there’s a good chance of seeing humpback whales surfacing nearby, which adds a special touch to your day.
The tour features all necessary equipment, including tanks, weights, wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins, with rentals available if needed. The boat itself provides a hot shower and bathroom onboard, making it convenient after your dives. Guests praise the professional and friendly staff, with many noting how organized and safe the experience feels — perfect for first-timers or those wanting a smooth, memorable dive. With a rating of 5.0/5 from 11 reviews, it’s a popular choice for divers seeking a reliable and immersive experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a full day of underwater exploration with excellent marine viewing, this is hard to beat. It’s especially good for those who appreciate professionalism and a well-organized trip.
2. Introductory Beach Scuba Dive
At number two, the Introductory Beach Scuba Dive is ideal for first-timers and those eager to experience diving without committing to a certification. This 3.5-hour program in Hilo begins with a 30-minute classroom session on dry land, covering the basics of diving theory. Next, you get to practice in a heated indoor pool, which is perfect for building confidence in a safe environment — and the only one of its kind on the island.
Once comfortable, your instructors will take you on your first open water dive near a reef, with supervision from PADI-certified instructors. Guests love that the pool session is heated, making the experience more comfortable, especially for nervous beginners. Reviewers mention how instructors like Mark and Akara ensure total comfort, even for non-swimmers or those afraid of water.
The tour costs a bit more at $340, but it offers an intimate, hands-on introduction to scuba, making it perfect for those considering certification later on. It’s a great way to see if diving suits you without the full commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners wanting a safe, controlled intro to diving with professional guidance. It’s an efficient way to start your underwater journey on the Big Island.
3. Pool Scuba Refresher
The Pool Scuba Refresher is tailored for certified divers who want to brush up on their skills before hitting the ocean. It’s a quick 2-hour session where you review safety protocols, buoyancy, and basic techniques in a controlled environment. What makes this experience special is the dedicated training pool with a pool window, allowing friends and family to watch your underwater practice — a unique feature that adds a bit of excitement to the session.
This refresher is ideal if you haven’t been diving for a while or want to regain confidence after a break. It’s also useful for divers preparing for longer excursions. Although it’s a shorter, more focused experience, many reviewers find it invaluable for feeling comfortable again, especially if they’re nervous about returning to the water.
Priced at $100, it’s a cost-effective option to ensure safety and enjoyment on your upcoming underwater adventures.
Bottom Line: If you’re already certified but feel a little rusty, this refresher helps you regain confidence quickly and safely.
$100.00 per person
4. Jack’s Diving Locker: Pool Snorkeling Lesson
Next on our list is the Pool Snorkeling Lesson, a 1.5-hour session designed to improve your snorkeling skills. As the only shop on the island with a dedicated training pool, they offer a safe environment to practice breathing, mask clearing, and finning techniques. The lesson emphasizes safety and comfort, ensuring you’re prepared to enjoy the vibrant reef life when you venture into the ocean.
While it doesn’t include an ocean trip, this lesson is perfect for newcomers or families with children who want a relaxed, educational experience before snorkeling in open water. The pool’s underwater viewing window allows friends and family to watch your progress, adding a fun family element.
Pricing at $57.59 makes this a very affordable way to build confidence and set the stage for your snorkeling adventures. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, focused skill-building session rather than a full tour.
Bottom Line: An excellent prep class for snorkelers of all ages, especially those new to the water or nervous about snorkeling.
$57.59 per person
5. Refresher Scuba Dive
Finally, the Refresher Scuba Dive offers a mid-length, instructor-led review of your diving skills. Lasting around 3 hours, this experience is tailored for certified divers who want to ensure their skills are sharp before ocean adventures. The dive covers all the basics, including safety procedures and buoyancy, with an emphasis on confidence-building.
Ideal for divers who haven’t been in the water for a while or want to double-check their skills before a longer dive, this experience reopens the underwater world with the help of professional dive masters. It’s a good value at $169, providing personalized attention and practical review.
While it doesn’t include reef exploration, it’s a solid choice for those who want peace of mind before tackling more challenging dives or boat trips.
Bottom Line: A practical, instructor-led review that helps re-establish your diving confidence without the full expense of a guided reef tour.
$169
How to Choose the Right Big Island Diving Experience
When selecting your diving adventure, consider your skill level, budget, and what kind of experience you want. If you’re a certified diver eager to explore pristine reefs and see marine life, the 2-Tank Daytime Boat Trip offers excellent value and a full day of underwater discovery.
Beginners or those hesitant about diving should lean toward the Introductory Beach Scuba Dive for a safe, supervised start. If you’re already certified but want to refresh your skills, the Refresher Dive or the Pool Scuba Refresher are perfect options.
For snorkelers, the Pool Snorkeling Lesson provides a confidence boost before heading into the ocean. If you’re pressed for time or want a quick skill tune-up, either of the refresher courses will serve you well.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure the best equipment and guides.
To sum it up, Big Island offers a range of scuba experiences tailored to different levels and interests. For those seeking adventure and marine encounters, the boat dives stand out. Beginners and those wanting to build confidence should consider the introductory options, while certified divers can benefit from refresher courses to keep skills sharp. No matter which you choose, Hawaii’s underwater vistas promise unforgettable memories.