Honokohau Beach - Manta Ray Bay

Shore Diving and Snorkeling Site

Honokohau Beach /Manta Ray Bay

A great diving and snorkeling site that's close to town, and known for occassional dolphin and tiger shark sightings.

Also known as Manta Ray Bay, Nai'a Bay, Crescent Beach, Dog Beach, and Alua Beach

 Dive Site Maps:

    

Honokohau Manta Ray Bay Dive Site Map Kailua Kona, Hawaii

  

Site Briefing: 

  • Accessibility:  This requires a moderate hike over very uneven lava rock to get to the entry location.

  • Nearby Facilities:  Jack's Diving Locker Harbor Store & Deli, public restrooms

  • Features:  A wide variety of fish and critters including the occasional turtle, ray, or even tiger shark.  Sloping reef.  It's also right next to our harbor shop and deli so it's a great place to stop in and get sandwiches, drinks, snacks and ice.

  • Entry/Exit:  Most people enter and exit from the small sandy beach

  • Depths:  0-60 feet

  • Special Concerns:

    • Boat Traffic:  Being next to the harbor entrance, divers and snorkelers need to stay out of the boat channel with their dive flag.

    • North and West swells:  This site is exposed to occasional large north and north west swells (typically in the winter months).  Due to the shallow swim from the entry/exit area, it doesn't take much swell to make getting to the site difficult.

    • Tiger Sharks:  These amazing animals are occasionally seen near and entering the harbor to scavenge on fish carcasses often found in the harbor.  While they are typically cautious around humans, treat them with caution and never feed them.  It is illegal to do so.

Site Photos:

Honokohau Beach Shore Dive Site, Kailua Kona, HawaiiAlua Beach/Manta Ray Bay Dive Site, Big Island, Hawaii Honokohau Shore Dive Path, Kailua Kona, Hawaii Honokohau Shore Dive Entry picture, Kailua Kona, Hawaii Honokohau Dive Site descent picture, Kailua Kona, Hawaii

 

General Info:

  • Check the weather, surf, and tide reports:  Plan ahead for safety

  • Know your limits: Diving and snorkeling from shore means you have minimal help if something goes wrong.  Know your limits, and consider taking a snorkel lesson, a scuba refresher, or book a guided trip to increase you experience before considering diving and snorkeling from shore.

  • Use a Dive Flag:  These are required by law for both scuba and snorkeling and we have them available for rent.

  • Rent gearWe have a full line of rental snorkel and scuba gear, and air and nitrox tank fills.

  • Check Your Gear and Bring Spares:  Whether you rent or own your own gear, inspect it thoroughly before heading to the dive site.  Many are in remote locations, so save yourself the long trip if you forget something.  Jack's Diving Locker is the best dive shop on the island to help restock your save-a-dive kit with spare o-rings, mouthpieces, and tools.

  • Use the Buddy System:  Dive and Snorkel with someone capable of assisting you in an emergency

  • Be Reef Friendly:  Please use reef safe sunscreens, don't stand on the reef, don't touch marine life, and don't feed the fish.

  • Be Respectful of Our Community:  Act with aloha, pick up litter if you find it, and be helpful to others.