La'aloa/Mile Marker 4

Mile Marker 4, named because this entry and dive site is right next to the 4th mile marker sign on Ali'i Drive.

 Dive Site Maps:

Site Briefing: 

• Accessibility:  Just four short miles South of Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive, and just South of Magic Sands Beach Park. Park on side of the road next to the large lava rock wall, between the mile marker sign and trailhead to the beach. You should gear up at your car and follow the short path down to the beach. This "beach" is actually mostly pebbles and lava rock, so it is definitely a good idea to wear booties.

• Nearby Facilities:  Restrooms and showers are located just North (less than ¼ mile) at Magic Sands Beach.

• Features:  Head South out of the bay and you will come across a couple of canyons. Follow these canyons and you should see an arch and small lava-tube with a chimney exit onto the shallow reef. If you follow the sandy area out deeper be sure to look for Freckled Snake Eels, only their heads will be poking out of the sand. At the end of the shallow reef (South) you will also come across a small wall. Look for white tip reef sharks and eagle rays hanging off of the wall.

• Entry/Exit:  Slightly north of the center of the rocky beach is a semi-sandy area, this is the best entry/exit point. Walk into the water there. Once you're in deep enough water you can put on your fins and surface swim the rest of the way out. Usually recommended to descend in about 15-20 feet of water.
  

• Depths:  0-50’: Beautiful healthy coral reef with sand patches.

• Special Concerns:

• West Swells: This site is exposed to occassional large west swells. Due to the shallow swim from the entry/exit area, it doesn't take much swell to make entry and exit difficult.

• Tides: Do NOT do this on low tide, very shallow bay where you enter and exit. Especially difficult if there is also a swell.
  

Site Photos:

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 gear:  We 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.