Diving at Leleiwi Beach Park, Hilo
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.
We are going to show you our favorite shore diving spots on the BigIsland of Hawaii. This is not a comprehensive list of all shore diving locations on the Big Island, but merely a personal guideof 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
KONA |
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HILO |
Beach & Ocean | Snorkeling | Snorkeling Tips | SCUBA Diving | Diving Tips
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Leleiwi Beach ParkLocation - 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. |
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Richardson’s Beach ParkLocation - 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 |
