Ahh, poke. A true delicacy. No, we’re not talking about the fast-casual “poke” that took over on the mainland 5 years ago. Traditional Hawiian poke is something to behold, a pre-marinated mix of silky soft ahi best with hot rice & furikake. There are hundreds of variations. Every island & every family has their own style, but every good poke is made with pride. The Big Island represents with some absolutely incredible poke shops, so without further ado here’s our list of favorites:
Island Style Grindz – Formerly known as Kawaihae Kandyz up in Hawi, these guys took their business mobile with a new name & food truck. Family owned, they make the best wonton poke nachos around. We also love their poke bomb inari pockets, grilled kalbi, Korean chicken, & furikake mahi. Their locations vary from week to week, but if you see the blue truck PULL OVER, you can’t go wrong with these grindz. Check their social media to find out where they’re setting up for the day. (https://www.islandstylegrindz.com)
Bite Da Eye – Food truck located in the Sears Auto Center parking lot. This place is far off the tourist circuit, but serves outstanding poke & true Hawaiian food made with local ingredients. Kalua pig & squid luau are on the menu some days, some days they only run fresh fish. Check their Instagram for the latest details. (https://www.instagram.com/bitetheeye)
Poke Market, LLC – New little spot in downtown Hilo. Don’t let that fool you, this is possibly the best poke on the Big Island. The shiitake salmon & classic spicy pokes are both nuts. Outstanding quality fish & creativity put these guys at the top of our list. (https://www.pokemarkethi.com)
Kona Seafood Market – New up-and-coming seafood market in downtown Kona. Their pokes are clearly old-school family recipes that really hit right when you’re craving fish. This also the spot for other fresh local fish- opakapaka, monchong, mahi mahi, ono & more are available. (https://www.kona-seafood.com)
Poke Shack – At one point these guys had the best rating on Yelp in the entire United States! Located on Ali’i drive, they offer several kinds of poke, sides, & other traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau. Perfect spot to grab lunch & a few beers after a dip at Magic’s or Kahalu’u. (https://dapokeshack.com)
Kona Grill House – Formerly known as Sundried Specalties, this little market serves killer poke. Try a scoop or two with the fried lobster cake & a slice of lilikoi cheesecake for dessert. This is our favorite place to stop for lunch after a morning of snorkeling in South Kona. (https://konagrillhouse.com)
Umekes – The big name in poke in Kona. Umekes has grown from a small hole-in-the-wall shop to their slick new location on the Brewery Block. They have all the classics- spicy, avo, shoyu, Hawaiian, kanaka, & a changing poke-of-the-day. Their kimchi cucumber & spicy crab salad are both outstanding. Check out their new space & have a buffalo soldier (or three). (http://umekesrestaurants.com)
Suisan Fish Market – Started in 1907 by fishermen in Hilo, Suisan now supplies most of the island with fresh fish. The market at their Hilo location has some excellent poke, plus tons of other fresh catch fish options. Try the dried poke if you like beef jerky. (https://www.suisan.com/our-services/fish-market)
The beaches of the Big Island of Hawaii are notable for their variety- there are just tons of different beaches you can go sit on! It’s crazy. All different kinds of sand & levels of touristyness. Since we dive out of Kona we’ve put together a guide to our favorite beaches on the west side of the island. Some of these spots are close to resorts, some are local favorites, but either way you should have respect for the ocean & for the residents of our beautiful island home. In Kohala & north Kona you’ll find the big white-sand beaches you picture when you think of Hawaii. In Kona you’ll find a nice mix of snorkeling spots & small beaches. The coastline gets more rugged as you head south past Captain Cook on to black & even green sand beaches.
Kohala & North Kona
Mauna Kea beach in all its glory.
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna’oa) – Big huge white sand beach in front of the Mauna Kea resort. This is the classic beach you picture when you think of Hawaii, and one of the best in the state. It’s perfect for swimming and bodyboarding on calm days, & there is interesting snorkeling on the far south end of the beach. Parking is limited, so try to arrive early, or take the mile-long shoreline trail from the north end of Hapuna beach.
Hapuna Beach – Hapuna is arguably the perfect beach with over half a mile of fine golden sand, crystal clear water, & easy access. On calm days it’s excellent for swimming or bodyboarding. Good snorkeling can be found south of the sandy area. This beach is usually pretty calm on weekdays, but on weekends & holidays it gets busy.
Waialea Beach (Beach 69) – Another incredible white sand Kohala beach! Plenty of trees provide shade along the length of the beach. Popular with locals, not quite as busy as Hapuna or Mauna Kea beach. Secluded area at the northern part of the main beach is clothing optional.
Samuel M Spencer Beach Park – Good on days without wind, which is prevalent up north, as the trades blow strong between the peaks of Kohala and Mauna Kea. Tan sand beach with a few picnic tables, some shade, and swimming and snorkeling for keiki. When the wind picks up the sand goes flying and it can be less-than-awesome.
‘Anaeho’omalu Beach (A-Bay) – Near the Hilton Waikoloa and Lava Lava restaurant, stretches of white sand. We like the area south of Lava Lava, often you spot turtles napping on the beach.
Kiholo Bay – Large bay with several features. Black sand at the south end, nice for sunset. Queen’s Bath, a freshwater pond in a lava tube, is slightly north of the south parking area. At the north end of the bay is beautiful turquoise Wainanalii Pond.
You can’t beat the gorgeous fine white sand of Kua Bay on a sunny afternoon.
Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay) (shore dive spot) – A favorite of Kona locals and tourists alike. Fine white sand, clear turquoise water, good break for bodyboarding, easy parking & showers. Some days there are food trucks near the parking. Kua is closed some mornings (Wednesday?) and can be crowded on weekends. Sunsets are gorgeous here.
Mahai’ula Beach – The southernmost beach in Kekaha Kai Beach Park. White sand, relatively easy access and parking, and plenty of shade make this a great spot for a beach picnic or BBQ. The water is often rougher than Makalawena or Kua.
Kona Beaches
O oma Beach & Kohanaiki Beach Park (Pines) – Local favorite beach for surfing, family gatherings, cook-outs, and lifted trucks.
Aiopio Fish Trap (north side of harbor) – Calm water ideal for keiki, lots of basking turtles. Beautiful hieau. Can follow trails from Aiopio up to the Kaloko Fishponds, makes for a nice walk.
Crescent Dog Beach (shore dive) – The best place to take your pup to play in the sand & water. Also popular for shore diving, especially in summer during tiger shark season. Proximity to the Honokohau Harbor boat channel means plenty of sharks, but plenty of boats overhead- please use a dive float and stay out of the boat channel.
Old Airport (shore dive) – Close to downtown Kona, mellow shore dives. Look out for vana (sea urchins) when getting in and out of the water. The south end of Old Airport has a small inlet where fresh ground water enters the sea- lots of turtles in this spot.
Kamakahonu Beach & Kailua Pier – Right in the thick of things, nonetheless a good shore dive, also fun at night. Watch out for boat traffic. Parking can be tricky, we recommend dropping gear and tanks off then parking while a friend waits.
Honl’s Beach & Lyman’s Surf Spot (origins of surfing?) – Small beachy pockets as you head south on Ali’i Drive. Lyman’s surf spot is allegedly the spot where Hawaiians first began surfing, effectively the birthplace of the sport.
Magic Sands at sunset.
Magic Sands & MM4 (shore dive) – Beautiful little white sand beach that comes and goes, hence the name. When the ‘magic’ sand is gone the beach has a few more rocks than usual. Popular bodyboarding spot, great for sunset. Magic’s Grill on the north end of the beach is great!
Kahalu’u offers incredible snorkeling right along Ali’i Drive.
Kahalu’u Beach (snorkeling, surfing, shore dive) – This spot is like swimming in a big aquarium- shallow bottom, super clear water, and lots of tropical fish make it ideal for beginner snorkelers. Expect to see lots of keiki and inexperienced people in the shallows. You can shore dive this spot, but you’ll want to surface swim out past the breakwall before beginning your dive. The surf break is a very popular spot for beginners to learn, and there are several surf schools along Ali’i Drive that use this spot.
South Kona Beaches
Kealakekua Bay – Famous as the site where Captain Cook landed when he visited the Big Island. Awesome snorkeling with a very steep drop-off. Occasionally we dive this site on our long range scuba charters, and you can find a strange monument around 100’. The hike down to the bay is short but covers a lot of elevation, a real leg burner. You may rent kayaks and paddle across the bay- we recommend doing this early in the morning for a chance to see dolphins as they come into the bay for rest.
“Two Step” is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Arrive early for good parking & a chance to see spinner dolphins in the bay.
Honaunau (Two Step, snorkeling, trail to Ho’okena) – Probably the most famous shore dive site on the Big Island. It’s called ‘Two Step’ for the two entry/exit points here, which are almost like lava rock steps into the ocean. Coupled with easy access, lots of coral, reef fish, turtles, and occasionally dolphins make this dive a treat for beginner divers. Come early in the morning to skip the crowd and get decent parking.
Ho’okena Beach Park (shore dive) – Beautiful black sand beach south of Honaunau with permitted camping & a small local community. Excellent shore diving. The sand gets HOT- you might want to clip a pair of slippers to your BCD so you don’t have to sprint to the water with a tank on your back. Be courteous and respectful of those who live in Ho’okena- this isn’t the best place to visit with a large group.
Kona Paradise Black Pebble (shore dive, access to Twin Sisters if you crazy) – Another small black beach made of pebbles instead of sand. Kona Paradise or Black Pebble is a wonderful shore dive. The drive down the hill to the beach is extremely steep, so be smart about the vehicle you take and the amount of tanks you load in the back. If you are up for a long swim, you can head north from this beach up and around the point to a cavern known as Twin Sisters.
Looking south toward the South Point cliff jump.
South Point (cliff dive, wind) – Famous as the southernmost point in the USA, Ka Lae or South Point is a very windy spot revered for ulua fishing (giant trevally). Great cliff jump with a convenient ladder to get back up top- but be careful as the nearest hospital is hours away.
Green Sand – Yep, green sand! Broken-down olivine contributes the green color to this unique beach. Technically this and Punalu’u are on the east side of the Big Island, just around south point. Getting here requires a lifted 4×4 truck or decent hiking footwear. Best on days with calm sunny weather!
Punalu’u Black Sand – Beautiful black sand beach located just north of Naalehu, often littered with basking sea turtles. Easy parking, showers and bathrooms make this a nice place to spend an afternoon. Go when the wind is calm. Back in Naalehu the beach’s namesake Punalu’u Bakery makes some of the best malasadas and bread in the state! Their pastrami sandwich is unreal, too.
Join us on a trip to explore the underwater landscape of the forbidden isle!
We have private chartered the SeaSport Divers’ boat for Saturday, June 22nd to do a 3-tank dive trip to Niihau.
Cost for this trip is $425.00+tax per person; please call our shop directly to submit payment. No seats are confirmed until payment is made is made in full. Price includes enriched air, gear rental, and food/beverage. Limit 12 seats available. Airfare & lodging not included.
Prerequisites:
Minimum 30 dives experience required
Nitrox certification (we can help you complete this if you are not currently certified)
It is recommended that you plan to arrive in Kauai by Friday, as check-in is 6am on Saturday morning at the SeaSports Poipu location. The airport is in Lihue (LIH), about 25 minutes north of Poipu. You should bring a towel for yourself, a jacket in case of weather, and plan to take seasickness medication (this is a 2.5 hour boat ride across an inter-island channel). Hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are also recommended.
Cancellations may receive a full refund before May 15th. Cancellations after May 15th will not be refunded unless a substitute traveler is found.
Planning a Hawaii vacation this year? You’ll definitely want sunscreen (unless you’re a fan of the lobster look). But what kind? By now, you’ve probably heard the news about sunscreen’s effects on coral reefs and Hawaii’s new sunscreen legislation.
Hawaii’s coral reefs face many threats, like rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution. Recently, sunscreen has been added to the list. It has been reported that up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up on coral reefs every year!
There are essentially two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by soaking into the surface layers of your skin to absorb UV rays; physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays.
Most chemical sunscreens on the market today feature two suspect ingredients: oxybenzone and octinoxate. Some studies have shown these may possibly act as endocrine disruptors, soaking into our skin and potentially altering the way our body produces and processes hormones.
While further evidence is needed to substantiate the effects of these chemicals on humans, there is substantial data to show that they have powerful effects on coral – specifically in the polyp stage.
Coral reefs form when coral larvae attach themselves to hard surfaces, like our lava-rock substrate. The coral larvae develop into polyps that secrete skeletons, and it’s these skeletons that compile over years to form the large reef structures you’ve seen SCUBA diving or snorkeling. When exposed to endocrine disruptors (like oxybenzone or octinoxate), the polyps mutate and are unable to settle and continue their growth cycle. Different species grow at different rates; the slowest growing ½ to 1” per year, the fastest growing up to 8” each year. Reefs take decades to form, and their ecosystems support thousands of species of wildlife – they’re like the rainforests of the ocean.
Millions of visitors slather up on the beach, and that oxybenzone winds up on the reef, killing the very ecosystem many have traveled so very far to see. If you are a SCUBA diver, snorkeler, or just enjoy spending time near the ocean, this should concern you!
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your skin sun-safe without harming coral. The most reef-friendly choice? Cover up! Grab a loose-fit rashguard with UV protective fabric to keep you cool. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect your face. And for those times when it’s got to be sunscreen, choose a physical sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. We have a wide variety from Stream2Sea and Raw Love in our shop. Other brands, like Raw Elements and All Good are great reef friendly options as well.
You may have heard that our state legislature recently passed a bill banning over-the-counter sales of products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate beginning in 2021, making Hawaii the first in the country to enact such a law. We’re optimistic that this will help bring more awareness to the health of our local reef ecosystems. To celebrate, we’re offering a 15% discount on all UV protection for the entire month of June- rashguards, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and more. Plus, bring in your old non-reef-safe sunscreen and get entered to win a FREE pair of Maui Jim sunglasses!
The label on a tank of enriched air showing the blend and max depth.
After getting their Open Water Certification, a lot of divers choose to continue their education by acquiring an Enriched Air Diver certification. Though there are a lot of benefits to diving with nitrox, there are a lot of common misconceptions tied to the alternative gas blend. For safety reasons, it’s really important to understand the difference between a tank of 21% O2 and a tank with a higher percentage. A specialty course is offered to divers who want to use enriched air, and no diver should dive with enriched air without proper instruction.
Misconception #1) Your air consumption will improve if you dive with nitrox. You will hear many certifying agencies talk about how they can dive longer with nitrox. This does not mean that their tank lasts longer because they are diving with nitrox opposed to a 21% O2 gas blend. What they mean by “dive longer” is that they can stay at depth longer than someone diving with 21% O2 before flirting with no decompression time. 100% oxygen is toxic after around 10 feet so a higher percentage of oxygen does limit the depth you can safely go. However, a higher percentage of O2 allows you to stay at a safe depth longer than someone diving on air before having to proceed to a shallower depth due to no decompression times.
To simplify, if you were able to monitor 2 identical divers at equal depths and one diver was breathing off of a tank with 21% O2 and the other was breathing off of a tank with 32% O2, they would run out of air at the exact same time.
Misconception #2) You won’t get “narked” by diving nitrox. The term “narked” is a slang term referring to nitrogen narcosis. Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “a state of euphoria and confusion similar to that of alcohol intoxication which occurs when nitrogen in normal air enters the bloodstream at increased pressure (as in deep-water diving) —called also rapture of the deep”, it’s not only the amount of nitrogen present in the bloodstream that causes some divers to get “narked”.As we learned in misconception #1, oxygen is also toxic at depth so a more accurate term would be to call it “gas narcosis”.
Misconception #3) As a nitrox diver, you are able to use any available tank on the boat. Each tank must be analyzed by the diver using the tank to verify the % listed on the sticker is in fact the % indicated on the tank. The % in the tank will determine your maximum operating depth. Without knowing the % blend, you cannot know the MOD (maximum operating depth) for a safe dive. Most tanks are assigned to divers prior to departure based on the list of passengers and the groups the Divemasters have assigned them to. If you have a nitrox certification be sure to coordinate with your dive shop prior to your arrival.
There are many benefits of diving with nitrox. Diving with nitrox means your body absorbs less nitrogen on a dive than someone who is diving with a standard air tank with 21% O2. You’ll have less nitrogen to off-gas during your surface interval so you can get back into the water sooner than someone who is not diving with nitrox. This can be especially beneficial on live-aboards or other dive vacations where you’re doing several dives a day.
Whether you choose to dive with “voo-doo gas” or a standard tank of air, be sure you follow the suggested recreational dive limits and maximum operating depths for each tank to help avoid any potentially dangerous side effects.
Getting nitrox certified is a quick and painless process – a perfect continuing education certification to get while visiting Hawaii. Since it is strictly classroom work, you can get certified before your first dive with us and enjoy the benefits of nitrox immediately.
Why Diving? The Top 7 Reasons For Becoming a SCUBA Diver
By William Whelan
Are you for scuba? Instructor Brooke checks with her student on a descent line.
Did you know that the ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface? That means that most human beings only see about 1/3 of what this amazing world has to offer. Not interested in the math? Here are some of our favorite reasons for becoming a SCUBA diver:
No phones, emails, or presidential debates. For the most part, diving is serene. You will hear yourself breathing, fish eating coral, and the occasional noise-maker from your dive buddy trying to get your attention (hopefully to point out something incredible), but not much else. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Ohmmmmmmm.
You don’t qualify for the astronaut academy and are tired of gravity. Don’t give up on your dream of weightlessness! SCUBA diving is a great way to experience neutral buoyancy (the sweet spot between sinking and floating). If whales can do it, so can you!
Non-verbal communication. At a lame party? The hand signal for “Follow me to the exit” will save you and your dive buddy from getting stuck talking to a vegan cross-fitter who teaches yoga and grows their own kale.
Better selfies. Manta rays, sharks and whales live in the ocean along with thousands of other incredible critters. And you can dive with them. And take photos.
Learn what a “Big Mac” is called in other countries. You can dive in almost any body of water. Lakes, quarries, rivers, oceans, and even swimming pools if you just need to blow bubbles. SCUBA diving is recognized world-wide!
Learn something new while swimming through something old. There are thousands of wrecked ships and planes from human history that can only be seen underwater. With a wreck specialty certification you can learn how to safely navigate these sunken treasures.
You can do it instead of learning how to play Bridge. As long as you’re in good cardiac and pulmonary health, you can dive! Your certification never expires, though a tune-up is suggested after 6 months to a year of diving inactivity to refresh your safety skills.
In all seriousness, there are so many reasons to become a diver. If you still aren’t convinced, here are some others:
Endemic species. Many of the best dive locations are known to be the best dive locations because they have something you won’t find in any other body of water.
Travel. Get that passport ready! In addition to discovering new dive locations, you can learn about the different cultures around the world.
It’s relaxing. For the most part, diving is an extremely relaxing sport. All you need to do is descend into the blue and the fish will take it from there. You could spend hours in 1 spot just watching how the critters make a living underwater.
Members only. Join the other 2.5 million people in the world with an active SCUBA diving certification. It’s a great conversation piece and an easy ice-breaker when meeting other divers.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever”. -Jacques Cousteau. If you don’t know anything about him, do yourself a favor and start looking up all of the incredible things he did for diving and marine conservation. He is truly an inspiration to all of us!
Best Fishes!
2024's #1 Dive Operator in Hawaii
with a 5 star reputation
Manta Ray Night Dive
What a truly amazing experience!! Nearly an hour of down time with dozens of large mantas putting on an incredible show. Jenna, and Captain Kevin made it a pleasant and safe trip. This is a must do while staying on the Big Island.
RichGiff on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:32:39-10:00
RichGiff on TripAdvisor
What a truly amazing experience!! Nearly an hour of down time with dozens of large mantas putting on an incredible show. Jenna, and Captain Kevin made it a pleasant and safe trip. This is a must do while staying on the Big Island.
Believe It, it really is one of the most phenomenal dives we have ever done! Laying on our stomachs on the ocean floor around the "campfire" was unforgettable as the beautifully graceful Manta Rays soared directly above our heads, over and over. They performed ballet moves with each other, sometimes as many as 4 at a time feeding on the plankton.
Susan R on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:33:00-10:00
Susan R on TripAdvisor
Believe It, it really is one of the most phenomenal dives we have ever done! Laying on our stomachs on the ocean floor around the "campfire" was unforgettable as the beautifully graceful Manta Rays soared directly above our heads, over and over. They performed ballet moves with each other, sometimes as many as 4 at a time feeding on the plankton.
We have been diving the BID on multiple dives over multiple trips and we keep coming back to them because of the high quality service that they provide. Definitely a step above the usual dive shops.
Dreamer6739 on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:37:50-10:00
Dreamer6739 on TripAdvisor
We have been diving the BID on multiple dives over multiple trips and we keep coming back to them because of the high quality service that they provide. Definitely a step above the usual dive shops.
I recently went on the sunset reef dive & manta ray night dive. I was a little hesitant about my expectations because I heard so many great things and didn't want to be disappointed. Cannot say enough great things about the company, captain and DM - highly recommend and will dive with them again.
ulintza on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:38:42-10:00
ulintza on TripAdvisor
I recently went on the sunset reef dive & manta ray night dive. I was a little hesitant about my expectations because I heard so many great things and didn't want to be disappointed. Cannot say enough great things about the company, captain and DM - highly recommend and will dive with them again.
We had a great two tank dive with BID last week! Our dive master Amy was excellent all the way around and our captain Rob was not only a great captain but very knowledgeable about Hawaii and even served hot chocolate on the way back to the Marina.
bridgetsheahan on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:39:31-10:00
bridgetsheahan on TripAdvisor
We had a great two tank dive with BID last week! Our dive master Amy was excellent all the way around and our captain Rob was not only a great captain but very knowledgeable about Hawaii and even served hot chocolate on the way back to the Marina.
It was so amazing that it made me feel like a kid again - this is coming from someone who has traveled a lot. I talked to other divers who described the Black Water Dive, and I wish I would have done that one instead of the twilight dive.
Steve9172
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:40:19-10:00
Steve9172
It was so amazing that it made me feel like a kid again - this is coming from someone who has traveled a lot. I talked to other divers who described the Black Water Dive, and I wish I would have done that one instead of the twilight dive.
Great dive experience underwater and while on the boat. Experienced staff gave all of the direction and assistance needed but did not "over-guide" the trip as is often the case.
Compass0726 on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:40:52-10:00
Compass0726 on TripAdvisor
Great dive experience underwater and while on the boat. Experienced staff gave all of the direction and assistance needed but did not "over-guide" the trip as is often the case.
I booked the night Manta Ray snorkeling tour. It was simply awesome. In addition of the amazing experience to observe the Manta rays in their natural environment, the crew was just perfect, always helpful and offers us a warm hospitality. I definitely recommend this tour.
tomlecube on TripAdvisor
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:41:47-10:00
tomlecube on TripAdvisor
I booked the night Manta Ray snorkeling tour. It was simply awesome. In addition of the amazing experience to observe the Manta rays in their natural environment, the crew was just perfect, always helpful and offers us a warm hospitality. I definitely recommend this tour.
This is the dive shop to go with for great service and knowledgeable staff. I went out for a refresher dive since it had been 9 years since my last dive. Becca was great and by the end of the second dive I felt comfortable being back in the water.
BryonB690
Big Island Divers
5
2019-05-07T11:42:13-10:00
BryonB690
This is the dive shop to go with for great service and knowledgeable staff. I went out for a refresher dive since it had been 9 years since my last dive. Becca was great and by the end of the second dive I felt comfortable being back in the water.
