What to expect on a Kona Liveaboard

Liveaboard diving from Kona in Hawaii can offer divers a real treat underwater. Kona is a vibrant city on the west coast of the island of Hawaii, otherwise known as The Big Island. Although the Big Island varies greatly in terms of topography, climate, and weather, Kona is warm, sunny and dry. These qualities make it a world top tourist destination, the home of many coastal resorts, and a prime location for the departure port of Kona liveaboard dive vessels.

On the south side of Kona lies the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa. This geological gem is not only one of the creators of the volcanic island itself, but is a major reason why the west coast is such a hot spot for diving. Underwater lava formations from Mauna Loaís past eruptions are a true thing of beauty that must be seen to be believed. Along with gorgeously unique underwater topography, Mauna Loa is also to thank for the serene waters of the west coast, as the towering mountain blocks the coast from the easterly winds and weather conditions.

LIveaboard Diving from Kona

Exciting dive sites are plentiful off of the coast of Kona. In order to effectively manage your time and make sure to get the most out of your dive holiday, setting sail on a Kona liveaboard dive cruise is truly a solid option. Explore far off sites aboard a dive tour that most land based dive operators wonít go the distance to. Book a dive trip through Liveaboard.com and set sail to the areaís most remarkable dive sites. 7 night/8 day dive tours depart from the Kona year around. Embark for a week of nonstop diving adventure aboard a liveaboard cruise, departing from the centrally located downtown marina, Kailua Pier.

Visit dive sites that span the west coast of the Big Island, including local favorites such as Paradise Pinnacle, Tubastrea Tunnel, Turtle Pinnacle, Kaloko Arches, Old Airport, Shark Fin Rock, The Maze, Keahole Point-Manta Theater, Wall's Wall, and the most south-lying dive site in the area, Rainbow Reef.

Getting to Kona

The easiest travel option is to fly into Kona International Airport (KOA). KOA is conveniently located a short 20-minute drive from the port of departure, Kailua Pier. Airlines that operate out of KOA are Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, United, US Airways, and WestJet. Island Air and GO! Mokulele also operate out of KOA, offering interisland service and connecting international flights. Nonstop service is offered between Kona and the cities of Vancouver, Canada, Seattle WA, San Jose CA, Oakland CA, Portland OR, Los Angeles CA, San Francisco CA, Denver CO, Chicago IL, and Phoenix AZ.

Transfers to and from the airport are not included in the price of the Hawaiian liveaboard tour and are the sole responsibility of the consumer. There are several private and shared shuttle and taxi services available on the airport grounds. These can be booked ahead or flagged upon arrival, depending on the operator of choice.

If flying in from a country other than the continental U.S., it is possible to fly into the international airport at Honolulu. Flights from Honolulu to Kona are a mere 30-minute ride.