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 topography, climate, and weather, Kona is warm, sunny, and dry. These qualities make it the world's 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 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 Kona's coast. Setting sail on a Kona liveaboard dive cruise is a solid option to manage your time effectively and make sure to get the most out of your dive holiday. Explore far-off sites aboard a dive tour to which most land-based dive operators wonít go the distance. 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-round. 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, Tubestria Tunnels, 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. Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, United, US Airways, and WestJet operate out of KOA. Island Air and GO! Mokulele also operates 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 Hawaiian liveaboard tour price and are the consumer's sole responsibility. Several private and shared shuttle and taxi services are available on the airport grounds. Depending on the operator of choice, these can be booked ahead or flagged upon arrival.

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