

Best for beginner divers, 3-9m, shore entry, mild current.
Waialea Bay in Kona offers a shallow reef environment suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 3 to 9 metres. The site features diverse coral topography, with the most developed reef structures located around the rocky points at the centre and ends of the bay. Shore entry is standard, and divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Marine life includes common sightings of wrasses, Ornate Butterflyfish, Bluefin Trevally, and various surgeonfish. Divers may also encounter uncommon species such as Green Sea Turtles, Spotted Eagle Rays, and several types of moray eels. Hazards include sharp coral, sea urchins, and surf conditions.
19.98320, -155.82550
The beach is known locally as Beach 69 because of the telephone pole marker used to find the access point.
Take Hwy 19 north about 23 miles from Kailua-Kona or south from Kawaihae about 5 miles, and turn onto Puakō Beach Drive. Take the first right onto Old Puakō Road and turn left between telephone poles 69 and 70.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-9m
Visibility
3-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
25-27°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Mar, Apr, May
Divers and snorkellers frequently encounter wrasses, Ornate Butterflyfish, Bluefin Trevally, and Hawaiian Convict Surgeonfish. Less common sightings include Green Sea Turtles, Spotted Eagle Rays, and moray eels such as the Painted, Turkey, Snowflake, and Zebra varieties.
Yes, Waialea Bay is suitable for beginners due to its shallow average depth of 6 metres and mild currents.
The depth at Waialea Bay ranges from 3 to 9 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres.
Yes, this site is accessed via a shore entry.
Yes, Waialea Bay is a popular location for snorkelling with a rating of 4 out of 5.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Waialea Bay in Big Island. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C.
The best months to visit Waialea Bay in Big Island are March, April, and May. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Waialea Bay in Big Island typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Waialea Bay in Big Island typically ranges from 3 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.