The Combo

If you’re dreaming of exploring the colorful reefs around the Big Island but aren’t sure where to start, a combo dive experience might just be your answer. This tour offers a mix of guided shore dives for certified divers and a discover scuba session for beginners, making it ideal for groups of mixed experience levels. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve combed through reviews, details, and insider info to give you a well-rounded picture.

What we love is how flexible and inclusive this activity is — you get to share the underwater beauty with friends or family who might not be certified, while still enjoying the thrill of a dive yourself. The ease of pickup from a central meeting point, the chance to see vibrant reef life, and the chance to try scuba without the full certification are standout features. That said, a potential consideration is the extra cost for rental gear, which can add up if you’re planning multiple dives. This tour seems perfect for curious explorers, certified divers wanting a relaxed dive, or groups with mixed experience levels.

Good To Know

• Inclusive Experience: Combines guided shore dives for certified divers and discover scuba for newbies, fostering shared fun.
• Flexible & Convenient: Pickup offered from a central location simplifies planning.
• Cost Consideration: Equipment rentals are available but add to the overall price.
• Duration & Group Size: About three hours with a small group of up to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Authentic Underwater Encounters: Expect reef fish, corals, possibly turtles, octopuses, eels, and reef sharks.
• Ideal for Multiple Skill Levels: Perfect for certified divers, beginners, or mixed groups seeking a shared underwater adventure.

Exploring the Big Island’s Underwater World: What to Expect

This tour kicks off at Kopiko Plaza in Kailua-Kona, a convenient starting point for those staying on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Meeting at 1:30 pm, you’ll be greeted and helped into your gear, with the option to rent equipment if needed — a key point for those who don’t own their own scuba gear.

The Shore Entry & Dive Site

One of the big advantages here is the shore entry. Instead of a boat ride, you’ll walk to the water’s edge along a scenic coastline — great for those who prefer a calmer, more relaxed approach to diving. The site itself offers an inviting environment for exploring reef fish, corals, and occasionally, larger marine life like turtles or reef sharks. Several reviewers mention seeing octopuses, eels, and even dolphins, which adds an element of surprise.

The Guided Dive for Certified Divers

For those with certification, the tour provides the freedom to explore at your own pace once underwater. The experience is guided, but you’re not confined to a strict route, allowing you to take in the vibrant surroundings. We’ve seen comments praising the professional guidance of the instructors, like Kimo and Kristina, who are both experienced and personable. Most reviewers find the reef’s variety of fish and corals mesmerizing, with some describing it as “a whole new world.”

Discover Scuba for Beginners

Uncertified guests will be under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor, who will guide them through the process to ensure safety and comfort. The experience is designed to be accessible, with gear provided — albeit at an additional cost — and a brief tutorial beforehand. Many previous participants highlight how nerve-wracking it can be to try scuba for the first time, but the patient instructors and calm waters help ease those nerves.

Dive Duration & Timing

The total activity lasts roughly three hours, starting in the early afternoon. This timing helps avoid the midday crowds and provides good lighting for underwater photography. The small group size (up to six travelers) means a more intimate experience and personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciate.

Snacks & Comfort

Included in the price are snacks and the use of an air-conditioned vehicle, making the whole experience comfortable and convenient. The tour also features guides fluent in English and Japanese, catering to international visitors.

Equipment & Additional Costs

Certified divers are expected to bring their own gear, but rentals are available for a reasonable fee: $27 for BCD and regulator, $18 for mask, fins, & booties, and $18 for a wrist-mounted dive computer. An extra wetsuit is just $5. For those planning multiple dives, additional tanks and dives are $70 each — worth considering if you want more time underwater.

Discover scuba participants can use the provided gear, which can be a relief for those who don’t have their own equipment. Reviewers note that the rental process is straightforward, and the gear is generally in good condition.

Transportation & Location

Starting at Kopiko Plaza, the tour is easily accessible, especially for those staying near Kailua-Kona. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, avoiding the hassle of arranging separate transportation. The proximity to public transit or shuttle services makes it an appealing choice for those not renting a car.

The Unique Appeal of This Tour

What makes the Combo Dive stand out is its versatility. It offers a genuine taste of Hawaii’s underwater environment without the need for full certification, yet still delivers the feeling of being a real diver. The guided shore entry is less intimidating than boat dives, making it accessible for beginners and those with mobility considerations. Plus, the chance to see reef life up close — from colorful fish to curious turtles — is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for:

• Certified divers looking for a relaxed, guided underwater adventure.
• Beginners or uncertified divers eager to try scuba in a safe, supervised environment.
• Groups with mixed experience levels who want to share the joy of the ocean.
• Travelers staying near Kailua-Kona wanting a hassle-free, half-day activity.
• Those who value small group size and personalized guidance.

It’s less ideal for travelers with limited physical mobility (moderate fitness recommended) or those seeking longer, multi-dive excursions.

Final Thoughts

The Combo Dive on Big Island offers a well-balanced and approachable way to explore Hawaii’s marine life. The combination of guided shore dives and discover scuba sessions makes it particularly appealing for a wide range of travelers. While gear rental costs are an added expense, the overall experience promises vibrant reefs, friendly instructors, and the chance to share a memorable underwater adventure with friends or family.

If you’re after a hassle-free, authentic reef encounter with the flexibility to involve uncertified loved ones, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a taste of Hawaii’s underwater beauty without committing to full certification or boat trips.

FAQ

Do I need my own scuba gear for this tour?
Certified divers should bring their own gear, but rentals are available for an additional fee. Discover scuba participants can use the provided equipment.

What is included in the tour price?
Snacks, use of an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guided experience are included. Equipment for discover scuba is provided, but gear rentals for certified divers cost extra.

How long does the tour last?
The activity is approximately three hours, starting at 1:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the discover scuba experience is designed for beginners, with instructors guiding you step-by-step.

Can certified divers explore independently underwater?
Yes, certified divers are free to explore at their own pace once underwater, guided but not restricted.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Kopiko Plaza in Kailua-Kona, making it accessible for guests staying nearby.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered, with the activity starting at the designated meeting point.

In summary, this combo experience offers a flexible, intimate way to enjoy the Big Island’s underwater riches. Whether you’re a certified diver eager to explore or a beginner looking to try scuba in a safe environment, you’ll love the opportunity to see Hawaii’s vibrant reefs up close. Just keep in mind the gear rental costs and the moderate physical effort involved. For those seeking a genuine, manageable dive adventure, this tour is a strong choice.