Conservation & Sustainability

At Hilo Ocean Adventures, we are proud to align our operations with the global Green Fins initiative, a program dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible diving and snorkeling practices. Every part of our tours, from how we brief our guests to how we care for our vessels, follows standards that protect Hawai‘i’s coral reefs and marine life. Our team is trained to minimize underwater impact, avoid anchoring on fragile reef structures, and educate guests on ocean-friendly habits. By working toward Green Fins recognition, we ensure that every dive and snorkel experience connects you to the ocean’s beauty while helping to preserve it for future generations.

Protecting Hawai‘i’s reefs starts with the small choices we make every day. At Hilo Ocean Adventures, we only carry reef-safe sunscreen to help reduce the harmful chemicals that damage coral and marine life. We are proud to offer Stream2Sea’s Coral Care sunscreen, a product designed not only to be reef-safe but to actively support coral recovery and growth. The cooler ocean temperatures and fresh water runoff around Hilo create a unique environment where coral can thrive, but it still requires care and awareness to keep it healthy. That is why we take every opportunity to educate our guests on how to enjoy the ocean responsibly and protect the reefs that make Hilo such a special place.

As part of our commitment to ocean conservation, Hilo Ocean Adventures offers PADI’s Dive Against Debris® certification, a program that empowers divers to make a direct impact beneath the surface. During these dives, participants collect and document marine debris to help scientists and conservation organizations track pollution sources around the world. It is a meaningful way for divers to give back to the ocean while improving their awareness of local marine ecosystems. Our team leads these dives throughout the year to keep Hilo’s reefs clean and to inspire a sense of responsibility in every diver who joins us.

Our connection to the ocean extends beyond the water. Over the years, Hilo Ocean Adventures has hosted and joined local beach cleanups to help keep our coastline and harbor free from marine debris. These events bring together our team, local residents, and visitors who share a passion for protecting Hawai‘i’s natural beauty. Even small actions, like removing a few pieces of trash or encouraging others to do the same, create lasting change for our community and marine life. We are always looking for ways to revive this tradition and invite everyone to take part in keeping Hilo’s beaches clean and thriving.

In Hawai‘i, we live by the value of mālama ka ʻāina—to care for the land and sea that sustain us. At Hilo Ocean Adventures, this guiding principle shapes everything we do, from how we operate our tours to how we interact with our guests and environment. We believe that every person who joins us becomes part of this mission, helping to protect and respect the ocean for future generations. When we care for the ʻāina, it gives back to us in ways that go far beyond the surface.