2 Tank Boat Dive – Hilo Horizons

Our Dive Spots

About the Dive

Join us aboard Hilo’s only commercial dive boat for an unforgettable 2-tank adventure exploring the volcanic reefs of Hilo Bay.
The Hilo Horizons charter ventures beyond the breakwall to sites known for their striking lava formations, coral gardens, and abundant marine life. These boat dives showcase the best of East Hawai‘i’s underwater world, offering varied terrain, wildlife encounters, and uncrowded dive sites accessible only by boat.

This trip is designed for certified divers who are comfortable diving from a boat and managing typical open-ocean conditions. The east side of Hawai‘i can experience surface movement, currents, and surge depending on weather and swell. Divers should have at least 15 logged dives or recent ocean diving experience. If it has been more than two years since your last dive, we recommend scheduling a refresher prior to booking so you can fully enjoy the experience.

What You’ll Explore

• Volcanic Reef Formations: The east side of Hawai‘i Island offers a completely different dive environment than the lava shelves of Kona. Beneath the surface you will find ridges, lava fingers, and coral-encrusted ledges formed by ancient flows from Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. Many areas feature overhangs, mini walls, and scattered swim-throughs that create exciting terrain to explore.
• Dive One – Horizons Reef
  Our first dive of the day typically takes us to Horizons Reef, a deeper and more dynamic site ranging from roughly 50 ft to 100 ft. The terrain here is rugged, with lava pinnacles, sandy channels, and vertical shelves covered in coral and sponges. You may see schooling soldierfish in the shadows, hunting trevally moving through the reef, or the occasional spotted eagle ray gliding along the drop-off.
• Dive Two – Wai’olena Reef
  After a relaxed surface interval aboard the boat, the second dive often brings us to Wai’olena Reef. This slightly shallower site (30–70 ft) features gently sloping coral gardens filled with wrasses, Moorish idols, raccoon butterflyfish, yellow tangs, and schools of goatfish. Moray eels peer from crevices, and it is common to spot a resting green sea turtle (honu) tucked along the reef.
• Marine Life Highlights: Green sea turtles, several species of moray eels, Hawaiian dascyllus, ornate butterflyfish, trumpetfish, octopus, and nudibranchs are common sightings. During winter months (December through April), divers can often hear the songs of humpback whales offshore. Spinner dolphins occasionally ride the boat’s wake on the way to the dive site.
• Conditions and Visibility: Visibility typically ranges from 40 to 80 ft depending on rainfall and surf conditions. Morning dives are often calmer with lighter winds. Because the east side is more exposed to trade-wind swell than Kona, ocean movement and currents can vary. Your divemaster will select sites each day based on safety and ocean conditions.
• Environmental Awareness: These reefs are home to delicate coral and protected marine species. Divers are encouraged to maintain excellent buoyancy, avoid touching the reef, and keep a respectful distance from marine life.

Guided by Experts

Enjoy a relaxed, expertly guided dive led by our experienced local captains and divemasters who know Hilo’s reefs inside and out. Each trip begins with a detailed safety briefing and dive plan, followed by guidance on buoyancy, navigation, and marine life identification. Small group sizes allow for a comfortable pace and personalized attention throughout both dives.

At Hilo Ocean Adventures, we believe exploring Hawai‘i’s reefs comes with a responsibility to protect them. Our team practices eco-friendly dive habits and teaches techniques that help preserve these ecosystems. Learn more about our ongoing conservation efforts and how you can help mālama i ke kai (care for the ocean) during your dive.

Tour Details

• Includes: 2 air tanks, weights, expert divemaster guide, snacks, and beverages between dives.
• Full Gear Rental Available: Masks, fins, wetsuits, BCDs, and regulators can be rented individually or as a full set for an additional fee.
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours (two dives, surface interval, and travel time).
• Departure: Wailoa Harbor aboard Hilo’s only commercial dive boat.
• Typical Depths: 40 to 100 ft / 12 to 30 m depending on site and conditions.
• Experience Level: Certified divers with 15 or more logged dives or equivalent ocean experience. Refresher recommended if inactive for more than 2 years.
• Water Temperature: 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended year-round.
• Group Size: Small, personalized groups of up to 6 divers for safety and comfort.
• Meeting Location: Directions and parking information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.
• Wildlife Notice: Spinner dolphins and humpback whales are protected under federal law. Viewing is from a respectful distance, and we never chase or approach marine mammals.