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 break wall 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 a mix of topography, wildlife encounters, and peaceful, uncrowded sites accessible only by boat.

Designed for certified divers with at least 15 logged dives or recent ocean experience, this trip balances adventure and comfort. If it has been over two years since your last dive,
please contact us to schedule a refresher before booking to ensure you are comfortable in open-ocean conditions.

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 make for exciting exploration.
• Dive One – Horizons Reef
  Our first dive of the day typically takes us to Horizons Reef, a deeper and more dynamic site ranging from 50 ft to 100 ft.
  The terrain here is rugged, with lava pinnacles, sandy channels, and vertical shelves covered in coral and sponges.
  You might see schooling soldierfish in the shadows, hunting trevally, or a spotted eagle ray gliding along the drop-off.
  The wide-open terrain and natural light create a feeling of depth and freedom that makes this dive unforgettable.
• Dive Two – Leleiwi Reef (via Waiolena)
  After a surface interval aboard the boat, the second dive brings us to Leleiwi Reef, accessed near Waiolena Beach Park.
  This shallower site (30–70 ft) features gently sloping coral gardens alive with colorful wrasses, Moorish idols, raccoon butterflyfish,
  yellow tangs, and schools of goatfish cruising above the coral. Moray eels peer from crevices, and it’s common to spot a resting green sea turtle (honu)
  tucked along the reef—perfect for a relaxed second dive with plenty to photograph and observe.
• 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), you can often hear the haunting songs of humpback whales offshore.
  Spinner dolphins occasionally ride the boat’s wake during the journey to the dive site.
• Conditions and Visibility: Visibility averages 40 to 80 ft depending on rainfall and surf. Morning dives are typically calmer with lighter winds.
  The east side is more exposed to trade-wind swell and currents than Kona, giving the reefs a wilder, more natural feel.
  Your divemaster will select sites daily 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 seasoned local divemasters and captains who know Hilo’s reefs inside and out. Each trip begins with a safety briefing and site overview, followed by personalized guidance on buoyancy, navigation, and marine life identification. Our small group sizes allow for a comfortable pace and individual 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 and teaches eco-friendly dive habits, from proper fin awareness to reef-safe sunscreen use. Learn more about our ongoing conservation efforts and how you can help mālama 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 (2 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 experience. Refresher required 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.