See Kona’s Manta Rays — Guided SCUBA Charters from Kailua-Kona

Kona Diving Company — Kailua-Kona SCUBA Charters and Training

Kona Diving Company offers guided dive charters and PADI referral training from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The company operates the 2-tank Manta Ray Night Charter at Makako Bay and provides the PADI Open Water Referral to complete open water certification dives in local waters. This page describes the Kona diving experiences, what to expect on a manta night dive, and how the PADI referral is completed in Hawaiian ocean conditions.

Key Kona Diving Experiences

• 2-tank Manta Ray Night Charter — A guided night charter that visits Makako Bay to observe manta rays feeding near bright lights. This two-tank dive format gives certified divers extended time in the water to watch manta feeding behavior and marine life attracted to the light.
• PADI Open Water Referral — A referral option that lets student divers finish open water certification dives in Kona after completing eLearning and confined water training. Certified PADI instructors supervise the required open water dives to meet PADI standards.

What to expect on a Manta Ray Night Dive

Divers meet at the departure point in Kailua-Kona. Boats run guided, small-group charters led by trained dive staff. Lights attract plankton and create conditions for observing manta rays as they feed. Guides prioritize diver safety, marine wildlife respect, and photography-friendly positioning. The experience focuses on passive observation; no touching or chasing manta rays.

PADI Open Water Referral details

The referral process uses completed classroom, knowledge development, and confined water modules completed via eLearning or at another facility. Kona Diving Company conducts the open water dives required for PADI Open Water certification in local Hawaiian waters under PADI standards. Student divers should review prerequisites, medical requirements, and equipment needs before booking.

Booking and practical information

• Departure location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
• Trip types: Night manta charters and open water referral dives.
• Group size: Small-group guided dives for focused attention.
• Equipment: Rental gear available; check reservation for specifics.
• Conservation: Guides follow local marine protection guidelines.

Why choose a Kona dive charter

Kona Diving Company operates from a prime west Hawaii location, offering direct access to popular dive sites such as Makako Bay for manta ray viewing. The combination of night manta charters and PADI Open Water Referral makes the operator suitable for experienced divers seeking wildlife encounters and students completing certification. For accurate scheduling, booking rules, and equipment rental details, consult the operator at reservation. Keywords: Kona diving, Kailua-Kona dive charters, Manta Ray Night Dive, PADI Open Water Referral, Makako Bay, Hawaii diving.