A New Chapter: Diving into Life on the Big Island

Change is a constant in military life, and after years of service, both my husband and I are embarking on an exciting new adventure. As we close one chapter and begin another, we’ve made the bold decision to leave behind Maryland and move to the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. This move marks a return to the islands we’ve always loved, and we’re excited to dive into this new chapter of our lives! This will be the third time I move back to Hawaii!

Hawaii has always felt like a second home to us. My husband and I were stationed in Hawaii during our careers, but this time, we’re setting our roots here. Hawaii has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where I first fell in love with diving, a passion I’ve carried with me for years. Now, we can live our dream of diving year-round in one of the best dive destinations in the world.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to Maryland

Leaving Maryland is definitely bittersweet. We’ve made lifelong friendships, built strong community ties, and made countless memories during our time here. The diving community has been a huge part of our lives, and it’s been so rewarding to share both exhilarating underwater adventures and meaningful moments with such passionate divers. From diving at Lake Allure to sharing post-dive laughs, each experience has been enriched by the camaraderie and support of my dive buddies. These friendships and shared memories will always hold a special place in my heart.

But this isn’t goodbye forever! I’m excited for future dive trips with friends from Maryland—or perhaps even a visit to the Big Island where we can share unforgettable dives. Imagine swimming with manta rays or exploring volcanic underwater features together! The ocean has a way of connecting us, and I can’t wait to continue those connections in this new adventure.

Why the Big Island? Why Hawaii?

The Big Island has always had an allure for us. With its diverse landscapes, stunning coastlines, and world-class dive sites, it’s an ideal place for anyone passionate about scuba diving. The Big Island is home to some of the most unique dive sites in Hawaii, from crystal-clear waters to incredible volcanic underwater formations.

The beauty of living here? We have access to year-round diving. Whether we’re exploring the dramatic underwater lava tubes or diving with the majestic manta rays at night, the possibilities are endless. With warm tropical waters and clear visibility, we’ll never run out of incredible places to explore. From the calm waters of summer to the exciting winter season, there’s always something new beneath the surface.

🌋 Diving on the Hilo Side of the Big Island

The Hilo side of the Big Island is a hidden gem for divers, offering a more serene and less commercialized experience compared to the west side. This coast is shaped by volcanic history and fed by nutrient-rich waters, creating dive sites full of biodiversity, lava formations, and dramatic underwater scenery.

One of the defining features of diving on the Hilo side is the variety of environments. From lava tubes and caverns to thriving coral reefs, every dive feels like an exploration. Conditions are often calm with good visibility in the summer months, making it ideal for immersive underwater adventures.

Kaimu Black Sand Beach is one of the most iconic dive areas in the region. Formed from volcanic ash, its black sand slopes into waters filled with reef fish, green sea turtles, and occasional manta rays. The contrast between the dark seabed and vibrant marine life makes this site especially striking for photographers.

The Hilo Lava Tubes are another major draw. These underwater tunnels and caverns were formed by ancient lava flows and now host schools of reef fish, crustaceans, and delicate coral growth. Swimming through them feels like entering an underwater cathedral shaped by fire and reclaimed by the sea.

For divers seeking depth and drama, The Pinnacle offers submerged volcanic spires rising from the seafloor, surrounded by coral gardens and pelagic visitors. Moray eels, rays, and large schools of fish are common sights, making it a favorite for experienced divers and underwater photographers alike.

While manta ray night dives are most famous on the west coast, Hilo also offers opportunities to encounter these gentle giants. Bioluminescent plankton draws mantas into the water column, creating an unforgettable show of swirling lights and graceful movement.

The Hilo side is known for its quiet, uncrowded diving. With fewer boats and less commercial traffic, dives here feel personal and exploratory. The mix of volcanic terrain, rich marine life, and tranquil atmosphere makes Hilo a dream destination for divers who love raw, natural beauty.

🌊 Diving on the Kona & Captain Cook Side of the Big Island

The west coast of the Big Island—centered around Kona Coast—is world-famous for its crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and legendary visibility. This is the more developed dive region, with easy access to boats, charters, and some of Hawai‘i’s most iconic dive sites.

One of the crown jewels of this coast is Captain Cook Monument. Accessible only by boat or strenuous hike, this protected marine sanctuary features pristine coral reefs, massive schools of tropical fish, and frequent sightings of spinner dolphins. The water here is often glass-clear, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the entire state.

The Kona coast is also known for its dramatic drop-offs and lava formations. Ancient lava flows have created arches, swim-throughs, and steep walls that plunge into deep blue water. These structures provide habitat for reef sharks, eagle rays, and the occasional pelagic visitor drifting in from offshore.

One of the most famous experiences on this side of the island is the manta ray night dive. Divers kneel on the sandy bottom while lights attract plankton, drawing manta rays into the water column to feed. Watching these massive animals glide inches overhead is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime dive.

Day dives along the Kona coast regularly feature green sea turtles, octopus, frogfish, and endemic Hawaiian species like the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. The reefs are healthy and colorful, and the conditions are typically calm year-round, making Kona ideal for divers of all experience levels.

Unlike the lush rainforest setting of Hilo, the Kona side feels drier, sunnier, and more resort-oriented. Diving here pairs beautifully with topside relaxation, sunset cruises, and beach time, creating the classic Hawaiian dive vacation experience.

The Beauty of Year-Round Diving

One of the most exciting parts of this move is the ability to dive year-round. Gone are the days of waiting for "dive season" to roll around—on the Big Island, the ocean is always ready for adventure! Whether it’s a relaxing dive along a coral reef in the summer or diving with migrating humpback whales in the winter, we have year-round access to some of the most diverse marine environments in the world. Imagine slipping into the water with the glow of the setting sun, surrounded by schools of colorful fish, or encountering giant manta rays during a night dive. It’s truly a diver’s paradise.

Seaira Dives: Continuing Our Mission on the Big Island

Our mission remains unchanged: Seaira Dives is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans in the diving community. Whether through scuba training, group travel, or community outreach, we remain focused on creating a diverse and welcoming diving community that supports both personal growth and environmental conservation. As we settle into the Big Island, we’re excited to expand Seaira Dives here and connect with the local diving community. There’s so much potential to create a strong network where everyone can thrive and experience the beauty of the ocean, no matter their background.

Connecting with the Local Diving Community

One of the things I’m most excited about is joining the Big Island’s vibrant diving community. From experienced divers to those just getting started, the local dive scene is welcoming and passionate. I’m eager to form new connections, share experiences, and work together to protect our oceans. Whether it’s organizing group dives, offering certifications, or participating in local clean-ups, there’s so much we can do to make a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Seaira Dives on the Big Island?

This move is about more than just a change of scenery—it’s a fresh start, an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I’m thrilled to bring Seaira Dives to the Big Island and offer new diving opportunities, group adventures, and educational experiences that reflect the island’s unique beauty. Whether you’re looking to get certified, explore the Big Island’s vibrant underwater world, or join an adventure that gives back to the community, I’m committed to creating unforgettable experiences that foster connection and support environmental awareness.

As we dive into this exciting new chapter, I hope you’ll join me! Here’s to new beginnings, endless ocean adventures, and the promise of year-round diving in the pristine waters of the Big Island! 🌺🐠