Kona, Hawaii
August 2026
Island-based Safari Trip
Protected from the tradewinds and prevailing currents of the Pacific ocean, Kona rests on the leeward side of Hawai’i, commonly referred to as the Big Island. With an incredibly steep drop off and thousands of miles of open ocean in nearly every direction, the Kona coast represents an oasis in an enormous blue desert. This makes it a haven for countless marine creatures large and small.
Kona has long been touted as a world class diving destination for a number of specialty dives like the manta ray night dive and blackwater/pelagic night dives; but Kona offers spectacular reef diving, both from shore and boat.
Rich coral growth provides home to incredible reef fish diversity (23% of the fish species found in Hawaii are endemic), while also sustaining the larger species like manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and tiger sharks. Divers will discover endless volcanic features like lava tubes, caves and swim-thrus, all while enjoying warm water, high-visibility and calm conditions.
$3799/person
(based on double occupancy, ask Alex about accommodation options)
Including
Dive guide / Concierge Alex Lichtblau
2 days boat diving (4 dives)
1 day shore diving (1 dive)
1 manta ray night dive/blackwater dive combo (2 dives)
1 day offshore wildlife safari/whale watch
Rental gear for all diving/excursions
8-night accommodations ocean-front villa
Airport transfers/dive/excursion transfers
All associated tax
Not including
Airfare
Food
Gratuity
available options
Additional boat dives
Additional shore dives
Additional whale watching
Unlimited Nitrox $125
Notices
Travel insurance highly recommended
Dive accident insurance required
Nitrox highly recommended
Dive
Experience the best the Big Island has to offer during your scuba diving adventure in Kona. Dive in small personal groups, whether from the Inside Under designated boat or from shore with your professional guide Alex Lichtblau. Enjoy two days of boat diving on gorgeous walls and reefs, one day of shore diving a local’s favorite on the Kona coast, an offshore safari/whale watching day and of course, the manta ray night dive and blackwater combo.
Alex’s intimate knowledge of Kona allow him to piece together the best of all available services, to provide you the most tailored, memorable experience. Alex has a small group policy to ensure safety, quality service and a personalized experience.
For boat excursions (6 dives) expect spacious, swift and fully equipped dive boats (O2, AED, first aid kit, life jackets, VHF radio, GPS, EPIRB, drinking water, meals, snacks). All basic rental equipment is included (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights, mask, fins) and in top condition.
For the shore excursion, Alex will help you set up gear shoreside, and then guide you around his favorite shore accessible site. On shore amenities and safety equipment include first aid, O2, drinking water, meals and snacks.
Never dived before? Not a problem...Kona is the perfect place to get certified! Warm, clear, calm, and shallow waters provide the perfect classroom for diving. Complete any course in Kona with Alex and dive the rest of the week as a certified diver. Ask Alex about certification details and associated cost.
Note: Divers are recommended to use Nitrox throughout the week to reduce nitrogen exposure.
Stay
Two private ocean-front homes in the heart of Kailua-Kona give you direct access to watch the waves from each lanai, snorkel/swim right off the property, soak in the hot tub/pool, or head over to Magic Sands Beach (100m walk).
Each home is 3 bedroom, 3 baths with 270 degree ocean views from the Kona coast. Private living, dining, kitchen, and outdoor lanai areas provide plenty of room for relaxing. Two master bedrooms with king beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private lanais overlooking the water. Each home has a second upstairs king bedroom with ensuite bath. Downstairs, the homes have one queen bedroom and one full bathroom.
Expert Guide - ALEX Lichtblau
Alex moved to Kona in 2018, and worked in the Kona diving industry until 2023. He specializes in blackwater (pelagic night diving), manta ray night dives and offshore safaris. He has logged 1000+ dives in the waters around Hawaii.
During your trip, Alex will serve not only as your Divemaster, but as your personal expert concierge. Alex’s relationships with the top dive operations, restaurants, attractions and charitable organizations guarantee you a genuine local experience like no one else can provide. Dive the best spots, enjoy the best accommodations, eat the best foods and enjoy the best-kept secret adventures around the Big Island, Hawaii.
Rely on Alex before and throughout your trip for any and all of your planning and booking needs during your time in Kona. Vacation like a local!
conservation & Environmental stewardship
Inside Under will provide insight on how to minimize your ecological footprint during your travels, and help educate you on the value of conscious travel. Participate in sustainably minded itineraries, and leave your vacation destination something in return.
...only 10 spaces available!
Additional Activity information
Besides the spectacular diving, Kona also offers a wide array of non-diving adventures, attractions and activities. These include paddleboarding, ocean-front golf, yoga, secluded beaches, secret rope swings and many more. Ask Alex about his favorite adventures and he'll help you book what floats your boat.
Booking and Payment Information
Have more questions? Ready to get in the water? Signing up or learning more about this trip is easy. Just hit the button below, and then let me know your question or how many spots you would like to reserve, and I'll respond within 24 hours. In order to secure your spot, there is an initial $250, fully refundable deposit, and the remainder will be paid in three installments; the first being $1000 paid by April 1, 2026, the second being 50% of the balance paid by July 1, 2026, and the second and final being the remainder paid by Sept 1, 2026. Ask Alex about payment method options.