6 hours · Morning · Ages 8+
Two-Site Dive / Snorkel
Two sites, a morning departure, divers and snorkelers together.
| Certified diver | $229 |
|---|---|
| Snorkeler | $189 |
| Ride along | $110 |
Editorial spotlight · Kawaihae Harbor, Kohala Coast, Big Island
2026 Golden Lei Awards nomineeBest Kohala Coast Dive Operator
Kohala Divers
A dive shop at the north end of the Kohala resort coast, in business since 1984. Kohala Divers runs a 46-foot custom dive boat, Namaka, from Kawaihae Harbor, and the two owners who run it day to day both hold captain's licenses. The morning two-site trip takes divers and snorkelers together, and in winter the same boat does humpback whale watches at sunset.
- Two-site dive
- $229
- Snorkeler
- $189
- Tripadvisor
- 4.9
- Kawaihae rank
- #3 of 23
Editorial spotlight. Kohala Divers is a nominee in the 2026 Golden Lei Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The company
Founded 1984, three owners now
By the operator's account, Turner Lett started the business in 1984 with one six-passenger boat. Reed Harmon bought the company in 2000; Rebekah Keele joined in 2002 and Greg Kaufmann, who also captains the sportfishing boat Reel Pleasure, became her partner in 2007. The shop added a dedicated dive boat in 2002, and the operator says the business doubled in size by 2006. The BBB gives a slightly different start date, 1985.
The fleet centerpiece is Namaka, a 46-foot custom Newton dive boat for up to 24 guests, with upper and lower deck seating, heated showers, bathrooms and life jackets for everyone. Kohala Divers is a PADI 5 Star dive center and offers PADI courses, nitrox, freediving, rentals and a dive club.
“A PADI 5 Star dive center on the Kohala Coast.”
Owner
Reed Harmon
Owner and captain
Rebekah Keele
Owner and captain
Greg Kaufmann
Names and roles as given on the About page.
The one to book
Two-site dive and snorkel
Six hours aboard Namaka from Kawaihae, with two sites that change by day and a morning departure, when the operator says the seas are calmest and the water clearest. Divers need a certification card and a logged dive within five years or a refresher. Snorkel gear comes with the snorkel fare, and non-swimmers can ride along.
Ages 8 and up. Under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and snorkelers under 10 need a parent ready to enter the water.
| Certified diver | $229 |
|---|---|
| Snorkeler, guided | $189 |
| Ride along, stays dry | $110 |
Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026. A private two-tank charter is listed at $3,900 for up to eighteen divers plus six snorkelers.
Check AvailabilityThe boat
Namaka
One boat carries the dive, snorkel and whale trips.
Namaka
- Type
- 46 ft custom Newton dive boat
- Guests
- Up to 24
- Aboard
- Heated showers, bathrooms, covered and open decks
Book it
Trips
Per person at list price. Only trips with open dates at this check are listed. Checked against FareHarbor on September 30, 2026.
2.5 hours · Afternoon · From Dec 14 at this check
Whale Watch & Sunset Cruise
Humpback season on the Kohala coast; refreshments aboard, BYOB welcome.
| Adult, 15+ | $159 |
|---|---|
| Child, 0 to 14 | $119 |
| Private charter | $2,700 |
The shop also runs a free pool session for Discover Scuba, PADI courses, nitrox, rentals and a dive club. Sportfishing is sold through the owners' Reel Pleasure boat.
Before you go
Know before you go
Where to check in
The shop at Kawaihae Harbor, 61-3665 Akoni Pule Highway, Kamuela.
Certification
Divers must show a card and have logged a dive within five years, or do a refresher.
Kids
Under 15 must have an adult aboard. Snorkelers under 10 need a parent ready to enter the water. Divers aged 10 and 11 need a private guide and stay within 40 feet.
Bring
A towel, sun protection and a light layer for the ride. Whale trips allow BYOB.
Cancellation
The operator lists a full charge for cancellations inside 24 hours and no charge with 48 hours' notice, and says the itinerary can change with weather.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.9Tripadvisor1,118 reviews as of September 30, 2026
- #3of 23Tours and activities in Kawaihae, Tripadvisor
- 1984FoundedPADI 5 Star dive center, per the operator
Reviewers praise knowledgeable, safety-focused guides, a small-group feel, well-maintained gear, the northern-resort location, heated showers and hotel pickups. Experienced divers comparing the coast with Kona and Maui have found the reefs quieter.
Questions
Good to know
Where does the boat leave from?
Kawaihae Harbor on the Kohala Coast.
What does it cost?
Two-site dive $229, snorkeler $189, ride-along $110, whale watch and sunset cruise $159. Checked September 30, 2026.
Can non-divers come?
Yes: snorkelers $189 and ride-alongs $110.
When is whale season?
The whale watch runs December to March, with the first open date December 14 at this check.
Can I book a private charter?
Yes. The page lists $3,900 for a private two-tank trip and $2,700 for a whale-watch charter.
Dive the Kohala Coast
A morning two-site dive and snorkel and winter whale watches from Kawaihae.
Check Availability