Old Airport

Shore Diving and Snorkeling Site

Old Airport

Old Airport, named for the beach and park that was the original airport for Kona up until the mid 1970s. This site is on the North end of the "runway".

 Dive Site Maps:

    

Mahukona Dive Site Map, Big Island Hawaii 

Site Briefing: 

  • Accessibility:  Site is located on the North end of the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, also known as “Old A.” Just North of downtown Kailua-Kona, it is a gated area, open between 7AM and 8PM. Holidays sometimes affect these hours. Drive to the North end of the runway and park. This is where you should gear up.

  • Nearby Facilities:  There are restrooms and showers, along with covered pavilions and picnic tables.

  • Features:  If you bear right along the small wall, that can be a good place to look for Hawaiian Lionfish (endemic and not invasive, please do not disturb them), Eels, and Eagle Rays. If you head South across the sand patch, look for an archway in about 15-20’ of water. Sometimes there are small nudibranchs on the walls.

  • Entry/Exit:  A short walk from the parking lot, follow the path between the two boulders to the beach and enter at the northern end of the sandSwim straight out toward open water for about 50 yards. Here you can descend in about 20-25 feet of water.

  • Depths:  0-60’:  This site starts with a shallow shelf, then has a small drop-off leading to sand patches and small caves.

  • Special Concerns:

    • Tides: Do NOT do this on low tide, very shallow bay where you enter and exit.

    • Gated Area: Don’t get locked in, the gate hours are posted: 7AM until 8PM.

Site Photos:

  • Coming soon

General Info:

  • Check the weather, surf, and tide reports:  Plan ahead for safety

  • Know your limits: Diving and snorkeling from shore means you have minimal help if something goes wrong.  Know your limits, and consider taking a snorkel lesson, a scuba refresher, or book a guided trip to increase you experience before considering diving and snorkeling from shore.

  • Use a Dive Flag:  These are required by law for both scuba and snorkeling and we have them available for rent.

  • Rent gearWe have a full line of rental snorkel and scuba gear, and air and nitrox tank fills.

  • Check Your Gear and Bring Spares:  Whether you rent or own your own gear, inspect it thoroughly before heading to the dive site.  Many are in remote locations, so save yourself the long trip if you forget something.  Jack's Diving Locker is the best dive shop on the island to help restock your save-a-dive kit with spare o-rings, mouthpieces, and tools.

  • Use the Buddy System:  Dive and Snorkel with someone capable of assisting you in an emergency

  • Be Reef Friendly:  Please use reef safe sunscreens, don't stand on the reef, don't touch marine life, and don't feed the fish.

  • Be Respectful of Our Community:  Act with aloha, pick up litter if you find it, and be helpful to others.