Puako Church Point

Shore Diving and Snorkeling Site

Puako Church Point

Church Point, named for the Catholic Church mid-way through the Village of Puako.

 Dive Site Maps:

    

Mahukona Dive Site Map, Big Island Hawaii 

Site Briefing: 

  • Accessibility: Park alongside the road near the “Shoreline Public Access” sign. Gear up here, and then walk down the dirt path to the water and entry point (about 50 yards).

  • Nearby FacilitiesThe Puako General Store, for food and drinks, and the Hot Malasadas Truck at turnoff for Puako on Hwy 19. Best place to get Malasadas on the island. If you don't know what a malasada is, think sugar covered donut - absolutely delicious

  • Features: This site has Turtles, Black Lauwiliwilis (Longnose Butterflyfish), and some slotted canyons.

  • Entry/Exit: Follow the pathway to the water’s edge. Look for a small semi-sand area. This bay is super shallow, so try and time your entry to higher tides. When exiting, use caution and follow contours of the reef, avoid hitting the coral.

  • Depths: 0-40’:  Difficult to get deep here.  This is a shallow shelf with canyons.

  • Special Concerns:

    • North and West swells:  This site is exposed to occasional large north and north west swells (typically in the winter months).  Due to the shallow swim from the entry/exit area, it doesn't take much swell to make getting to the site difficult.

    • Strong Winds:  As with much of the Northern Kona and Kohala Coast (Waikaloa to Hawi), strong winds tend to prevail later in the day, which can create lots of surface chop.

    • Tides: Low tide can be tricky and is NOT recommended, the bay is too shallow.

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.