Ke'ei - Just Off The Southern Shore Of Kealakekua Bay

This shore diving excursion takes us south of Kailua Town a few miles to the shore of Kealakekua Bay. Here is the quaint little community of Ke'ei, located only a skip and a jump south of Napoopoo. You can't really call Ke'ei a "town", more like a village, yeah? It is quaint, though, so while you are in the area, leave the villagers in peace (in other words, 'no raise hell', okay?). They will appreciate your courtesy.

Here's how to get there: On Rt. 11, about 18 miles south of Kailua-Kona, there's a sign to the right that says, "Kealakekua Bay". Take that right turn and head down the hill, past the historic Coffee Mill, until you come to the bottom. Then, rather than turning right and going to Kealakekua Bay, turn left and travel on a narrow paved road through the beautiful cluster of homes known as Napoopoo. As you head south you'll see three rough roads to the right, going makai (toward the ocean). Take the third road (if you come to the rubbish dump on the left, you've gone too far) and travel about 4 tenths of a mile along this road. Then you'll come to a sign that reads, "Wash Out, Beware of Rough Road, Private Drive", or words to that effect. Slightly beyond this sign, on the right, is space to park. The picturesque fishing village houses are on the mauka (or mountain) side of the road. Please, don't disturb the inhabitants. This is their territory and you are the visitor. If you want to be welcome, be quiet and mind your own business.

In front of you, facing the sea, you'll see a bumpy pahoehoe lava shelf that extends out about 20 yards to the water. Go out to the edge and you'll see numerous little inlets that are perfect water entry/exit areas. Pick your favorite. Plan your dive and, with your buddy, prepare to enjoy one of the best dives on the Kona Coast.

When you enter the water you'll be in 15'-20' of the clearest ocean imaginable with visibility in the 100' range. The coral here is as varied and colorful as any on the coast and therefore the tropical fish in this area is abundant (not as abundant as it used to be, thanks to the tropical fish collectors). This is a great place to snorkel, too, because of the clarity of the water, the variety of corals, and the unending species of reef fish to be seen near shore. Scuba divers should head straight out to sea, over a gradual slope of geologically recent lava flows (with huge coral heads everywhere) to a sandy transition at about 65'-70' depth. When you reach the smooth sandy area, slowly continue due west, over the slope that continues endlessly deeper. When you reach 85'-90' depth, watch straight ahead for a forest of Garden Eels. If by the time you've reached 100' depth you still haven't spotted them, STOP! Stay very still and slowly look around. They'll come up from their sandy homes by the hundreds and check YOU out! Be patient, they're there, and are, of course, harmless. Move quickly and they'll disappear as if by magic. The scene is an eerie one and very exciting.

At this steeply graded slope the temptation is always to go a little further to see how deep it really gets. Well, don't be foolish, 'cause the next "bottom" is about two-and-a-half MILES straight down!

After your visit with the Garden Eels, head back toward shore in a south-easterly direction. You'll rise through a section of sandy area then come upon a bottom strewn with coral rubble and living heads of several varieties of corals. Many gulches or ditches seen in this area will hold resting Sea Turtles, so watch for them as they snooze on the bottom.

We are always amazed at the proliferation of different species of fish and invertebrates at Ke'ei. It is on the southern extreme of a Conservation District (Kealakekua Bay) and that probably accounts for this phenomenon. On a recent dive we encountered turtles, eels, Crown of Thorns seastars, Triton Trumpets, tiger coweries, the dreaded stonefish (beautiful to look at, but don't touch), rays, sharks, and more tropicals than can be described on this page (or many others).

When you return to your entry point, watch the surf and time your exit for safety. Don't get washed up on shore by a set of waves. Wait for a lull, then exit quickly.

We do recommend taking a second tank for this dive-site, so that after an adequate shore intermission you can re-enter the water and explore the shoreline cliffs and wall to the right (or north) of your entry area. Here you'll find many caves and arches to explore at depths of less than 35 feet. One particular cathedral here is as beautiful as we've seen anywhere.

Now, if it looks too rough to go in at Ke'ei, no problem. Go out to the Napoopoo Road, turn right and head south about three miles and you'll be at Place of Refuge - where, because of it's protected location, you can dive almost EVERYDAY.......

Keep looking for that experience of a lifetime, UNDERWATER. It's there for you to enjoy - and there's no place on earth to enjoy it better than on our Kona Coast.

IMPORTANT: On this or any dive I suggest, YOU are responsible for your diving. Dive only when you and the conditions are right. If, for any reason, you do not feel competent in making the dive, whether it be from shore or from a boat, DON'T DIVE. I cannot be responsible for your incompetence, heavy weather, tide, or current conditions. Diving is a SAFE and ENJOYABLE sport. Don't dive if you are at all uncomfortable with the conditions or your safety.