Safety · Destination Guide
Year-round mantas, lava-formed reefs, and easy access to deep blue water
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 20 sources
Plan conservatively for swell and surge, follow NOAA wildlife distances, and support operators that use moorings and manta guidelines.
Carry an SMB and audible signal device. For shore entries on lava, scout surge, time sets, and wear booties. For manta nights, follow guide briefings, stay low, never chase or touch rays. Use permitted day-use moorings and avoid anchoring on coral. Maintain legal distances from marine mammals and turtles during all activities.
Hawaiʻi Island hospitals can stabilize dive injuries, but definitive hyperbaric care is coordinated statewide and often on Oʻahu. Divers should maintain DAN coverage and call the DAN Emergency Hotline after contacting local EMS. Evacuation may be arranged by DAN if medically necessary.
Surgey Lava Entries
Plan shore entries carefully. Wear booties, time sets, and retreat if swell increases.
Vog and Gas when Kīlauea is Active
Check vog dashboards and USGS alerts. Sensitive groups should limit exertion during poor air quality.
Brown Water After Rains
Avoid ocean entry during water-quality advisories. Debris, runoff, and bacteria may be present.
Hawaiʻi bans the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose non-nano zinc or titanium dioxide formulations. Report marine wildlife in distress to the statewide hotline. Support manta research groups and follow tour operator standards at viewing sites.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when surgey lava entries. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police, Fire, EMS | 911 | 24/7 |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Dive medicine and evacuation coordination | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7 |
| NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline | Report injured or harassed marine wildlife | 888-256-9840 | 24/7 |
| DLNR DOCARE | Resource law enforcement | 808-643-3567 | 24/7 |
| U.S. Coast Guard | Maritime emergencies and overdue vessels | 1-800-552-6458 | 24/7 |