Espace Plongee

I feel like this is a 2.5 stars, but I don’t have that option so here we go… I chose this shop based on location as I was staying in south Kona and all of the other shops are in town. From what I can tell prices are pretty competitive with the other dive shops in Kona. I did the 2 tank morning boat dives and just wasn’t super impressed. The good: small groups (in my case, just myself) and you get out on the water early while it’s calm and before all the other boats show up. The bad: It seemed to me that there really aren’t any options as far as dive sites. I was taken to a spot with two dives side by side which were pretty much identical to each other. I mentioned several times both in the shop and on the boat that I wanted to see 2 different sites and that just didn’t happen. I enjoyed swimming through the short lava tube but I really wanted to see something different as well. Anyway, I was a little disappointed this shop and will chose differently next time.

The highlight of my trip to Hawaii. I’m still talking about the night manta ray snorkel 7 months later. I recommend Espace Plongee to anyone who will listen! They take small groups out (ours had 6 total) and they have the best light, so they attract the most manta rays. The bigger groups all came over to us to see our rays. I think we had five or six rays. Some were HUGE and they swam very close to us. This was an experience of a lifetime! So glad we stopped here!

Best Dive Shop on the Island – best location, prices and service. Myriam and Alain are so nice, and the gear we rented was in tip top shape. Tanks are so easy to pick up as they are open until 6:30 pm. So, you can dive, watch the sunset, then pick up tanks for the next day. They are in Captian Cook, where all the good diving is. There is no reason whatsoever to work with a dive shop in Kona when the best shore and boat diving is in S. Kona. The prices are very fair, and their service is awesome. Case in point: they needed to close early one day to lead a Manta Dive, so Myriam called me personally to let me know. Also, we decided to skip a day of diving. No problem, no charge, and they let us keep the gear/​tanks for the next day. I only regret that we did not try a boat dive with them — we simply had way too much fun shore diving, and were happy on our own schedule. We wanted to do a Manta dive, but we were just too tired by the evening after 2 tanks almost every day! Also, they rent what looks to be a gorgeous place (I am sure it is super clean like their shop – OMG spotless!) for $ 65 a night, about 10 mins drive from the shop. And they have peacocks! So, next time, we will try their place. So excited already for the next trip. It cannot be soon enough. Merci Beaucoup Myriam et Alain.

Very laid back, unscripted night manta snorkle. Brought our own gear but they lent us wet suits. Be prepared to kayak and hop into the dark water. Miriam and Alain were very cool, knowledgeable people. If you’re adventurous, call them!

Great service, equipment is in tip top shape. we were here a year ago and rented gear from them (See filtered review) and I was happy to see them again on this trip. I haven’t used them for guides because we like to dive alone on a shore dive but I think they would be excellent.

A great store with friendly service. Alain took me and my friend for two great dives at the Place of Refugee area.

3.5 stars.
This dive shop is located on the main strip of Mamalahoa Highway. We rented a bunch of equipment here which is available by day, for 5 days or 1 week+. Most of the stuff we rented was in decent condition — the BCD’s were still very new. My octopus ended up not working after hooking up to a tank (it was leaking). Luckily the dive master we were with (not affiliated with the shop) had an extra so it turned out okay — otherwise it would have been another 30 minute drive back to the shop to get it replaced. We also rented wetsuits which for the most part fit all our shapes and sizes — I think it’s mostly a range of men sizing.
The shop owner was very helpful and accommodating — she was willing to stay open longer for us to return our equipment (although that wasn’t necessary). They also offer dives and certifications according to their flyer.
For certified divers renting equipment, this seems to be your best bet in getting your gear for dives out of Honaunau, Milolii or Pebble Beach.