Jules of the Sea
Kona, USA
FII-certified freediving school in Kona, Hawaii — safety-first apnea instruction led by Julia Donath (FII #252), trained by Martin Stepanek, capped at 6 students, depth to 20m.
Overview
About Jules of the Sea
Jules of the Sea — also known as Beyond Breath Freediving — is a FII-certified freediving school in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Founded and led by Julia Donath (FII Instructor #252), a former ocean lifeguard with over a decade of ocean safety experience, trained directly by 13-time world record holder and FII founder Martin Stepanek. Learn apnea in the clear Pacific waters of Kona in small groups of maximum 6 students. The Level 1 Freediver course (2 days, ~15 hours) covers 5 hours of classroom instruction, 3 hours confined water, and open water depth sessions to 20m — including course materials, Student Manual, and lunch on Day 1. A Junior Freediver course for ages 12+ mirrors the full curriculum with age-appropriate delivery. Julia is a Hawaii Licensed Teacher and founder of Hawaii's first public high school freediving safety programme, developed in partnership with FreediveSafe! Hawai'i (501(c)(3)) to address the drowning crisis disproportionately affecting youth in the state.
Safety-first FII methodology in small groups of maximum 6 students, with strong emphasis on hypoxia prevention, responsible breathhold practice, and ocean community empowerment.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Kona, Jules of the Sea provides a structured path. The school is well-suited to first-time freedivers and those learning breath-hold technique for the first time. Instruction is available in English.
Ideal for
Who should learn freediving at Jules of the Sea
Beginners
Level 1 Freediver (16+, max 6 students) covers 5h classroom, 3h confined water, and 1.5–3h open water to 20m depth.
Advanced
Direct access to deep blue water and year-round calm conditions support serious depth training blocks.
Training focus
Julia Donath is FII Instructor #252, trained by Martin Stepanek (13x World Record Holder, FII Founder).
Why this school
What makes Jules of the Sea stand out
Coaching approach
Safety-first FII methodology in small groups of maximum 6 students, with strong emphasis on hypoxia prevention, responsible breathhold practice, and ocean community empowerment.
Class format
Classes are kept to a small-group format to ensure more personal attention and actual dive time. Equipment rental is available on-site for those traveling light.
Course progression
The school focuses on entry-level freediving, from first breath-hold sessions through beginner certifications. Best suited for newcomers exploring the sport before progressing elsewhere.
Courses & Pricing
Jules of the Sea freediving courses and prices in Kona
Jules of the Sea lists 3 course options, priced from USD 225 up to USD 525.
This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression focused on introductory levels and beginner fundamentals, all delivered under FII frameworks.
Level 1 Freediver
From
Junior Freediver (ages 12+)
From
Private Coaching Session
From
Training environment
Training sites and conditions in Kona
Confined water training at Pacific 19 Hotel pool in Kona, followed by open water depth sessions in the clear Pacific off the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kona gives the school a mix of shore and boat-based sessions with up to 100m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Facilities, languages & certifications
Certifications
Languages
Facilities
Ocean access, Pacific 19 Hotel pool (confined water training)
What you get
What is included in courses
Courses at Jules of the Sea include Course materials and Level 1 Student Manual, Lunch on Day 1 (Level 1 course), pacific 19 hotel pool (confined water training), and theory sessions. Equipment rental may be available separately.
Certification fees, transport to training sites, and other costs may be included or separate depending on the course.
Dive conditions
Learn to freedive in Kona
Kona offers warm water, shore access, and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions and sets the water profile for Jules of the Sea.
Jules of the Sea is based in Kona.
Surface water temperature ranges from 24 to 27 °C year-round, with the best window falling in April–October.
Kona's Pacific waters offer stable year-round conditions for freediving.
Destination
Discover the destination
Learn more about where Jules of the Sea is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Compare Jules of the Sea with other schools in Kona
Other freediving schools in Kona with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions about Jules of the Sea
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
01 What certifications does Jules of the Sea offer?
Jules of the Sea offers FII certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.
02 How much do courses at Jules of the Sea cost?
Prices at Jules of the Sea start from USD 225 for entry-level courses and go up to USD 525 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 2 days to 1.5–2.5 hours.
03 Who is Jules of the Sea best for?
Level 1 Freediver (16+, max 6 students) covers 5h classroom, 3h confined water, and 1.5–3h open water to 20m depth. Welcomes complete beginners and informally trained freedivers alike. The school also works well for beginners and intermediate.
04 Where does Jules of the Sea train?
Jules of the Sea trains in Kona, which offers warm water, shore access, and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions. The main training sites are Kailua-Kona open water (Big Island, Hawaii).
05 How do I contact or book with Jules of the Sea?
You can book through email at juliadonath@gmail.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +1 805 602 2221.
06 Is Kona a good place to learn freediving?
Kona is well-suited to beginners and those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers warm water, shore access, and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Kona's Pacific waters offer stable year-round conditions for freediving.
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