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Kona Freedivers — freediving school in Kona, USA
USA Freediving School

Kona Freedivers

Kona, USA

Freediving school in Kona. Hawaii's only FII facility, led by world-class instructor Martin Stepanek, with year-round access to Big Island's clear warm coastal waters and semiannual intensive training camps.

Overview

About Kona Freedivers

Teaching FII courses since 2016, Kona Freedivers is the only FII facility on the Hawaiian Islands. Led by world-class instructor Martin Stepanek, they offer courses from beginner to instructor level in the warm, clear waters of Kona's Big Island coast. Their semiannual freediving camps draw athletes from around the world.

Structured high-capability coaching that can support both courses and deeper progression goals.

Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Kona, Kona Freedivers provides a structured path. The school accepts both first-time freedivers and experienced divers pursuing deeper progression. Instruction is available in English.

Ideal for

Who should learn freediving at Kona Freedivers

Beginners

As the only FII facility in Hawaii, Kona Freedivers offers a certification system not found elsewhere on the islands, with pool and open-water sessions on the Big Island's clear coast.

Advanced

Direct access to deep blue water and year-round calm conditions support serious depth training blocks.

Training focus

Led by world-class instructor Martin Stepanek, coaching combines FII's structured methodology with Kona's year-round warm water and excellent visibility.

Why this school

What makes Kona Freedivers stand out

Coaching approach

Structured high-capability coaching that can support both courses and deeper progression goals.

Class format

Sessions are structured around mixed-group training based on student levels and goals. Equipment rental is available on-site for those traveling light.

Course progression

A full progression path is available, from beginner freediving certifications through advanced training in depth, dynamic apnea, and technique refinement.

Courses & Pricing

Kona Freedivers freediving courses and prices in Kona

Kona Freedivers lists 3 course options, priced from USD 295 up to USD 695.

This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression covering everything from discovery dives to advanced certification levels, all delivered under FII frameworks.

★ Most popular

FII Level 1 Freediver

2 days

From

$398 USD
FII certification track
Best for complete beginners starting their first course
Theory, coaching & water sessions

FII Level 2 Freediver

3 days

From

$695 USD
FII certification track
Best for divers looking to refine equalization, extend breath hold, and reach 24–30 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Advanced Freediving Safety

1 day

From

$295 USD
FII certification track
Best for divers ready to learn mouthfill equalization and push toward 34–40 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions
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Training environment

Training sites and conditions in Kona

Kona's clear, sheltered coastal water provides the open-water component year-round, while pool sessions build the technique base. Semiannual camps with Martin Stepanek bring concentrated training intensity to the standard course calendar.

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

FII

Languages

🇬🇧 English

Facilities

Classroom, Equipment rental, Open water training, Pool training

What you get

What is included in courses

Courses at Kona Freedivers include theory sessions, pool sessions, open-water sessions, classroom, and equipment rental. 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 Kona Freedivers.

Kona Freedivers 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 Big Island waters are diveable year-round; summer months bring the warmest temperatures and flattest conditions on the sheltered south-facing coast.

Destination

Discover the destination

Learn more about where Kona Freedivers is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.

Alternatives

Compare Kona Freedivers with other schools in Kona

Other freediving schools in Kona with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.

Jules of the Sea
From $225
Jules of the Sea logo

Jules of the Sea

Kona, USA

FII
English
School profile

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions about Kona Freedivers

Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.

01

What certifications does Kona Freedivers offer?

Kona Freedivers offers FII certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.

02

How much do courses at Kona Freedivers cost?

Prices at Kona Freedivers start from USD 295 for entry-level courses and go up to USD 695 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 2 days to 1 day.

03

Who is Kona Freedivers best for?

As the only FII facility in Hawaii, Kona Freedivers offers a certification system not found elsewhere on the islands, with pool and open-water sessions on the Big Island's clear coast. The school also works well for beginners, advanced progression, and pool-supported training.

04

Where does Kona Freedivers train?

Kona Freedivers 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 Pool training.

05

How do I contact or book with Kona Freedivers?

You can book through email at info@konafreedivers.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +1 808-464-6584.

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 Big Island waters are diveable year-round; summer months bring the warmest temperatures and flattest conditions on the sheltered south-facing coast.

Recent Google reviews

What recent students say about Kona Freedivers

★5.0(1,244 reviews)
Bobby Gekas avatar
Bobby Gekas

★★★★★

in the last week

Andy, Holger, and Jason took us out on an awesome 2 tank cruise to Golden Archer and Turlte Heaven. Fantastic day!

Angela De Santis avatar
Angela De Santis

★★★★★

in the last week

Wonderful dives! Andy, Jason and crew were fantastic! Octopus and bait ball were so fun to see. Thank you so much!

Nathaniel Brown avatar
Nathaniel Brown

★★★★★

in the last week

Awesome shop with a perfect selection and super helpful staff. Literally everything you need for freediving. Jackie was especially great & super patient and informative when getting a new freediving mask. Will definitely be back!

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