Kona Level 1 Freediver Course (2 Days)

Overview

The Kona Honu Divers Kona freediving course is a 2-day FII Level 1 program: classroom and pool on day 1, then an open-water session to 66 feet and an exam on day 2, from $398. It suits swimmers aged 16 and up who already snorkel and equalize comfortably. The drawback: gear and transport to dive sites are not included.

Highlights

• From $398 on the operator's freediving site as of October 2026; Greetwell lists the same 2-day course at $440.63.
• Day 1: classroom 7:45 am to noon, confined-water training 1 to 5 pm; Day 2: open-water dive 8 to 11 am, then final exam, per the Greetwell schedule.
• Training depth up to 66 feet (20 meters); the course follows the FII (Freediving Instructors International) standard, not PADI.
• Prerequisites: age 16 or older, comfortable ocean swimmer, proficient snorkeler who can equalize, no heart conditions, medical statement and waivers completed in advance.
• Bring your own mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt and 3 mm wetsuit; open-heel and split fins are discouraged, and dive sites can be up to 45 minutes from the shop.

What to Expect

1. Arrive at Kona Honu Divers, 74-5583 Luhia Street, by 7:45 am on day 1 with waivers and the medical statement already completed.
2. The morning classroom covers breath-hold physiology, equalization and safety; the afternoon moves to confined water for static and dynamic apnea drills.
3. On day 2 you drive yourself to an open-water site, up to 45 minutes away, for line dives and rescue practice to a maximum of 66 feet.
4. A final exam follows the ocean session; the operator advertises a free return for students who struggled and later completed the course, plus a freediving snorkel and discounts for Level 1 bookings.

What to Bring

• Mask, snorkel, fins (no split or open-heel fins), weight belt and weights, 3 mm wetsuit
• Towel, sunscreen, water and a hat
• Completed waivers and medical statement; physician approval if indicated

Restrictions and Requirements

• Ages 16 and up
• Must be comfortable in the ocean, a proficient snorkeler and able to equalize
• Good health with no heart conditions; medical statement required
• Minimum 2 students for the course to run

Cancellation Policy

Full refund for changes or cancellations at least 72 hours before the course; no refund within 72 hours, for no-shows, or for arrivals more than 15 minutes late; reschedule or full refund if the operator cancels. The operator's own policy page applies a 7-day cancellation window to courses generally, so confirm which applies at booking. Checked October 2026 on Greetwell and konahonudivers.com.

Location

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Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Meeting Point

Kona Honu Divers, 74-5583 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Check-In

By 7:45 am on day 1 unless your instructor says otherwise; waivers completed in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

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