Turtle Pinnacle

This modest lava head near Honokōhau Harbor runs one of the ocean's better car washes. Green turtles glide in, settle on the rock, and spread flippers while yellow tangs and goldring surgeonfish graze the algae from their shells, a service arrangement divers can watch from a couple of meters away if they arrive calmly and kneel still. Several turtles may queue at once on busy mornings. The surrounding reef adds octopus dens, whitetips under ledges, and passing eagle rays, but nobody pretends the turtles aren't the show. It is an ideal first Kona dive: shallow, close to port, and quietly delightful.

The moment you come for: Green turtles being cleaned at arm's length; tang and surgeonfish work crews; an easy, close-to-harbor profile.

Topography: A lava pinnacle and surrounding reef flat that functions as a green turtle cleaning station

Entry: A short run from Honokōhau Harbor; boats moor and divers settle around the cleaning station.

Hazards: Light surge over the flat; boat traffic near the harbor mouth.

Conservation: Cleaning stations fail if crowded: settle low, approach nothing, and let turtles come and go on their own schedule; touching is illegal.