Just got back last night...what a great time! Stayed at the Kona by the Sea in the largest hotel room I've ever seen. It was actually a two-bedroom apartment with a patio overlooking the ocean.
Went shore diving at Place of Refuge/2 Step. If you decide to shore dive in Kona, be aware that the footing requires your attention. After twisting my ankle, falling in a hole, and possibly (though I'll never admit it in front of my wife) fracturing my wrist with all my gear on, one dive was enough for me. But what an awesome dive it was! Tons of cool stuff to see.
Spent the next 2 days with Kona Honu Divers. During the first surface interval on the first day, we were treated to 6 humpback whales taking turns breaching about 20 yards from the boat...stunning experience.
Day 2 with Kona Honu was an afternoon dive with the garden eels...kinda cool for about 30 seconds, then a night dive with mantas. Unless you do this dive, you'll never understand. It is worth a trip to the islands just to experience this. We had 9 mantas show up for dinner...indescribable. Kona Honu Divers is a well run operation. Great boat, friendly crew and cool dive shop.
Spent the rest of the time exploring the island and doing all the tourist stuff.
Overall, this was the best vacation I've ever had, and can't wait to go back.
Went shore diving at Place of Refuge/2 Step. If you decide to shore dive in Kona, be aware that the footing requires your attention. After twisting my ankle, falling in a hole, and possibly (though I'll never admit it in front of my wife) fracturing my wrist with all my gear on, one dive was enough for me. But what an awesome dive it was! Tons of cool stuff to see.
Spent the next 2 days with Kona Honu Divers. During the first surface interval on the first day, we were treated to 6 humpback whales taking turns breaching about 20 yards from the boat...stunning experience.
Day 2 with Kona Honu was an afternoon dive with the garden eels...kinda cool for about 30 seconds, then a night dive with mantas. Unless you do this dive, you'll never understand. It is worth a trip to the islands just to experience this. We had 9 mantas show up for dinner...indescribable. Kona Honu Divers is a well run operation. Great boat, friendly crew and cool dive shop.
Spent the rest of the time exploring the island and doing all the tourist stuff.
Overall, this was the best vacation I've ever had, and can't wait to go back.
