Back from Hawaii

[undrwater]

Dove with scottietheduck (from this board). Had a really relaxing, non cattle call, non-pushy couple of dives.

Really had a great time.

Trying to get some more posts in here...going from nothing to twins has been tough on my time budget!!

 

[ligersandtions]

Where in Hawaii did you go? I'm going to the Big Island in June and am looking for must-do (shore) dives....just curious if you went there and did shore diving!

 

[undrwater]

No shore diving. I was in Oahu. Did a deep wreck dive and a reef dive. Wasn't really a diving trip, so it was nice to have someone who could be flexible with my needs.

 

[SP Otter]

Where in Hawaii did you go? I'm going to the Big Island in June and am looking for must-do (shore) dives....just curious if you went there and did shore diving!

If going to the BI make sure you do the Manta Ray dive near the Kona airport.

 

[scjoe]

Puako Village End up past Waikaloa and Place of Refuge in the other direction past Kona are both popular shore diving spots.

 

[xstephenx]

I've heard great things about the manta dives.

I'm planning on Puako Village and Place of Refuge....I'm mostly looking for off the beaten path, non-touristy locations that I might miss if I didn't ask local divers or those who have been there. Thanks for the sites though! They are definitely on the list of places to dive

Edit: crap, this is ligersandtions....but the hubby's screenname was logged in on the computer and I forgot to sign out.

 

[scjoe]

Manuka Bay is another site that is a bit off the beaten path. You'll probably need a 4WD to access it. The Blue Book series on Hawaii has some good info on beach dives. Jack's is the biggest operator on the island and does guided beach dives. I'd give them a call. Dive Makai is a small, but very good boat operation on the Kona side if you are thinking of a boat dive.

Most of the manta ray night dive operations include an afternoon dive which I would skip. You might save about $50 doing just a single night dive and it is more likely you will be on a boat full of locals which can be a kick.

 

[jdubdiver]

Old Kona Airport is a very good dive, 2 Step (Place of Refuge) Should not be missed (get there early for good parking). Mile Marker 4 next to Magic Sands Beach is a good spot right in the middle of Kailua Kona you can do multiple dives at 2 Step and not get tired of it, and if you are into Hawaiian history at all The actual Place of Refuge is Fascinating to go check out after you are done diving for the day. Also you could kayak your dive Gear over to the Captain Cook Monument on Kealakekua Bay, But it is a long paddle, Even if you just snorkle there it is WELL WORTH IT! Look up Ehu and Kai Kayaks on line, Me and My Family rented a kayak from them. It is a Hawaiian Family run operation they own a house and land right on the bay and you basically paddle out from their front yard. Otherwise you have to lug a kayak down to the bay on top of your car. The Coral Reef at Captain Cook Monument is VERY NICE, lots of fish, Spinner Dolphins,I did a bunch of freediving there. Bring a lunch but watch out for Mongoose (little thieves), 2 Step is very similar to this spot except your car is right there and you dont have Mongoose stealing your unattended food.