Can anyone tell me what Dive Shop is good on the Big Island of Hawaii?

[scubanimal]

I've used Jacks for years, and know most of the crew enough they recognize me and remember my name when I bump into them at DEMA etc. For the casual diver they are wonderful, and since Kellar wrote the PADI specialty on Manta's he's fun to dive with on the night dives. All that said, their customer base is high, and their costs have risen. So I only do the long trip Adv dives with them now. One outfit I was really impressed with was Konaquatica. He does not have a store front, and he caters to tech divers, but takes all levels. This outfit run by Jim Holt started this fairly new operation and has been going way out of his way to provide the best service possible. I would suggest scheduling a few dives with him as well. Also, I recommend you schedule your first couple days diving at least 2 weeks before you arrive, waiting till you get there can be disappointing..

www.jacksdivinglocker.com
www.konaquatica.com


Your profile indicated you did not have your Adv cert yet, if that is true, you might want to get it. One of must-do dives is the wreck of the naked lady. It can have some tough currents at times and is deep. Nitrox and Adv certs payoff on dives like that.
my $0.02

 

[tc]

I was there last August and used Jacks, rented tanks and weights from them and did a few beach dives at the place of refuge to finish up my son's certification and did a couple of boat dives with them. Nice folks, took good care of us. The guides caught on quickly that I was coming back in with most of my air left when the rest of the divers had used thier's up and took me out for some blue water diving.

DO NOT miss the Manta dive!

The Sheraton has a patio that overlooks the bay- they have lights pointing out over the water and you can watch the Manta's there at night feeding. They have a bar there and also a coffee/ice cream stand.

We went to the luau at the Kona Beach Hotel, nice show, good food- If you go to that one pay the extra for the preferred seating, it's worth it.

The Big Island Revealed book was a great help. Can't recall the name but I also had a book on Kona dive sites that was very helpful.

The Wal Mart in Kona had a surprisingly well stocked snorkeling section.

Have fun!

Tom

 

[alaity47]

I'd also have to recommend Jack's. Every now and then it can get a tad crowded, but I've really found them to be quite reasonable, and with a good divemaster-to-diver ratio. I've gone out with them at least a dozen times on three separate visits to Hawaii, and only once did they overfill the boat (for the manta dive - there were snorkelers). And there was still plenty of room. A lot of locals go out with them; I've met lots of really interesting people. If you can get on the little boat (the Blue Dolphin), it's extra fun and personal, as long as you don't mind not having a bathroom on board.

They were great when I was a nervous newbie, and I still love them now for advanced dives. The entire staff is just a joy to spend time with - you definitely won't regret using them.

We usually stay at the Royal Kona Resort, which is conveniently right across the street from Jack's. If you make reservations online, the prices are usually in the $120-$160 range - but I've found that if I call and talk to a person, they're usually offering a "special" of $80 a night.

 

[scubacalifornia]

I'm really jazzed to see this thread, as I've never been to Hawaii and just made reservations to spend 8 nights on the Big Island with family in tow this summer. Jack's was recommended to me as well. We're staying in Waikoloa. I'd like to book at least one trip on a dive boat that will also take care of my snorkelers (including my 10 & 13 year old). Recommendations welcome.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Kevrumbo]

I'm really jazzed to see this thread, as I've never been to Hawaii and just made reservations to spend 8 nights on the Big Island with family in tow this summer. Jack's was recommended to me as well. We're staying in Waikoloa. I'd like to book at least one trip on a dive boat that will also take care of my snorkelers (including my 10 & 13 year old). Recommendations welcome.

Thanks

Kevin

http://www.konadivingadventures.com/Main/Family Charters.htm

 

[xSandman3]

We (me, wife, 3 daughters) were just there three weeks ago. We did one day of shore diving at Place of Refuge, and rented gear from Jack's...great shop, right in the middle of town. We then did two days of boat diving, including the Manta dive (do NOT miss this!!!) with Kona Honu Divers. Awesome boat, fantastic crew, can't say enough good things about them. After the first day, they took all of our gear back to their shop to clean and dry it for the next day. We showed up the second day and everything was ready to go.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the places mentioned in this thread. You'll have a great time...can't wait to go back myself.

 

[Ann Marie]

I'm really jazzed to see this thread, as I've never been to Hawaii and just made reservations to spend 8 nights on the Big Island with family in tow this summer. Jack's was recommended to me as well. We're staying in Waikoloa. I'd like to book at least one trip on a dive boat that will also take care of my snorkelers (including my 10 & 13 year old). Recommendations welcome.

Thanks

Kevin

Hey Kevin,

My husband and I are headed over on April 2. I'll pass on anything that I think you'll enjoy. I'm doing the Manta Dive with Jack's and then going back a second night so that I can snorkel with my husband.

Ann Marie

 

[scubacalifornia]

Hey Kevin,

My husband and I are headed over on April 2. I'll pass on anything that I think you'll enjoy. I'm doing the Manta Dive with Jack's and then going back a second night so that I can snorkel with my husband.

Ann Marie

Cool! I'm definitely planning on a Manta dive, and as many more dives as I can sneak in without family rebellion. I'll stop by SC and visit when you're working for the full and complete trip report and recommendations. I haven't been to the tropics since Turks & Caicos in summer '03....body may go into shock in water warmer than 55 degrees.

See ya sometime soon.
K