Going to Kauai

[Matao87]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, if not I apologize.
It's probably a long shot, but here goes... I am going to be on the island of Kauai in Hawaii from wed (8/12) through tues (8/18). I am probably only going to be able to afford one full day of boat dives, but am bringing all my own gear (except tanks) and would love to do shore dives while I'm there. If anyone happens to be there that week or knows a good way to find a dive buddy once I get there, that would be amazing! I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt on the southern shore.
Thanks!
-Matt

 

[fisheater]

Best thing to do is to do your shore dives with an experienced dive op. Much of Hawaii's underwater life is a bit cryptic and about 1/4 of the species are endemic, occurring nowhere else. A good guide is worth the money to increase your enjoyment of the dives (even if you were such an experienced diver that you don't need any of the safety aspects of diving with a pro.)

The local diving would be at Koloa Landing on the south side (near Poipu) and at Tunnels Beach on the north side (near Princeville). In either location, I recommend going with Fathom Five Divers. I've used them many times and have always been impressed with their professionalism, friendliness and local knowledge.

 

[Matao87]

I'm actually going to do my boat dives with Fathom Five but shore dives are not much cheaper really, That's why I was hoping to find a partner to go with, then the only cost would be tank rental at $40 for the whole week.

 

[fisheater]

But, you won't know where to find that really cool dragon eel, e.g. You paid a fortune to get there and stay there (Grand Hyatt!), why not pay enough to get the value from all your dives?

 

[Matao87]

You paid a fortune to get there and stay there (Grand Hyatt!), why not pay enough to get the value from all your dives?

I am actually going for a wedding and most of the trip was paid for. I am just a teacher and don't have a ton of disposable income so I don't really have enough to do more than one day on a boat.

 

[fjpatrum]

Blegh, post in the Hawaii section looking for a buddy from here. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/hawai-i/

I had no trouble finding people willing to dive when I went to Hawaii. Being able to coordinate times was a different thing but there are almost always locals willing to dive with travelers. Spending money on a guide is an option but there are other alternatives, especially when you're on a budget.

 

[Matao87]

Thanks a bunch!