going to oahu in a couple weeks

[onfloat]

The closest to DIR is Island Divers on Hickam AF Base. Joe Talavera will actually be there teaching a few classes in March. Now if you have DIN reg I would suggest bringing an adapter. I looked for almost two weeks before I could find a single tank for rent that had one. Strangely enough Oahu Divers has two AL80's with the DIN pro/K valve.

I'd still do Makaha caverns. It has an awesome cleaning station where you can always count on finding 3 or 4 turtles there. Then again I'm happy as long as the viz is better than 3 ft.

 

[scubamickey]

The closest to DIR is Island Divers on Hickam AF Base. Joe Talavera will actually be there teaching a few classes in March. Now if you have DIN reg I would suggest bringing an adapter. I looked for almost two weeks before I could find a single tank for rent that had one. Strangely enough Oahu Divers has two AL80's with the DIN pro/K valve.

I'd still do Makaha caverns. It has an awesome cleaning station where you can always count on finding 3 or 4 turtles there. Then again I'm happy as long as the viz is better than 3 ft.

Yeup, got the adapter. I do still plan to do the caverns. The description sounds great. We'll probably do a 2 tank morning dive and then 2 shore dives in the PM. I'm getting the feeling that some operators can't handle divers who do repetitive diving in one day.

Island Divers looks close enough to me At least they are a technical dive shop and--I'm hoping--will be able to better accomodate us. I sent them an email.

Thanks onfloat

 

[NW_DiverDude]

The information that each of you provided in this thread is quite helpful.

I will be in Oahu this next week for several days of diving - my first dive excursion from Oahu. I have numerous dives around Kauai and the Big Island.

Although we have at least 15 boat dives planned, we will also want to check out a few shore diving oportunities, mostly at night, and the Makaha Caverns sounds like one of the places to go. The swim out is not a deterent.

Knowing that we will be diving at the begining of March, is there 2 or 3 other really interesting shore dives that can be personally recommended??? You suggestions are truely appreciated. Thx!


Ray

 

[onfloat]

Well, there is always Hanama Bay, it's a tourist spot, lots of snorkelers inside of the reef. The real dive is outside of the reef. It's a long walk from the parking lot to the beach down a fairly long hill. You do have to pay to get in the park and there is a tram that you can take from the top to the bottom and back after your done for about $2.00 a person. You do have to watch a movie about the area before you are allowed to go down the hill. Usually it's easier to check in the park, watch the movie, get a hand stamp and then go back out to your car and get your gear. Oh and you have to pay $1.00 for parking. The park is closed on Tuesdays and at 6:00pm nightly.

 

[NW_DiverDude]

Thanks for the suggestions onfloat - I'll hve to check into it further.

With the park closing at 6pm, does that mean that no one can enter and therefor no night diving? Or, does it simply mean that you have to carry your gear further on foot into and out of the park?

Maybe checking in before 6pm, paying the fee, watching the movie, and getting the hand stamp would be required and access after 6pm for night diving??? Just curious as we are looking for at least one more location for night diving from shore.


Mahalo,

Ray

 

[scubamickey]

Ray: We'll be on Oahu a couple weeks after you get back. I'd appreciate it if you posted a trip report or PMed with your experiences finding a good shore dive.

 

[NW_DiverDude]

It would be my pleasure!

There are alot of great contributors to the various SB forums that have helped provide me with valuable and insightful information. I would enjoy the oportunity to be of help to others.


Ray

 

[ch0ppersrule]

Hanuama Bay charges $5.00 per tank (on the tram up and down the hill). Worth it though.

 

[onfloat]

Thanks for the suggestions onfloat - I'll hve to check into it further.

With the park closing at 6pm, does that mean that no one can enter and therefor no night diving? Or, does it simply mean that you have to carry your gear further on foot into and out of the park?

Maybe checking in before 6pm, paying the fee, watching the movie, and getting the hand stamp would be required and access after 6pm for night diving??? Just curious as we are looking for at least one more location for night diving from shore.


Mahalo,

Ray

Nope, the park is closed at 6:00pm, they even gate off the parking lot. On the Second Sat of the month it's possible to do a night dive there, but it's all walking--no tram. I have done night dives at Electric Beach and Makaha, but there are usually quite a few unsavory characters around. My truck fits in with the local population and doesn't attract much attention.

 

[scubamickey]

So, onfloat, where do you recommend as a safe location for a night dive for a couple in a rental car

Or do you think we should do the night dive as a boat dive? We have non-dive friends coming along but I don't want to make them sit around in semi darkness waiting for us twiddling their thumbs.