Hawaii, Bahamas or Cayman in August

[Lior]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to plan a trip with my dad (not a diver) around august and I would like to add a few days of diving while I can.

To my understanding this is not the ideal time for the Bahamas (off season) or Cayman (hurricanes season) but should be fine in Hawaii. Is that assessment correct? If it's not then what do you recommend?

Assuming we will be in Hawaii - which Island is best for diving this time of the year (any recommended diving sites?).

Are there any better alternatives around this area of the globe?

 

[DeputyDan]

Go to the big Island of Hawaii.
Go to volcano national park
Do the Manta Ray night dive - have you dad snorkel it.

Second choice for diving is Maui - however, your dad may want to do pearl harbor on Oahu

 

[KathyV]

I have never been to the Bahamas or Caymans during August but I am sure that the air temp will be very, very hot - but it will probably be really hot in Hawaii, too.

What time of month were you planning to go? The link below is for a distribution graph showing the frequency of storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean, and early August has a lower chance of bad weather as compared to late August. There's never any guarantee about the weather but it is a factor to consider.

For Hawaii I also recommend the Big Island and the night dive with mantas - a fantastic experience. I had never spent much time in Honolulu, it's a big city but beautiful (and crowded!) but I was recently there on business and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor. It was both interesting and very moving and I highly recommend the experience.

Hurricanes and Storms

 

[Lior]

Thank you both for replying.

It seems like Hawaii is the perfect destination for both of us. The temperature seems fine to what we used to (living in Israel where its 85-105 f during august). also, in 18 years of diving I never saw Manta rays (non to be found around here) so it would be great to finally experience this.

 

[vincent54]

Too early for big hurricanes in Cayman, some of the calmest days of the year. Great visibility, sun is bright and the water warm.

Hawaii and Bahamas sound fun too!! The most awesome spot in the world, in my opinion, is Maui.

 

[PatW]

I have been to Little Cayman in August quite a few times. It is hurricane season. We did get some feeder bands from a tropical storm one year, but it was no big deal. Some wind and rain for an afternoon. Typically, visibility and conditions are nearly ideal that time of year. I would take the Caymans over the Bahamas. Storms seem to like the Bahamas for some reason.

 

[robint]

Hawaii is never hot, daytime is always in 70s-low 80s at most year round.
August is a good time for Hawaii as long as it is later in the month, less families.
Kona is really nice, tons to do topside...like rainforest hikes, waterfalls, the Volcanoes National Park, etc.

 

[jameseg]

I really like Hawaii for a joint diver/non-diver trip, as there's so much to do topside. Since you'll probably go through Honolulu, I'd suggest a day or two there for things like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Punchbowl Cemetery and hiking Diamond Head. Then the Big Island of Hawaii for diving. I'd spend most of the time on the Kona side, where the best diving is. Lots of good operators there, and you can do a two-tank morning excursion and be back in time for a late lunch with your dad. If time allows, you may want to stay a day or two on the Hilo side, which is where the waterfalls are. Also much closer to Volcanoes National Park.

James

 

[scubadada]

Hi @Lior

Among the choices, for a diver and nondiver, I would pick Maui http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/activities/top-10-maui-attractions.html

 

[seeker242]

Bahamas (off season) or Cayman (hurricanes season)

It's hurricane season for both of those. The Bahamas took a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew last season.