Just whizzed thru a few of your other posts
..
Some BI info
Jacks was (at least) renting a camera, a Sea and See (whatever). I tried it once, it was a pretty good deal I thought
but
.should have figured out how to use it before trying to take Manta dive photos. Got to take one out again and play with it in light for a while.
Kona surfing is to my understanding (Im not a surfer) not known for its surfing
thats Oahus North Shore. There is surfing and plenty done here with sites all along where you are staying. It is a bit more rugged as we are the new kid on the chain and the shore is mostly raw lava. Also no where near the famed Oahu waves. I think its been pretty good ocean has been outstandingly gorgeous the last couple of weeks. If you want I can try to get a surfer co-worker to dispense with some hints. It would help if you provided what kind of surfing youre up to and looking for. For example theres jump off rocks at the right time entries
.)
Hapuna Beach is very nice (in some top 10 beach list) and a great place to boogieboard. Ive got a board fins etc if you want to borrow it.
Ive also got a really funny blow up windsurfer you can play with, A Bay is where the Windsurfing goes on. On a good day they are literally flying out there.
Diving is good. Not clear what kind of diver you and the missus are 0-24 dives and certified for 10 or more years? Sounds a little scary and you might want to plan on a lot of boat diving. Any of the Ops do the Manta and still Id set that up now to guarantee getting the booking. If youre really wanting it Id also suggest book several nights to ensure seeing them. They just are not guarantee performers. Well worth it, nobody gets bored seeing the Mantas. The night dive is still good if they dont show. Ive seen folks that book 5 nights and still appear as enthusiastic on the last one. Also each of my Manta dives has been different with only one appreciably less wonderful.
Youre not supposed to (but I still do) jump out of a lava tube into the ocean at City of Refuge.
Something I think is really fun is to get Kayaks and go to The Captain Cook Monument and snorkel. Rent them with
Kona Boys.
Definitely schedule a dinner at Jamesons by the Sea need reservations- and take nothing less than outside on the deck. The view and atmosphere are dreamy, I completely forget I live here and not on vacation. Foods great too. Also Huggos on the Rocks a great place to dine on PuPus and watch the sunset. Do not miss trying if you dont already know sashimi
.raw ahi, at least as a PuPu.
Get sandwiches when heading south at Evies Natural Foods in Kealakekua and check out Killer Tacos in Kona (the fish tacos are not to be missed.) Buy Mac Nuts at Longs or WalMart. Coffee at the Kona Farmers Market unless somebody is selling it along the road just before you turn into CostCo. Look for Pickled Mango along Hina Lani at the Queen K intersection.
As for
Volcano I have a suggestion on Post #17.
The horseback ride down into the Waipio Valley is really cool to do and the Kaumana Caves (Lava Tube) is fun. Akaka Falls and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Id like to check out the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, real nice folk and it sounds good. I think the observatory is a really great thing along as the weather is good enough to see out.
Shop at Waikoloa Village Kings Shops, very nice stuff. Along Alii Drive in Kona (Uncle Billys) is good too, I go there a lot for Hawaii gifts. Get the missus a toe ring in there. General Hawaiian things like luggage tags and note pads get at Longs, WalMart or Kmart. Look for the nifty slipper fly swatter. Theres a new International Market in Kona but I havent been there, looks promising
.
Lisa
