Kauai, Hi

[coldsmoke]

I will be on the north side of Kauai in a few months. Looking for buddies and recommendations on quality shops/operators primarily on the north side but would be willing to travel south once or twice.

Thanks,

Hunter

 

[Brandon]

Kauai doesn't really have any dive ops based on the north shore. There are a couple of shops that will run dives up there, but typically not in the winter season (swells are too large). Closest shop is probably in Kapa'a.

I dove with Fathom Five the last time I was down there (2008?) and enjoyed the small groups they run off their 6-pack boats. Diving with a dive-op in Hawaii means its going to be a guided dive, but their DMs were laid back, professional, and seemed to love their jobs.

-B

 

[coldsmoke]

So no places on the north side to get fills?

Kapa'a looks to be about a 40 minute drive from where I will be staying. Can you provide the name of the shop? I have searched but the only results that come up are Koloa Landing or that area - south.

Out of curiosity, what is the reason for guided dives only? Don't mind, but wonder if it's required or just common practice.

Thanks,

Hunter

 

[Brandon]

It's common practice if you pay a Hawaiian dive operator to take you out diving. You might be able to get past it once an operator gets to know your abilities, but most are going to be very insistent about you diving with their DMs. Hawaii is mega-vacation diver territory... you'll understand once you see who your fellow divers are.

Seasport divers has a shop in Kapa'a, but it might not matter much. Swell conditions are such that winter diving on Kauai's north shore is typically not a possibility. You're talking about 6-10' waves (and probably larger) breaking on the beaches.

If you want to do your own thing from shore, no one will care as long as you're respectful of property rights and not trying to dive in insane conditions. Most of the shore diving sites are near Poipu.

I feel your pain - we stayed in Haena for a month in February and I had to drive my ass off to go diving =)

-B