Kona-need dive shop/childcare/lodging recs

[kbaumscuba]

We are going to Kona next September for 8 days with our then 21 mo-old. Can anyone suggest some good diver operators, places to stay, and what to do about child care while we dive?

Are there any condos or resorts that might have a Kids Club (she won't be potty-trained by then, though) and a place where we can store gear -- be it on a balcony or with the dive shop?

I know I'm asking for everything under the sun, but we have 9 months to plan this vacation, so I'm hoping for the best.

Also, anyone been there before and recommend going elsewhere on the island? I assume we'll have to stay somewhere else one night if we want to go to the Volcano?

Thanks!........dying to dive since I haven't seen a month before I got knocked up!

 

[DeputyDan]

We stayed in a condo when visiting Kona - not a resort - make sure that the place you stay has AC. We did not think about that and it was very hot (July).


http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ha...itrox-cert-big-island-aow-dive-options-2.html


I used the info in this report and found it to be very accurate. The report starts at post # 14.


I enjoy Capybara's reports and find them to include info. that a diver needs to make informed decisions.

 

[Teamcasa]

I’ll second the A/C requirement for the condo – very important! Most dive ops will rinse and store your gear. My lovely bride and I dove with Bid Island Divers – terrific people. I don’t know about the child care – sorry.

 

[cuddlefish]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ha...itrox-cert-big-island-aow-dive-options-2.html


I used the info in this report and found it to be very accurate. The report starts at post # 14.


I enjoy Capybara's reports and find them to include info. that a diver needs to make informed decisions.

Interesting. This report would make me shy away from the two ops mentioned. Forgetting a BC can certainly happen...but trying to convice her to use someone else's BC seems strange (both for her and whoever owned that BC). Then you have the instructor that didn't instruct (no class time, no practical application, and sent them off to dive on their own). Throw in a little marine life harassment...and I think I'd try other (not so cheap) options. Just my opinion, of course.