Thanks for the helpful response.
I don't have enough dives logged yet to feel comfortable diving Niihau.
Thank you for letting me know about Hale O Hanu, I'm definitely adding it to my list. I can't find it on a map, where is it exactly? I need to book my dives soon.
What's your opinion on when to dive to avoid heavy surges, morning?
So far I plan to book dives at Koloa Landing and hopefully find me a company that will take me to Sheraton Cavern and Halo O Hanu. Marine Life is what I'm looking for but Sea Turtles is definitely on top of my list for all dives that I do, after all, they're why I decided to get certified after experiencing Snuba in Maui. =)
If I can just find two spots with the most critters, which of the 3 spots I listed are on top of your list?
Question, I'm hiking and diving on this trip. Where should I avoid hiking the day after a dive? Where is elevation too high?
Glad to be of help. I certainly understand and respect your feeling on Niihau.
Hale O Honu is located just to the west of Port Allen small boat harbor. There are a couple of options for divers seeking a charter there. It is not available for access from shore safely for visiting divers. While I currently work for Bubbles Below Scuba charters out of Port Allen, there are two other companies that dive Hale O Honu as well. Garden Island divers (Port Allen) and Explore Kauai Scuba (Kekaha). I don't believe they would be able to dive the Caverns and Hale O Honu on the same charter but you could certainly inquire with them. The Caverns is located a considerable distance away and it would have to be a very calm day for their boats to reach both sites. They are at the same time two nice personalized and small operations with great reviews. While mother nature always have the final say, we do have the ability to dive both of these sites on the same charter if the conditions are appropriate. We wouldn't venture to Poipu for the caverns if it was going to be a rough trip that would take away from your enjoyment based on rough water transit. Again, regardless of who you choose to dive with - you should get excellent treatment from the operations that travel to Hale O Honu. Should you decide to dive out of Port Allen the only operation that sometimes dives Hale O Honu would be Seaport Divers. The Caverns are only a 5-10 min trip from that harbor.
Mornings are almost always the calmest waters throughout the year as trade winds are at their strongest in the am. There isn't likely to be south swell at the time of your visit, but afternoon trade wind swell is possible.
It is a certainty that you will get numerous turtle encounters on your dives and I think you will be very excited and pleased with the volume of turtles and other critters you encounter based on your dive site choices.
I think you would be thrilled with a morning or afternoon of diving at Koloa Landing. The shore dives don't need to be booked far in advance and you could choose or be guided as to the best days for booking when you arrive or shortly before. Vis is consistent there as long as there hasn't been lots of rain or out of season swell.
As for critters I feel that Hale O Honu is the best critter dive on the island. It's a HUGE site that as I mentioned is loaded with critters. A charter out of Port Allen or Kekaha could get you there plus another critter spot in the area - or Sheraton Caverns weather cooperating.
Hiking should be fine just about anywhere other than Waimea Canyon as far as after dives. I can suggest some hike based on you desire for location around the island. Lots of beautiful spots to go both coastal and inland. Waimea is WELL over 1,000 feet and you would want to avoid it after diving.
Thanks for the opportunity to help out and feel free to keep the questions coming.
A
ha! Either way, a call always is great or direct message me your e-mail and I'll make sure all your questions gets answered. We love to share our passion for the ocean and would love to have you!
