DjDiverDan
Contributor
Though I've been a certified diver for 24 years now, I've never managed to make it to Hawaii. I have been to Moorea, and enjoyed diving with the Reef Sharks, the Manta Rays, the Moray Eels, and the other reef life, but because of my location (Dallas) and general inability to get away for more than a week at a time, most of my diving has been in the Carribean - Grand Cayman, U.S. Virgin Islands, Martinique, and my very favorite, Cozumel. But I really want to plan a trip to Hawaii, and I'm wondering, which Island has the best diving for ME? I'm not a big fan of wreck diving - I'll do it, but I'd much rather see vibrant sea life, colorful corals, awe inspiring coral structures, and pelagics - sea turtles, sharks, eagle and manta rays, etc., than crawling through a sunken ship. I love drift diving, as long as the current isn't ripping so fast you need a reef hook, and while I enjoy swim-throughs, I think I'd find swimming through barren lava tubes boring. So, with those things in mind, which Island has the best diving for me? Oahu? Maui? The Big Island? Recommendations on where to stay and Dive Ops would also be appreciated. Thanks.
BTW, I'd also like info on water temps. Most of my tropical diving has been in water temps of 78-82, and my 0.5 mm fleece is just fine for that. Do I need more? Is adding a 2 mm Shorty and Hood enough? Or should I break down and get a full 2mm or 3mm wetsuit?
BTW, I'd also like info on water temps. Most of my tropical diving has been in water temps of 78-82, and my 0.5 mm fleece is just fine for that. Do I need more? Is adding a 2 mm Shorty and Hood enough? Or should I break down and get a full 2mm or 3mm wetsuit?