Just got back from a week on Oahu. Wasnt my first choice of Hawiian Island destinations, but who can complain when you have a free time-share to stay in? (Until you find yourself sitting in traffic for the first time there.) I didnt go there to dive, but planned to dive while I was there.
Through various recommendations, I ended up diving with Ocean Concepts. They picked me up promptly in Waikiki and drove me to Waianae on the West side of the island (an hour+ drive).
After the necessary paperwork and a very good pre-dive talk in the shop about the boat, where we were to sit, who our divemaster was, and a few minutes on the importance of being ecologically responsible, we made our way to the boat. The dives were to be guided....we had about 4 divers for each divemaster. For some reason we only got this talk my first day with them; because there were new divers there my second day, I dont know why this wasnt done consistently (though we were given the seat assignments). I know the pre-arranged seating may sound strange, but they put you with who you came with and consider diving abilities as well to keep the groups compatible. They had your bc on your tank, and gear under the bench by the time you got to the boat, and were careful to explain the boat features etc before we left the dock.
An unexpected surprise was the huge cold cut sandwiches and fresh pineapple they made available on board.
Over my two days with them, I dove the Mahi Wreck, Makaha Caverns, Black Rock, and Kea'au Corners. Black Rock was my favorite, plus we had around 150ft viz for that dive. Arguably, these may not be the best sites that Oahu has to offer, but I enjoyed each of them. Water temp was a consistent 79. I was content in my 5 mil shorty.
I thought the hooka hanging overboard with several regs at safety stop depth was a nice touch.
The staff was professional and seemed to enjoy what they do. If you spend time comparing rates, you will find that a two tank day with them costs just a bit more than some other operators, but I felt as though it was worth it.
I spent time at Hanauma Bay...worth dealing with the crowds. Beautiful area with ok snorkeling. Swim about 75-100 yrds out in the middle to get away from the masses of people who are trying to snorkel for the first time. The viz clears up out there and the coral heads are more pronounced. I saw two turtles out there too...be sure to leave them alone, they are endangered. We were told that interfering with them can result in a $15,000 fine.
The hike up Diamond Head is a lot of fun, but go early to avoid the heat and more crowds.
The day spent at Pearl Harbor was unforgettable, but again, go early to avoid the overabundant humanity levels.
Thanks to Justleesa for all her helpful input before I went!
Greg
Through various recommendations, I ended up diving with Ocean Concepts. They picked me up promptly in Waikiki and drove me to Waianae on the West side of the island (an hour+ drive).
After the necessary paperwork and a very good pre-dive talk in the shop about the boat, where we were to sit, who our divemaster was, and a few minutes on the importance of being ecologically responsible, we made our way to the boat. The dives were to be guided....we had about 4 divers for each divemaster. For some reason we only got this talk my first day with them; because there were new divers there my second day, I dont know why this wasnt done consistently (though we were given the seat assignments). I know the pre-arranged seating may sound strange, but they put you with who you came with and consider diving abilities as well to keep the groups compatible. They had your bc on your tank, and gear under the bench by the time you got to the boat, and were careful to explain the boat features etc before we left the dock.
An unexpected surprise was the huge cold cut sandwiches and fresh pineapple they made available on board.
Over my two days with them, I dove the Mahi Wreck, Makaha Caverns, Black Rock, and Kea'au Corners. Black Rock was my favorite, plus we had around 150ft viz for that dive. Arguably, these may not be the best sites that Oahu has to offer, but I enjoyed each of them. Water temp was a consistent 79. I was content in my 5 mil shorty.
I thought the hooka hanging overboard with several regs at safety stop depth was a nice touch.
The staff was professional and seemed to enjoy what they do. If you spend time comparing rates, you will find that a two tank day with them costs just a bit more than some other operators, but I felt as though it was worth it.
I spent time at Hanauma Bay...worth dealing with the crowds. Beautiful area with ok snorkeling. Swim about 75-100 yrds out in the middle to get away from the masses of people who are trying to snorkel for the first time. The viz clears up out there and the coral heads are more pronounced. I saw two turtles out there too...be sure to leave them alone, they are endangered. We were told that interfering with them can result in a $15,000 fine.
The hike up Diamond Head is a lot of fun, but go early to avoid the heat and more crowds.
The day spent at Pearl Harbor was unforgettable, but again, go early to avoid the overabundant humanity levels.
Thanks to Justleesa for all her helpful input before I went!
Greg
