Water Temps

[donostler]

Hi, thanks for all of the good information I have recieved so far from all of you on this board. One last important question- what rae the water temps at the Kona dive sites. Will a 3 mil shortie do the trick? I'll be there in two more weeks ! Thanks again.

 

[friscuba]

Right now you are looking 75-77. I could jump a degree or two in the next few weeks. Most people are wearing 3 mil fulls, but depending on your size and cold tolerance, a shorty would be fine. Slender women and smaller men tend to get cold even in a full 3 mil right now.

 

[DiveMaven]

Frankly, I wouldn't dive in less than a full 5mil anymore in Hawaii. Last August when the water temps were 78-80 degrees, I was cold at the end of a week of daily diving in a 3mil. Then again, my husband was fine in his full 3mil, and we saw lots of folks in t-shirts and shorts diving.

I'd say if you're going to dive a lot (daily), step up the exposure protection. If you're only going to dive a few times, the shorty should be fine.

 

[donostler]

Thanks...what the viz like now?

 

[kidspot]

I'm on Maui, not Kona, but yesterday vis was 75ft+ off shore in an area where it is normally 30ft... it's been the best dive weather of the past year imo.

Aloha, Tim

P.S. as far as exposure suit - it just depends on how cold you get - I am currently wearing a 5/3 and still get chilled on most every dive... time to go back to the drysuit for me brrr

 

[donnyb]

Thanks...what the viz like now?

Viz is good right now, not great, but it will always be good enough.
I am skinny so I am wearing a full 5mm, if you have some extra flesh I wouldn't buy a 5mm just for this trip. The full 3mm will be fine. If you get cold easily you can bring a hood or buy one here. Most of the shops have beanies and hooded vests.

 

[MilitantMedic]

I have to chime in too, I wear a 5mil full suit with a 5mil vest/hood. 5mil booties and 2mil gloves. I'm good now =).

 

[Wildcard]

Oahu vis toady was 100 plus. Forgot to check temp but I was fine and I usualy get a little cool down deep with a 3mm full. The advice to buy a hood if you need one is a solid idea.