Wetsuits, Sites and more

[SoCal Surfer]

Hey folks! I need a bit of help. I'm going to be visiting family in Makakilo and now that I am certified, I'd like for bring my equipment. I have a few questions.

Hanauma bay.
I was under the impression that you need for pay the guided tour fee to scuba there. 100 bucks or so. Is that the case or can you just pull up and go for it?
Wetsuit
And, I'm new to this scuba thing so I'm not quite sure what kind of wetsuit I'll need in HI. I use a 7mm with a 5 mm hooded vest in CA. I have a 4/3 that I surf with and am wondering if that is enough suit for HI?

Shark's Cove
I used to live right at Pupukea and am wondering how the scuba is at Shark's Cove, 3 tables or any other good beginner spots to recommend.

Thanks everybody!
Matt

 

[kidspot]

the 4/3 is probably about right, expect water temps this time of year to be 75-79*

Can't tell you dive sites over there (but happy to show you some if you come to Maui) however someone will certainly be along soon to point them out.

Have fun in Makakilo - if you happen to go up Palailai st. (first left off Makakilo drive) look for the big smiley face on the left by the school ... it's the house I grew up in (we put it up for a basketball backboard) last time I drove up there it was still there.

Aloha, Tim

 

[www.scubamazing.com]

I agree that your surfer wetsuit ought to be good. the 7mm would definitely be overkill.

Shark's Cove is a good dive as is 3 tables. Both are good for shore dives. There's a couple of arches to go through in Shark's Cove. And you're approaching the better vis. time of year.

Do you have a dive buddy to go with?

 

[okamiotoko2004]

The one time I dove Hanauma bay there was just the $3 entrance fee into the park, but that was awhile ago now. Not a bad dive there but parking can be a problem especially during the weekends.
Shark's cove, Three Tables and Firehouse are some of my favorite dive sites. There is a ton to explore there, all shallow dives, all good and relatively easy. Check the surf report before you go up there, any significant surf up there on north shore I would stay out of the water up there. Can be some current off Firehouse. Alot of caves nooks and crannies at the cove to explore. I usually go in at the tables at the cove since it is easier to enter and exit at the beach (if you can call it that).

 

[SoCal Surfer]

Ha ha! My buddy lives off of palailai. I think I know the happy face you speak of. Small world and getting smaller by the website.

 

[SoCal Surfer]

I agree that your surfer wetsuit ought to be good. the 7mm would definitely be overkill.

Shark's Cove is a good dive as is 3 tables. Both are good for shore dives. There's a couple of arches to go through in Shark's Cove. And you're approaching the better vis. time of year.

Do you have a dive buddy to go with?

I'm supposed to have my friends gf to dive with. Hopefully she doesn't flake on me. We'll see.

 

[SoCal Surfer]

The one time I dove Hanauma bay there was just the $3 entrance fee into the park, but that was awhile ago now. Not a bad dive there but parking can be a problem especially during the weekends.
Shark's cove, Three Tables and Firehouse are some of my favorite dive sites. There is a ton to explore there, all shallow dives, all good and relatively easy. Check the surf report before you go up there, any significant surf up there on north shore I would stay out of the water up there. Can be some current off Firehouse. Alot of caves nooks and crannies at the cove to explore. I usually go in at the tables at the cove since it is easier to enter and exit at the beach (if you can call it that).

Great tips! That's exactly what I need. What kind of stuff will I see? Are there any dangers to worry about (jellyfish, angry big-toothed fish, etc.)?

 

[chepar]

The North Shore sites are just about the only shore dives I will do - they're all easy. Three Tables is my favorite. Your 4/3 wetsuit will be fine.

Anyway, if you'll be here sometime from May through September, the diving conditions on the North Shore are optimal. Plan on getting there early to snag parking if you'll be diving on the weekends or holidays. Weekdays should be a little easier.

Nothing really to worry about in the water - well, except for the hordes of snorkelers that typically only look straight down. You have to be careful (especially at Shark's Cove) because in a collision with a snorkeler, I think you have a good idea of who is coming out the loser. Other than that - just make sure you have a good compass reading of how to get back to shore.

Night dives out there are fun too - the sharks are out hunting, and I've seen a conger eel and lobsters.

If your dive buddy flakes, let us know. There are a bunch of us that take advantage of the conditions and do the majority of our diving on the North Shore during the summer. I'm sure you won't have a problem finding someone who can dive with you.