Just chiming in here cuz why the ___ not, thread is crazy already. Primarily (or was, I'm old and it's cold) So Cal diver, also old GUE type (but only fundamentals), also a Pedro/BXTS alumni, been going since 2004 ish. I go to Coz because it's relatively cheap, relatively easy to get to from L.A., the diving is good to very good, and the food is awesome. Yeah, it's not what it was, it's not mind blowing. But it's not supposed to be. Go to Indo for that. It's solid diving with some of the best viz available. Couple dives in the morning, a little lunch, a little nap or read a book, a trip to El Moro for dinner... what's not to like? Dove it last November, prior to that was Pre-Covid, and the isla did redeem itself for me a bit.
Also just got back last week from Maui. That Kona diving is a relative steal. Maui is 230-270 per person for two tanks dep. on destination. And the boat diving just isn't that great. Last time 2 years ago we spent more on two days boat diving than our airfare for meh diving, including back wall Molokini. Best diving *by far* cost $20 and a walk along Mala pier for a shore dive. We didn't do any boat trips this trip, just a couple shore dives listening to whale song.
Then again opinions are like you know whats. Will I go to Coz every year? No. Will it stay on the list for future trips where I don't want to spend thousands? Yep