which Island??

[ch0ppersrule]

Okay all, when the hubby gets back from being deployed (in Dec.) we are planning on visiting another Island. Which one? We have been to Hawaii (Hilo side at the volcano) with a short snorkeling trip to Kona side, but haven't been to any other Islands. We are only going for 5 days and diving 1 or 2 days. We can't decide whether to dive Hawaii and do the night manta dives or go to Kauai or Maui. Then next summer we are going to one of the other Islands we haven't been to. Which would offer better diving during winter? Our 12yr. old non-diving daughter is going also. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Melissa

 

[DeputyDan]

Hi:

Sorry I missed you when I was out there. - My fault not yours...

I would answer this question by asking - Do you plan on having your 12 year old become certified at some point. If the answer is yes. Then wait on Kona until she is certified and have her join you for the Manta Ray dive.

So depending on you answer to the above I would recommend Kauai pre-her certification and Kona post-her certification.

DD

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

You probably can't go wrong with any of them. Me loves Maui but.......

 

[chepar]

What were you planning on doing for the other days you aren't diving? Do you think you'll be just laying out at the beach/pool, or do you want to drive around and see the various sights of whatever island you're going to?

I like Kauai for something real laid back. The roosters can drive you nuts, though.

I really like Maui, but it's almost like being in Honolulu as far as traffic and crowds in certain areas. Lots of "top side" stuff to do. Wailea is my favorite resort area of all the islands.

I prefer the Kona side of the Big Island - we'll be over at Waikoloa over Admission's Day weekend. Even though the volcano's been going for a looong time, I would take the opportunity to get over there and check it out if you have the time. It's been years since I've been to Hilo - I don't recall there being much to do.

Have not yet made it over to Molokai or Lanai.

 

[kidspot]

Molokai and Lanai are for when you really want to just relax ... very quiet, no crowds, good shore diving (especially on Molokai I've been told) The old joke about Lanai when I used to go over there was that you could see the entire island in 3 hours ... after that you relax or get rock fever

Aloha, Tim

 

[ch0ppersrule]

Our daughter is certified, she just doesn't like diving anymore. We plan on relaxing the rest of the time (of course at the beach) plus a little driving to see the sights. Can't do another luau even if my life depended on it. We have taken all our visitors to one (6 total in 2 years). We are just looking to see which Island has the best weather and diving conditions over Christmas. This past XMas wasn't rainy here, but the year before it rained the whole time (probably because the in-laws were here then) LOL. We want good diving conditions and not a lot of people. OH- besides diving what places are a must see on the other islands? We did the volcano (stayed at KMC- Kileaua Military Camp) 2 years ago and it was flowing nice then also. Don't want to drive to Hilo side. If we do Hawaii we will stay only on the Kona side and do sightseeing there. Can you also list some places we must eat at (I do not eat seafood, but hubby and child do). Thanks.

Melissa

 

[justleesa]

I can't speak for the diving part, but Roger and I just went to Kauai and it was a very, very nice. We had lots to see and do.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/leesa...pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/leesakassnel/my_photos

 

[ch0ppersrule]

nice pictures. I can't wait to get wherever we go. I am going back to the mainland for Thanksgiving (my b-day present from hubby) to visit my family (in Arizona). Going for 11 days then the hubby will be back within the next two weeks.

 

[jedah]

I would say Maui would be a good compromise. There's great diving on the Backwall of Molokini, and you can also go snorkeling in the inside of the crater.

Topside, Maui is just beautiful! Take a trip to Tedeschi vineyards on the foothills of Haleakala to taste some pineapple and passionfruit wine!!

We dove with Ed Robinson's this past June, top-notch operation, but Mike Severns is also supposed to be very good.

J.