Going to Hawaii on vacation – can anyone recommend a good scuba dive location?
We will have three days to dive and will be arriving in Honolulu. We will travel to another island if the diving is better.
Need to know the best dive sites and if possible the name of a good scuba shop and place to stay.
Raintree at Kona Reef
Kona Reef Resort is what Hawaiian vacations are all about–a luxurious, ocean-side setting with the finest weather of all the islands; close to sports activities, unique history, and great shopping; one of the best luaus in the islands; and other adventures for the entire family.
Directions Nearest airport: Keahole-Kona airport (8 miles)
-From the airport, turn right onto Highway 19.
-Proceed 6 miles to PalaniRoad.
-Turn right at Palani Road.
-Drive along Palani Road, through the traffic light.
-Palani Road becomes Alii Drive as it winds left.
-As the road turns into Alli Drive, Kona Reef is exactly 1 mile away on the right side of Alii Drive.
-KonaReef has a blue tile roof.
Sauna
Scuba Diving
Shopping Area
Snack Bar
Spa
Tennis
Water Skiing
Wind Surfing
Auto Rental
Child Care
Medical Facilities
http://www.4cheapvacations.ws
bigmoneymaker34@hotmail.com
Raintree at Kona Reef
Kona Reef Resort is what Hawaiian vacations are all about–a luxurious, ocean-side setting with the finest weather of all the islands; close to sports activities, unique history, and great shopping; one of the best luaus in the islands; and other adventures for the entire family.
Directions Nearest airport: Keahole-Kona airport (8 miles)
-From the airport, turn right onto Highway 19.
-Proceed 6 miles to PalaniRoad.
-Turn right at Palani Road.
-Drive along Palani Road, through the traffic light.
-Palani Road becomes Alii Drive as it winds left.
-As the road turns into Alli Drive, Kona Reef is exactly 1 mile away on the right side of Alii Drive.
-KonaReef has a blue tile roof.
Sauna
Scuba Diving
Shopping Area
Snack Bar
Spa
Tennis
Water Skiing
Wind Surfing
Auto Rental
Child Care
Medical Facilities
http://www.4cheapvacations.ws
bigmoneymaker34@hotmail.com
References :
The Molokini Crater off the shore of Maui. Ask the locals about the best scuba shop and they might give you their ideas on the best "secret" places (Molokini can get pretty touristy, but it is beautiful).
References :
Molokini, off of Maui. Try the website: snorkelbob.com
References :
We stayed in Honolulu, Hawaii (right across the road from Waikiki Beach and we stayed at the Pacific Beach Hotel. I would recommend that place to anyone who is going over there. I know when I go back thats where I am going to stay again…i loved it! but as far as a place to go snorkling, you should check out the Haneuma Bay (spelled wrong – sorry). I think it just cost $5 a person at the place, plus the rental of flippers and snorkle gear, which we had planned all of this with the agency at our hotel. they had different packages, where we would just have to pay one lump sum and still have everything for that trip. it was alot of fun though and very pretty. wherever you stay, just ask your hotel person about different excursions and they will probably have a brochure that you can look at and it will tell what each thing offers for the price. Most of them are reasonably priced and all of our excursions were alot of fun!
References :
The greatest scuba diving resource for Oahu SEE Aaron’s Dive Shop, 307 Hahani Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734 or call free 1-888-84-SCUBA, website: aarons@aloha.com Moreso, if your divers you must see the beauty of the oceans jewery at MauiDivers.com
The most reasonable place/flight to Hawaii, I went on Delta Airlines http://www.cheaptickets.com, and stayed at Aqua Hotel in Waikiki, and the drive to Aaron’s dive shop is only twenty minutes away. I stayed in the Summer (2006) for less than $850 for two weeks and a round trip ticket from Virginia to Hawaii. Check it out and ENJOY!
References :
http://www.aarons@aloha.com, and the Hawaiian Ocean Jewery see http://www.mauidivers.com
I am sorry that most people here can’t seem to get their islands correct! If you only have three days you will not have time to fly (remember you need 18 hours after multiple dives before it is safe to fly) unless you only want to dive one day.
I would personally recommend the night Manta Ray dives off of Kailua Bay, Kona (the big island) BUT, you need to be an experienced diver to do these.
On Oahu: (where Honolulu is for the rest of you!!!)
I recommend Island Divers Hawaii.
http://www.oahuscubadiving.com
or
Gabe Scotti (my Rescue instructor and friend)
KaimanaDivers.com
(He can find the smallest nudibranch on the reef)
or
Max Brunk
mdchawaii.com
( I think Octopods are magnetically attracted to him…almost a guarantee he can coax one out to play!)
I have personally dove with most of the DM’s and Instructors at Island Divers and also with both Gabe and Max. Actually heading back in three weeks to see them all again!
The boat reservatioins are made through any of the above sources. Most morning dives include one deep (100+) (wreck) and one reef or a deep and drift. The afternoon charters are shallower. Depending upon what your limits are (Open water= 60 feet) you can decide which suits you.
If you are not wreck or deep certified, you may wish to do that on the island if you have the advanced certification to do it. The YO-257 and San Pedro and the Corsair are three great wrecks to visit. I have seen all of them multiple times.
YOUR BEST BET to see the most is to go with someone who knows what to find. I don’t recommend shore diving as the N Shore is still closed to divers this time of year and the other shore sites take some experience.
Hotels:
In Waikiki: I stayed at the newly renovated Aloha Surf Hotel. The rooms are small ( I get the delux), but the rates were very low! Very clean and friendly staff! All 3 of the dive companies I mentioned can do pickup at the hotel also. And if you sleep in a bit, breakfast is delivered to your room as part of your package.
Have fun!
References :
SCUBA professional
I’d try Lahaina on the island of Maui. Lahaina is a fun town with lots of night life and things to do… The whales are out in force… Amazing times! Today I dove off the island of Lanai with Hawaiian Rafting Adventures and had two great dives with 100+ foot vis and tons of fish…
Here is their website:
http://www.goscubadivemaui.com