Instant Reader Report on Diving
Mauna Kea Divers/Paniolo Greens in
Hawaii/Big Island in
2002/10

  Mexico, Belize, Bonaire, Cayman Is., Bahamas 

Dive Conditions

Shore diving:computer/air usage  

[None]  

Overall Rating

In October we shore dived off the Big Island.  There was quite a surge in
the rough seas due to the consistent winds, thus lowering visibility
significantly.  Puako, normally a good shore dive location was relatively
inaccessible.  On one occasion, we did make entry and were rewarded with
green sea turtles as curious of us as we were of them.  Some fascinating
lava tubes are in this area as well.  Mahukona, in the northern part of the
island is an easy shore dive off an old railroad pier.  This site has
interesting u/w topography especially south of the mooring buoy.  There's
an outdoor shower for rinsing off.  Probably the best site of all is Place
of Refuge, a popular site south of Kailua-Kona in a protected cove.  Pods
of dolphins frequent the area as well as myriads of small tropicals and a
turtle cleaning station with two turtles getting their daily massage.  Due
to the shallow depths, expect long dives if you go on your own, and this
time of year the water temp. was consistently 82 degrees.  Kayaking and
snorkeling at Kealekekua or Cook Bay was lots of fun.  Here the Spinner
Dolphins put on quite a show with their acrobatics near our kayak.  Even a
baby one was trying out the aerial spins.  Aloha Kayaks across from the
Shell gas station had good rental prices.
A couple of negative points included being there during the Ironman
Triathlon and paying grossly inflated car rental prices, not to mention the
increased amount of traffic.  On a positive note though, the
"Aloha" spirit does exist and people are courteous. 
Unfortunately I cannot recommend Mauna Kea Divers as the shop is rarely
open and it's difficult to get tanks and the owner seems like he's lost
interest in running his business and had an overall negative attitude.   

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