Dive Review of
Kohala Divers in
Hawaii/Big Island (Hawaii)

Cozumel, Belize, Puget Sound, California Channel Islands, Baja, Roatan,
Maui, Lanai, Big Island

Dive Conditions

dive as allowed by your computer, 50 minute target, but not strictly
enforced  

Tank only for cameras, crew helpful in getting cameras in and out of water.  

Overall Rating

Kohala Divers is located at the Kawaihae Shopping Center ,Kawaihae, HI
96743 which is north up the Kohala Coast from Kona on the Big Island.  We
stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa which is about 30
minutes north of Kona and 25 minutes south of Kawaihae.  Given the terrible
traffic conditions trying to get into Kona from the north, going up the
coast looked good to us.  That turned out to be a good decision.
I contacted Kohala Divers via their web site and got an informative
response within about 12 hours.  After researching Undercurrent and Scuba
Board, I called and reserved two days worth of diving for my adult son and
myself.  After we arrived on the Big Island I checked in and found my
reservation in order as booked.
On our first day, we had 7 divers and 2 DMs.  A boat briefing was conducted
before the boat left the dock. The two refresher divers went off with their
instructor and the other DM led our two dives.  She provided a good dive
site and critter briefing before the dive.  Entry is from the back of the
boat.  Divers sit down, put on their fins while the crew humps your BC to a
location behind you and helps you put it on.  Dives stand up and do a giant
stride into the water.  We were advised to descend with our buddies and
hang out in the vicinity of the boat until the DM had all divers in the
water and down.
On both days we dove, the DM let those wishing to follow on a tour of the
dive site.  The offer was made to allow buddy pairs to dive on their own if
they wished.
The North Kohala Coast is less visited than the area around Kona and the
lack of diver and other impact shows in the excellent condition of the
Coral and abundance of critters.  On our 3d dive we saw a flight of 3 Eagle
Rays that appeared unbothered by out appearance.  Swim throughs and lava
tubes were available on each site and the DMs were happy to take those who
wanted to vist them inside.  Alternative routes were offered for those who
did not.
I would rate the dive operation, its equipment and especially the staff as
excellent.  On my next visit to the Big Island, I will happily dive with
them. 

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