Dive Review of
Kona Honu Divers/White Sands Village in
Hawaii/Kona

Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, Key Largo, Grand Bahama, Curacao,
Saba, Bonaire, St. Vincent, Salt Cay, Jost Van Dyke, Provo, Grand Turk

Dive Conditions

Stay with group  

Excellent boat, lots of camera room, lots of advice from staff  

Overall Rating

     It had been 12 years since our last trip to Hawaii so we were long
overdue to return. It was time to show our son James all the wonders of the
Big Island and do my first diving outside the Caribbean. The Big Island is
a destination that offers much more in addition to diving and altitude is a
factor. The must-sees include a trip to the Volcano National Park (4000+
ft) and the Muana Kea Observatory (peak 13000+ ft, Visitors Center 9000
ft), and a drive to Hilo and around the island (worth the time). At sea
level take the time to kayak to see the dolphins at Kealakakua Bay, see the
City Of Refuge (snorkel here also), boogie board at Magic Sands Beach, and
snorkel right offshore at many diffrent beaches in the area.
     The Big Island does NOT have to be expensive - we paid $120/nt for our
2br/2bath condo at White Sands Village, 4 miles south of Kona. You can
spend under $100/nt for a 1br condo in the area. Check
www.sunquest-hawaii.com, they are a rental agent for dozens of condos,
hotels, and houses. For these prices south of Kona you will not be on a
beach, you'll be on the water or across the street from the water. The
beach resorts are 10-30 miles north of Kona, there you will spend big $$$.
    The diving was good. Since all my diving's been in the Caribbean, even
the common fish were new to me. More colorful than the Caribbean too,
corals & fish both. Many eels, including pairs in the same spot. A few
turtles too. We heard about the occaisional shark sighting, including a fat
12 ft tiger that hangs out near the entrance to the harbor but we didn't
see any. Lots of dolphins on the surface and I heard the clicking
underwater but none seen. If you're a Caribbean diver you're used to being
picked up and dropped off...not here, know that up front. I had to call
around until I found Kona Honu Divers who were able to pick me up in the
morning. No one else would. They are an excellent operation, particularly
for a newer diver. Wonderful service on the boat, excellent guides. Lots of
help available for my new digital camera. The highlight was the night Manta
dive, do not miss! We saw 2, but other nights saw 8, 10, 12 of them, up to
14' wingspan. I will never forget the sight of those giants ballet dancing
through the light, passing an inch from our heads! Aloha, we will return!! 

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