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Dive Review of Jack's Diving Locker/Kona Islander Inn in
Hawaii/Kona (West Coast)

Jack's Diving Locker/Kona Islander Inn, May, 2004,

by Richard Swan, CA, USA . Report 1030.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 2 stars Food 2 stars
Service and Attitude 2 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 2 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 2 stars
Comments Recently got certified (Open Water) with Jack's Diving Locker in Kona, Hawaii. My instructor, Doug Farr, was excellent. He was patient, competent, and answered all of our questions which must have numbered in the hundreds. My fellow classmate was a twelve year old boy, who needed a little extra help, especially in the classroom. Doug was very helpful, and at the same time let me work on my own pace so I did not have to wait around. The boat was more than adequate. The entire crew was very helpful and did their best to meet the needs of all passengers. After our first dive, the captain spotted a group of Pilot Whales and we were treated to 15 minutes following about 6-8 whales on our interval. The coral is boring and the sea life minimal. Did see some great turtles and a baby reef shark.

The Kona Islander is one level above a dive. They have inadequate parking, never had maid service the whole week, and the food in the area was okay at best. My best two meals were at Subway!

On my last day diving, I went on a Manta Ray Night Dive with Kona Coast Divers (Jack's was booked). Kona Coast spends the entire dive (50 minutes) with the Mantas, so you will get your fill. Snorkelers come too, and watch from the surface. It was fantastic. We had at least 12 mantas that put on a great show. My dive guide, Steve, took great care of me, knowing I was new. I might have gotten into trouble getting back to the boat without his help. This dive would probably entertain divers of any level. I will remember it the rest of my life.

The next day I went to the volcano on the south side of the Island. The lava was flowing and was a fantastic experience.

My recommedations would be to stay on the West side for only a couple of days and do the night Manta Ray dive and maybe one other day of diving. Be sure to book the Manta Ray dive in advance. As far as I can tell it is only offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Spend the rest of your time on the East side spending time at the Volcano and rainforest areas.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 0-25 dives
Where else diving First Time
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather rainy Seas choppy
Water Temp 78-78°F / 26-26°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-120 Ft/ 15-37 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions They let you dive to the end of your tank and computer limits. I did see one diver with reef gloves using them to pull himself along the bottom. I was not aware of anyone saying anything to him.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales >2
Corals 2 stars Tropical Fish 2 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 3 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 2 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Had two large buckets on board for soaking cameras.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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