[scubadude]

Me and the wife are gonna probably go there for a week I was thinking of flying to Oahu and spending a couple of nites there in a cheap motel then going over to the Big Island and staying there 4 nites, at a really nice condo and thats when I will be able to do some diving So far from what I have heard that Kohala Coast has a more laid back, and desolate atmosphere and the snorkeling/diving is great. I was thinking of also renting a jeep while at the Big Island, and of course we are gonna try the helicopter ride into the volcano. If anyone has any tips I sure would appreciate it....I have already gotten an email for $150 airfare to HI but that was from LAX and im in Florida!

[Aragorn]

Well, FWIW, before we got into diving we went to Maui. The snorkeling was awesome! Lotsa corals and fish off of Lahaina. Nice island. The trip to the Haleakala crater(10,000ft) was awesome too. That's all I can say since that's the only island I've been to. Sorry.

[cwa46]

There is a reef at the base of the Captain Cook Memorial on the big Island. You can walk or take a dive boat. It was one of the best I have seen. If you rent a jeep, check the fine print. I was going to do the same thing and I found out if you go "off pavement" your insurance is no good. There is one place on the big island that will rent for you to go offroad but it is like $900 a week.

[Penguin]

If you're into the more laid-back rustic atmosphere consider going to Kauai. That was my favorite island overall--very beautiful and relaxing. I'll also echo what Aragorn said, the snorkeling on Maui is great near Lahaina.

[ranaman]

I stayed at the Keauhou Beach Resort, this was a beautiful place and had a good resturant. My sister said Kona suffered from CA resturants high prices, lousy food, in fact I went with her to a highly praised resturant. She admitted she rather would have had the tuna salad back at the hotel for the same price. The other nice thing about this hotel is it is next door to Kahalu'u Beach Park. This has a breakwater built by the ancient hawaiians. It is like swimming in an aquarium. This will leave you wanting more.
The city of refuge, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, is real nice. You can park the whole day for a few bucks in alot by the boat ramp, that is run by the Painted Church. A local boy watches the cars and the donation box. There are Port-a-Lets there, and by the beach there are picnic tables and grills.
Didn't get to Captain Cook because I had a bad cold(ever sneeze underwater?) to get there without the cattle snorkle boats you can hike there, just remember you have to hike up 1,300 feet on the trip back. The other option is to rent a kayak.
If you want to rent a 4wd check out Harper Rentals he rents 4X4 without restrictions (800) 852-9993. Driving in Kona is like being in the third world they don't believe in guard rails and wrecks are left by the side of the road untill I guess the wrecker has a full load.
I think if you want to visit Kaua'i visit Kona last since at least the snorkling is better than Kaua'i there are some fish that are seen more often there than in Kona. Then Kona does have the melanestic long nosed butterfly.
The other nice thing about Kona is Bill Stockly can have the local boys catch that Hawaiian fish you always wanted and pack them for the trip back. His website is http://www.ecosaqua.com
Don't forget the waikiki aquarium a short walk from the strip. You can pick up John Hoover's books on fish and inverts. The fish book describes various dive sites.
BTW I didn't think much of the Kohala area since it seems to be becoming land of many golf courses. Think Boca Raton.

[scubadude]

Yes it was a toss up between Maui and The Big Island and I have heard the exact same locations from a freind who was there 3 yrs ago.

Penguin and Aragorn

How long ago was it that you guys where in Maui diving/snorkeling? Which dive operators did you use for Haleakala crater I think I will try Maui instead of The Big Island....we might just hop over to the big island for just one day

[Aragorn]

Scubadude,
The trip to Maui was about 4 years ago. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the company we used(wasn't into diving then ). All I remember was that Maui was quite beautiful(the island) and the coral(s), fish, sea turtles, and humpback whales were spectacular. I would do it again if there wasn't so many other places to visit

[Penguin]

I was in Maui about 2 years ago. I don't remember the name of the company we used either. All I remember is that the captain of the boat that took us out reminded me of a cross between Popeye and Jack Nicholson. The sea turtles were especially awesome, they were just all over the place.

[ranaman]

Green sea turtles are everywhere in Kona too. At the city of refuge I got a flipper in the face, at first I thought it to be some inexpeirenced diver turned out to be a seaturtle coming through. Finishing up snorkling by the hotel, I sat down on a lava ledge to take my fins off, my sister said look. There was a turtle hauled up eating algae off the rocks about 3' away.
The reason the Kona coast is so nice there are no permanent streams and is fairly protected from high surf, so visibility is real good pretty much everyday. The big promo in Kona are manta night dives, all the hotel lights attract schools of mysis and groups of manta rays come in to feed.
The guide book I have from my trip 2 years ago says there are some nice reefs in Kohala but the local dive shops leave something to be desired. I think you don't have that problem with golf courses.
A friend in Hawaii told me if you go to Molokini Island get an early boat out so you don't spend the trip chumming up the fish . Hoover says there are dragon morays out there which would make the trip worthwhile for me.
BTW my favorite moment is getting in a surge area with a group of Achilles' tangs. They seem in taking delight in the surge.

[Triggers]

yup, those achilles do like the surge. surged myself with them on Oahu. would need some strong flow in the tank to give em what they like.