Going to Maui in December - What Will We See
- Thread starter nuxx
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Scubareefman
New member
If you name a beach or dive site I can provide video of dives on the location.
Oahu is split into two very distinct sides; local area/ tourist zones. Almost all dive companies will attempt to not bring you to where the locals live and play. Hire a local dive instructor, I can give some great references if needed.
Oahu is a island full of great dive locations. Unfortunately for most travelers they are on the island during the wrong part of the year. Summer in Hawaii is the dive season, flat clear blue waters, anything starting after august the waters get a bit messy, Sept-Feb you really need a boat to do a good dive unless your a hardcore and don't mind beach entry in big surf 5-10 foot waves a lot bigger on some northshore beaches.
Diving in the summer, some great spots to hit that you will not find listed on any dive shop and are great beach entry 2 tank dives.
top three of my list
Makapu'u is amazing.
For Novice divers the 20ish deep lagoon/beach area is amazing. For advanced divers willing to do a 15 minute surface swim out to rabbit island its freaking wonderland. Giant 50 foot aquascape's arching out to open waters, jagged volcanic teeth jutting up from the 50ish foot bottom covered in the local corals. schooling Jacks, many reef sharks, goat fish like mad, and of course the Hawaiian parrot fish every where. If this dive is done in the winter months you need two tanks! You also need to be advanced swimmers! and most importantly you need to used to sharks and whales.
Alan Davis beach off south side
Again this will not be listed by any diver company.
It requires you be able to walk in gear and tank at least a foot ball pitch before and after the dive.
Its a single or two tank summer dive.
It is truly amazing during flat waters and can be snorkeled safely if your a good swimmer.
You will be in no more the 30 feet of water just about the full dive, entry is about 3 feet with a 20 foot swim out, then hang a hard left and follow the sheer cliff that arches up to the light house several hundred feet up.
Its full of reef sharks, tangs schooling, parrot fish, and all the wonders found in Hawaiian waters. I ran into my first pod of spinner dolphins here and they are almost always hanging around checking the very few folks out. A word of warning if you want a lot of other divers in the water with you, this is not your spot. On most days you will be the only souls in the water within eye shot. surfacing will let you see the lighthouse to your back and the other islands out to sea.
Pray for sex beach.
Warning, this is a extremely advanced dive summer only dive.
North west Kaena point side, deep in the local living area.
The beaches are pristine, the swimming is amazing, and local customs should be followed at all times.
The dive can only be described as prehistoric. Giant school fish, big sharks, whales, coral heads, deep chasms rolling from 10 feet to 100, bright white sand and complex coral heads lining the maze of rock work. This can be as many tanks as you can dive as is runs more then a mile north to south and has great beaches on both sides.
Never dive this alone, never dive this tired, and never ever dive this sight in the winter months.
I can list out the best winter dive sights, and more importantly the best guides to use on any island. I will say to avoid the companies that hype the Eco-friendly side of diving. In Hawaii that's just a sale ploy, you will end up on a crappy boat maxed out with many other divers with a bottle of water and a ham sandwich in a plastic bag....not eco at all, just cheap.
Later tonight I'll post big island dive sights not to be missed, along with the best spots to get some snorkeling in. It is the best island for water sports.
Basic keys to getting the best treatment in Hawaii.
Always greet with a Houzit (how-zit) not hello or nice to meet you. just How-zit, when you get comfortable a bra at the end "How-zit bra." and toss a short shaka up instead of a handshake. don't twist it, just raise your hand about hip high holding your thumb and pinky out just a bit with a fist made fingers down. casual like friends shaking hands after golf.
If someone is speaking pigeon to you its a good thing, don't correct them. Just go with the flow and speak your mind, Hawaiians are very up-front and honest and once they see that your not easy money or "haole" (off islander, not native, not local, easy money, random white guy, sucker, not one of us) and have been on the island before the prices will drop...a lot and your aloha really starts to shine, trust me its a good thing.
The shaka is a real thing, when driving be very nice. Let others out, show the shaka when they do the same to you just wave it up at the rear view mirror and smile. remember its a very small island.
It is true they call all there friends cousin, uncle, auntie...because its a small population, and they are in fact....all related. So if they refer to u as one of these go with it, it shows they are cool with you.
Never let a taxi take you for the scenic tour lol, ever. your talking a $400 cab ride and most of what you will see is Waikiki traffic. Never buy a lady a drink that she gets form the bar. You go get it and pay for it, no tab drinks for her. Always be clear with the bar tender about what she is getting and the price. Don't do this and you maybe end up with a easy grand bar bill.
Keep your drinks covered up or in your hand. Stay with your lady, and never leave your drinks around strangers. Its common for haoles to get drugged while out drinking. Not for rape or abduction but to juice you for much more money. You will have one hell of a great night but will feel like a donkeys butt hole for the next two days. Not to mention the small fortune you drop in the bars.
Be nice to U.S soldiers, sailors and marines. Hawaiians are super patriotic, on a whole other level then mainland U.S. They still remember pearl harbor and will rally around any service member that someone is being rude to. To the existent of tossing you out of hotels, bars, planes, boats, cars.... but if you smile then buy that guy or gal a drink, your on track to a great night, or simply say great job, and toss a shaka, same same.
Cheers,
Oahu is split into two very distinct sides; local area/ tourist zones. Almost all dive companies will attempt to not bring you to where the locals live and play. Hire a local dive instructor, I can give some great references if needed.
Oahu is a island full of great dive locations. Unfortunately for most travelers they are on the island during the wrong part of the year. Summer in Hawaii is the dive season, flat clear blue waters, anything starting after august the waters get a bit messy, Sept-Feb you really need a boat to do a good dive unless your a hardcore and don't mind beach entry in big surf 5-10 foot waves a lot bigger on some northshore beaches.
Diving in the summer, some great spots to hit that you will not find listed on any dive shop and are great beach entry 2 tank dives.
top three of my list
Makapu'u is amazing.
For Novice divers the 20ish deep lagoon/beach area is amazing. For advanced divers willing to do a 15 minute surface swim out to rabbit island its freaking wonderland. Giant 50 foot aquascape's arching out to open waters, jagged volcanic teeth jutting up from the 50ish foot bottom covered in the local corals. schooling Jacks, many reef sharks, goat fish like mad, and of course the Hawaiian parrot fish every where. If this dive is done in the winter months you need two tanks! You also need to be advanced swimmers! and most importantly you need to used to sharks and whales.
Alan Davis beach off south side
Again this will not be listed by any diver company.
It requires you be able to walk in gear and tank at least a foot ball pitch before and after the dive.
Its a single or two tank summer dive.
It is truly amazing during flat waters and can be snorkeled safely if your a good swimmer.
You will be in no more the 30 feet of water just about the full dive, entry is about 3 feet with a 20 foot swim out, then hang a hard left and follow the sheer cliff that arches up to the light house several hundred feet up.
Its full of reef sharks, tangs schooling, parrot fish, and all the wonders found in Hawaiian waters. I ran into my first pod of spinner dolphins here and they are almost always hanging around checking the very few folks out. A word of warning if you want a lot of other divers in the water with you, this is not your spot. On most days you will be the only souls in the water within eye shot. surfacing will let you see the lighthouse to your back and the other islands out to sea.
Pray for sex beach.
Warning, this is a extremely advanced dive summer only dive.
North west Kaena point side, deep in the local living area.
The beaches are pristine, the swimming is amazing, and local customs should be followed at all times.
The dive can only be described as prehistoric. Giant school fish, big sharks, whales, coral heads, deep chasms rolling from 10 feet to 100, bright white sand and complex coral heads lining the maze of rock work. This can be as many tanks as you can dive as is runs more then a mile north to south and has great beaches on both sides.
Never dive this alone, never dive this tired, and never ever dive this sight in the winter months.
I can list out the best winter dive sights, and more importantly the best guides to use on any island. I will say to avoid the companies that hype the Eco-friendly side of diving. In Hawaii that's just a sale ploy, you will end up on a crappy boat maxed out with many other divers with a bottle of water and a ham sandwich in a plastic bag....not eco at all, just cheap.
Later tonight I'll post big island dive sights not to be missed, along with the best spots to get some snorkeling in. It is the best island for water sports.
Basic keys to getting the best treatment in Hawaii.
Always greet with a Houzit (how-zit) not hello or nice to meet you. just How-zit, when you get comfortable a bra at the end "How-zit bra." and toss a short shaka up instead of a handshake. don't twist it, just raise your hand about hip high holding your thumb and pinky out just a bit with a fist made fingers down. casual like friends shaking hands after golf.
If someone is speaking pigeon to you its a good thing, don't correct them. Just go with the flow and speak your mind, Hawaiians are very up-front and honest and once they see that your not easy money or "haole" (off islander, not native, not local, easy money, random white guy, sucker, not one of us) and have been on the island before the prices will drop...a lot and your aloha really starts to shine, trust me its a good thing.
The shaka is a real thing, when driving be very nice. Let others out, show the shaka when they do the same to you just wave it up at the rear view mirror and smile. remember its a very small island.
It is true they call all there friends cousin, uncle, auntie...because its a small population, and they are in fact....all related. So if they refer to u as one of these go with it, it shows they are cool with you.
Never let a taxi take you for the scenic tour lol, ever. your talking a $400 cab ride and most of what you will see is Waikiki traffic. Never buy a lady a drink that she gets form the bar. You go get it and pay for it, no tab drinks for her. Always be clear with the bar tender about what she is getting and the price. Don't do this and you maybe end up with a easy grand bar bill.
Keep your drinks covered up or in your hand. Stay with your lady, and never leave your drinks around strangers. Its common for haoles to get drugged while out drinking. Not for rape or abduction but to juice you for much more money. You will have one hell of a great night but will feel like a donkeys butt hole for the next two days. Not to mention the small fortune you drop in the bars.
Be nice to U.S soldiers, sailors and marines. Hawaiians are super patriotic, on a whole other level then mainland U.S. They still remember pearl harbor and will rally around any service member that someone is being rude to. To the existent of tossing you out of hotels, bars, planes, boats, cars.... but if you smile then buy that guy or gal a drink, your on track to a great night, or simply say great job, and toss a shaka, same same.
Cheers,
Last edited:
AZRippster
Diver & Reef Aquarium Nut
Scubareefman,
Thanks for the great info. Yeah, I was very disappointed in my dives on Oahu, but it sounds like that's par for the course unless you know where to go. When I'm there, I'm the only guy in the group that dives, so chartering a boat is not in my cards. I love to shore dive, but petty theft is awful on Oahu. I know that for a fact. Even one of the guys I meet with for work when I'm there confirms this and he's a native. Leaving a car unattended makes me nervous.
If you can make some recommendations for a single diver visiting from time to time, that would be great. I'll save your previous recommendations as well.
I really enjoyed Hawai'i, the Big Island, and especially off of Puako. I've also dove with Blue Wilderness out of Waikiloa and they were great. Any other recommendations I can store away for my next trip to the Big Island would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Again!
Thanks for the great info. Yeah, I was very disappointed in my dives on Oahu, but it sounds like that's par for the course unless you know where to go. When I'm there, I'm the only guy in the group that dives, so chartering a boat is not in my cards. I love to shore dive, but petty theft is awful on Oahu. I know that for a fact. Even one of the guys I meet with for work when I'm there confirms this and he's a native. Leaving a car unattended makes me nervous.
If you can make some recommendations for a single diver visiting from time to time, that would be great. I'll save your previous recommendations as well.
I really enjoyed Hawai'i, the Big Island, and especially off of Puako. I've also dove with Blue Wilderness out of Waikiloa and they were great. Any other recommendations I can store away for my next trip to the Big Island would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Again!
Scubareefman
New member
who to avoid and who to go with.
who to avoid and who to go with.
Yep, I agree about leaving a rental car on a random beach. Its not good. If you can rent what they call a local car, from Hawaii rentz or any other mom and pop you stand a much better chance of not getting broken into. 10 years on island and I never had a problem, but I also was local with all the junk on the car so they don't rob it, stickers and what nots.
Avoid
Deep Ecology
Dive Oahu
Wiki Divers
I highly recommend
Tyler Silber's Oahu Scuba I did dive master,
and most of my master scuba diver with him. all great prices, and best of all he knows all the boat Cptns and gets solo dive deals that are great all day dives at great rates. Most of the time it will be just you, never more then two other divers so the surface time is chill and the dive times are really on your air consumption not a novice diver in your group.
Jed hag Diving out of Aloha Scuba
The dive shop is a bit run down, but the guys and gals are awesome and keep the vibe mellow and laid back. Long no rush dive days and never to a spot that's poor vis for the day. They take pride in getting you to a spot that makes you want to come back, that incudes making sure the beach or surf is not rainy or murky. Always a bonus to dive with folks that care if you have a good time. Best part is they don't really ever dive the pipes unless the whole island is murky. The pipes are a crap dive unless that's all that's available. They also do a free night dive every Sat, just call and ask for the beach. You do however have to pay for the air at the beach, 3 bucks for a Alum 80 and you can ask for steel 120's if you prefer.
I highly suggest a night dive anywhere on the second reef by boat, or east or north side shore in the summer months. The waters are alive at night and that exploring feeling can turn a boring beach dive into a OMG that was a fun night in the waters.
Three tables and fire house are world class night dives, sharks cove is good but can be dangerous if you get into the massive and complex caves or get bold at night and try to go to the moon room or elevator. Both of those are great summer dives, you will see massive sun coral crops along the roofs and inside the caves, very cool for a reefer. most divers never even look up or bring a light. Black coral is abundant on the inside faces of the caves as well. and the sea turtles well pop out of nowhere and scare the crap out of you.
on muai
Dive Maui and Maui scuba are both really classy company's. Dm runs its own boat from what I remember and does day trips to lanai as well as sunset and moonlight dives. The moonlight ray dive is a lot of fun if your into rays. big suckers and so many they cloud the waters.
Big island is a whole other matter. I will post its own list later.
If you can get to Midway go, its vary rare to be able to go but no where in the world compares. Not many people know midway is a pair of Hawaiian islands. Also Xmas Island and Johnson's Atoll. Epic life changing dives. Pure healthy reefs with millions of fish and corals, its one of the times words can not describe. The boat ride out is silent as the divers just reflect in awe.
Cheer,
tom
who to avoid and who to go with.
Yep, I agree about leaving a rental car on a random beach. Its not good. If you can rent what they call a local car, from Hawaii rentz or any other mom and pop you stand a much better chance of not getting broken into. 10 years on island and I never had a problem, but I also was local with all the junk on the car so they don't rob it, stickers and what nots.
Avoid
Deep Ecology
Dive Oahu
Wiki Divers
I highly recommend
Tyler Silber's Oahu Scuba I did dive master,
and most of my master scuba diver with him. all great prices, and best of all he knows all the boat Cptns and gets solo dive deals that are great all day dives at great rates. Most of the time it will be just you, never more then two other divers so the surface time is chill and the dive times are really on your air consumption not a novice diver in your group.
Jed hag Diving out of Aloha Scuba
The dive shop is a bit run down, but the guys and gals are awesome and keep the vibe mellow and laid back. Long no rush dive days and never to a spot that's poor vis for the day. They take pride in getting you to a spot that makes you want to come back, that incudes making sure the beach or surf is not rainy or murky. Always a bonus to dive with folks that care if you have a good time. Best part is they don't really ever dive the pipes unless the whole island is murky. The pipes are a crap dive unless that's all that's available. They also do a free night dive every Sat, just call and ask for the beach. You do however have to pay for the air at the beach, 3 bucks for a Alum 80 and you can ask for steel 120's if you prefer.
I highly suggest a night dive anywhere on the second reef by boat, or east or north side shore in the summer months. The waters are alive at night and that exploring feeling can turn a boring beach dive into a OMG that was a fun night in the waters.
Three tables and fire house are world class night dives, sharks cove is good but can be dangerous if you get into the massive and complex caves or get bold at night and try to go to the moon room or elevator. Both of those are great summer dives, you will see massive sun coral crops along the roofs and inside the caves, very cool for a reefer. most divers never even look up or bring a light. Black coral is abundant on the inside faces of the caves as well. and the sea turtles well pop out of nowhere and scare the crap out of you.
on muai
Dive Maui and Maui scuba are both really classy company's. Dm runs its own boat from what I remember and does day trips to lanai as well as sunset and moonlight dives. The moonlight ray dive is a lot of fun if your into rays. big suckers and so many they cloud the waters.
Big island is a whole other matter. I will post its own list later.
If you can get to Midway go, its vary rare to be able to go but no where in the world compares. Not many people know midway is a pair of Hawaiian islands. Also Xmas Island and Johnson's Atoll. Epic life changing dives. Pure healthy reefs with millions of fish and corals, its one of the times words can not describe. The boat ride out is silent as the divers just reflect in awe.
Cheer,
tom
AZRippster
Diver & Reef Aquarium Nut
Scubareefman,
Yeah, that's the info I'm looking for but I'm still holding out for the Big Island. My family and I loved it and I would sooooo like to retire there. It's still an island, not a floating city, and the diving we did was pretty darn good and the pace was wonderful.
We're headed to Mexico in July for some diving and then the Florida Keys in November, but very soon we'll either be back on the Big Island or down in Roatan. I'm looking forward to hitting the Big Island someday with your info in hand.
Thanks,
AZRipp
Yeah, that's the info I'm looking for but I'm still holding out for the Big Island. My family and I loved it and I would sooooo like to retire there. It's still an island, not a floating city, and the diving we did was pretty darn good and the pace was wonderful.
We're headed to Mexico in July for some diving and then the Florida Keys in November, but very soon we'll either be back on the Big Island or down in Roatan. I'm looking forward to hitting the Big Island someday with your info in hand.
Thanks,
AZRipp
ScuderiaTech
New member
Did you see any mantas? Maui is well known for them!
Scubareefman
New member
Big Island Info
Big Island Info
:fish2:
There are two main areas on the Big Island, Kona and Hilo.
Hilo is an old sugar town and has lots of small areas to get lost in for a day.
The divers I know who live in Hilo both are currently diving Palau so I'll cover it later.
Leeward Kona side on the other hand...amazing. Here are my top three dives.
1. City of refuge. A summer dive of a lifetime. City of refuge is a fish and coral sanctuary. The entry is off rocks into 20 feet of water. The current is stiff and cross direction to the low rock faces and very minimal sand beaches. Palms hang over the lagoons with bright blue water. the sub structure is rolling lava rock and jagged black jetty's carved by the stiff currents. Schools of reef fish cloud the walls and predator fish are not shy and are common. Blue water fish frequent this dive sight early mornings and night. The reef is healthy so sharks will be seen so be calm.
A few shots from city of refuge.
Ill post a video of this spot later this week, the only pictures I have are form my old free dive company and don't show the deeper parts.
also I will write the next post tomorrow night for my #2 South Point the cleanest bluest water I have ever been in. And the views, holy crap the views.
video of the south point cliffs during my free dive days, sorry about my hand and the wind, skip to 17 sec's in. I was filming a intro for my old website
My single favorite dive company
Kona Diving company 808-331-1858 is world class. The service is excellent, the dives are never rushed. The Dive Masters are professional and help to maximize the dive sights for first time seers and set back and relax when with seasoned divers. The rental equipment is never the cheap stuff, always top of the line, and clean. They offer year round dives as well as individual dives for solo travelers.
Big Island Info
:fish2:
There are two main areas on the Big Island, Kona and Hilo.
Hilo is an old sugar town and has lots of small areas to get lost in for a day.
The divers I know who live in Hilo both are currently diving Palau so I'll cover it later.
Leeward Kona side on the other hand...amazing. Here are my top three dives.
1. City of refuge. A summer dive of a lifetime. City of refuge is a fish and coral sanctuary. The entry is off rocks into 20 feet of water. The current is stiff and cross direction to the low rock faces and very minimal sand beaches. Palms hang over the lagoons with bright blue water. the sub structure is rolling lava rock and jagged black jetty's carved by the stiff currents. Schools of reef fish cloud the walls and predator fish are not shy and are common. Blue water fish frequent this dive sight early mornings and night. The reef is healthy so sharks will be seen so be calm.
A few shots from city of refuge.
Ill post a video of this spot later this week, the only pictures I have are form my old free dive company and don't show the deeper parts.
also I will write the next post tomorrow night for my #2 South Point the cleanest bluest water I have ever been in. And the views, holy crap the views.
video of the south point cliffs during my free dive days, sorry about my hand and the wind, skip to 17 sec's in. I was filming a intro for my old website
My single favorite dive company
Kona Diving company 808-331-1858 is world class. The service is excellent, the dives are never rushed. The Dive Masters are professional and help to maximize the dive sights for first time seers and set back and relax when with seasoned divers. The rental equipment is never the cheap stuff, always top of the line, and clean. They offer year round dives as well as individual dives for solo travelers.
Last edited:
tkeracer619
New member
+1 Great outfit.
here it is ...
here it is ...
Here it is
A: Hotel Waikiki Parc
B: lotus diamond head
http://www.distancemonk.com/2233+Helumoa+Rd/2885+Kalakaua+Ave/13+mins/4.786/
not quite far (3 miles) from each other and very close to beach.
here it is ...
Here it is
A: Hotel Waikiki Parc
B: lotus diamond head
http://www.distancemonk.com/2233+Helumoa+Rd/2885+Kalakaua+Ave/13+mins/4.786/
not quite far (3 miles) from each other and very close to beach.
