First Scuba Dive trip to Hawaii - Oahu? Big Island? Maui? - from June 26 to July 1st

[gamcm]

Hi Guys, my husband and I are planning a short trip to Hawaii (last minute trip) from June 26th to July 1st.
We have already been to Hawaii (Oahu and Maui), but we were not diving at that time.
I'm completely lost at this point. I'm looking for advices on which island would be the best one for scuba diving: including the best place in the island for diving (reefs or ship wrecks) and diving op.
We are very flexible in terms of diving: reefs, ship wrecks, shore diving or boat diving.
We would love to see some dolphins, turtles, sharks, and other different things, but not sure if it's possible at this time of the year.
I saw some postings about diving with sharks (cage) and scooter diving, but not sure if we would be able to do all in one island.
Please, I need some guidance
Thanks.

 

[diversteve]

My vote would be for Maui or the Big Island. Reef sharks you may see anywhere - Molokini off Maui is generally a high probability. Just about every dive there I've seen some white tips either resting in the sand or cruising nearby. Shark Condos is another given there but it's 130' plus.

Turtles used to live on the Carpathian off Maui - probably still do - so you get a wreck and turtles in one dive. It is 97' deep though. The wreck is an old tourist boat that was deliberately sunk. Sometimes when you're on the site there the tourist sub will go by.

Shaka Divers or Maui Dreams Dive Co - both based near Kihei - offer escorted Scooter shore dives. There's also several really, easy beach entry shore dives in that area. Boats leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp there, Ed Robinsons, Mike Severns or B&B Scuba are often recommended here. I can vouch for Ed Robinson's. You can also snorkel with Turtles off Maui

If you're stay in the Kaanapali area - Lahaina Divers does a lot of interesting dives. There's one named Shark Pit for obvious reasons. They also do the Carpathian once a week and the Cathedrals off Lanai several times. I've dove the Cathedrals and several nearby sites. At Fish Rock we found about 1000 Moorish Idols hanging in the current with an equal number of Tangs a short distance away. If you're not good on boats, theirs might be a good choice, they have two 46' Newtons - the ride back from Molokini or Lanai gets choppy often around this time of year due to the tradewinds that pickup in the afternoon. The Kihei boats leave earlier (6AM) to do two dives and get back before noon - they're smaller since they launch off the boat ramp daily.

There's also several dive operators going to a Manta Cleaning station just off the Maui coast so ask anyone you contact about that. It's hit/miss but a friend saw 3 there one afternoon with Ed Robinson's. 4 trips to Maui I've yet to see a dolphin there - except once coming back in our bow wave. But others regularly do.

A big draw for the Big Island would be the Manta Night dives. My buddy spent a week there last July and dove with about 16-20 Manta's one night, Spinner Dolphins twice on day dives south of Kona, a few sharks and lots of schools of fish. He used/liked Kona Diving Company If you snorkel Kahuluu Beach Park, it will likely be with a bunch of turtles - in 7-8' of water. I haven't dove it but I've read Spinner Dolphins are often seen off Place of Refuge to the south - supposed to be a great shore dive.

Most of the dive operators leave from a marina just north of Kona/Kailua so you might want to stay near there instead of making the drive down from the Kohala Coast area daily since you've only a few days. The Airport is just north of there (Kona - not Hilo). Lots of hotels/condos just a few minutes south of Kona town.

 

[bbarnett51]

I would recommend looking into diving Niihau off the coast of Kauai with Seasport Divers. I dove in Kauai but could not get this scheduled. Its supposed to be second to non in all the Hawaiian islands.

A couple at my resort dove it and has been to all the popular dive spots in Hawaii. They said it was hands down the best dive. They saw endangered monk seals, turtles, pilot whales, sharks of several species, etc....
HOWEVER, I have been told there is better diving if you AREN'T INTERESTED IN NIIHAU.

I dove a few spots off of Kauai. It was very nice with lots of cool marine life. Turtles everywhere!

I saw a few sharks hanging out in caves around 90 feet. But not many

 

[diversteve]

I would recommend looking into diving Niihau off the coast of Kauai with Seasport Divers.

OP has 25-49 dives. All the dives off Ni'ihau are Advanced - most are drift dives. The first dive is a 100-120' blue water dive off a vertical wall with the bottom at 280'.

Really....

 

[Steve Eady]

If you want to do a shore dive I will be there the 26th thru the 4th. I have dove Mckenna landing several times and almost evey time have seen a few White tip in the caves. Alot of turtles also.

 

[bbarnett51]

That's not entirely true. I was told by the captain that they often stay above 90 feet. The only reason they go deeper is if the monk seals are down there. The divers that aren't comfortable at that depth simply stay shallower. I spoke with several that have been with fewer than 20 dives.

Yes it can be a drift but so are many. Not a big deal for most. Its not like Cozumel.
I would always assume that a diver would not book a trip without looking into the dive and making the decision on whether it is what they are looking for. Its just a bucket list dive for me.

Bob

 

[DiveMaven]

I would also agree with either Maui or the Big Island, depending on your preferences. Diversteve gives good information about both places, so it's just a matter of picking one, booking your dives, and having a great time.

Steve E and I have been talking about meeting up for a shore dive at Makena Landing on either the 27th or 28th and you would be more than welcome to join us!

I have to agree that I wouldn't recommend a blue water deep dive for a newer diver. Not only is the clear blue water disorienting to many people, but it requires a midwater safety stop, sometimes in current, which not many beginners I've seen can manage comfortably.

 

[gamcm]

Hi guys, thank you so much! Such great comments and advices.
Even though we are new in scuba diving we already got our advanced and nitrox certifications.
I really liked the idea of going to Maui based on DiverSteve's recommendation. It looks like there is a great variety of things to see and different environments.
I'm still not sure though where we'll stay... any recommendation? What area in Maiu would you guys recommend? in the Kaanapali area?
Steve Eady, it would be great to meet you there. As soon as figure where we'll stay I'll let you know and we can plan something. Is Mckenna landing close to any of these areas recommended by Diversteve?
Bbarnett51, thank you so much for the recommendation.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Given your experience level and the fact that you have been to Hawaii, though not to dive, I would say Maui is #1 by a long way. Boat diving is pricey ($140ish for a 2 tank dive, plus or minus $10) but there are also wonderful opportunities for easy and fun shore diving. Maui Dive Shop has a free book full of ads but also with a number of dive site maps and how to get there. They are good to rent gear from too, if you need to, even if it's just lead and air. They have several island locations. I also second Lahaina divers on the West end. All dives on Hawaii are escorted dives if from a boat. You will be in a divemaster led group, but it's ok, you'll still enjoy your dives. Also, I have confidence (after 10 trips there) that they will not take you on a dive for which you are not qualified.
If you are new to just "going diving," safe and easy places to go from shore include Ulua Bay in the south in Wailea, Black Rock and Old Airport on the west end just north of Lahaia and Olawalu, south of Lahaina. Locals ( I'm only there a week or two per year) can give you more tips. There are others, but these I've listed are all use friendly for a 25-50 dive experienced person. Of course, there are plenty of DM's for rent if you want an escort on your shore dives.
If you opt for Kona, you will find excellent dive ops there. You will also find shore diving more challenging as to entry and exits compared to Maui. Where ever you choose, have a great time!!
DivemasterDennis

 

[DiveMaven]

Makena Landing is south of Kihei...south of Wailea...a good 45 minute drive from Kaanapali. The vast majority of dive operators depart out of the Kihei boat ramp, and Shaka Doug, a great choice for guided shore dives is in Kihei as well. IMO, if you're there to dive, look to stay in Kihei.

Ed Robinson has a couple of rental properties that are great for divers that run a bit over $100 a night, so It might be worth your while checking with them (go to the "about" tab to view accommodations) www.mauiscuba.com if you're interested. VRBO is also a good place to find a condo.