recommendation for scuba diving ?

[james weatherford]

Visitors later this month are looking to do some scuba diving.
Any recommendations on reputable tour companies?

[csgray]

There is good shore diving right off Lelewei in Hilo, it drops off and gets deep fast. I have a student who dives there frequently, he said he routinely sees dozens of turtles, and there are very cool lava formations. The Hilo dive shops rent equipment too.

Carol

[Carey]

There are many great shore dives that do not have normal tours, but for Dive operations (most all boat dives):
There are many on the Kona coast, we have gone with Jacks Dive Locker the most, because we have friends that are their 'frequent divers' program (store not by boat)
North island - Kohala Divers again store not by boat, but boat is by reef
Sun & Sea & Nautilus Dive in Hilo are both good, and both do more shore dives, though for first time visitors Sun & Sea usually is the choice

[james weatherford]

thanks carol and carey

the visitors are uncertified beginners, so will need to go with one of the tour companies -- according to websites most of these (like Jack's) offer a 'get to know scuba' dive.

[DanielP]

While Jack's is a good shop, with an excellent staff, their boat dives can be a bit like cattle boats with 12 divers per boat. They do have a pool with a good intro class.

Try Sandwich Isle divers 329-9188 for a more personalized boat dive experience. Their shop is a little difficult to find, but they will talk you in.

I always recommend folks do the classroom and pool dive portion of their certification on the mainland and do their open water portion in Kona. Most shops will accomidate this plan. Call around.

Best shore dive on the island is off Milolii pier. IMHO.

Dan

[james weatherford]

thanks, Daniel.
these visitors are coming from Australia.