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Hi:
I lived in Kailua-Kona for 9 years and moved to Puna a little over a year ago. I used to dive all the time but haven't gone once here yet. I gues I got spoiled with Kona's calm conditions. Where are the best spots to go in Puna? i.e. reasonable entry, not much current, lots of fish/critters, interesting topography? TIA
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The boat launch at Issac Hale beach park is a good place for entry, and there is a suprisingly vast variety of ocean life out there. Just gotta dodge the surfers until you get beyond the break. My son and I snorkeled out there one day and were quite pleased with what we found. There is also a lava point in Kapoho Vacationland that I have seen people use as an entry for diving, mostly at night though, I assume they were spear fishing. I'm not sure if you can get to that spot without going through the community gate. There is also the tide pools at the end of Kapoho Kai rd. that are plenty large enough for diving and the largest one has a channel that leads into the ocean. I've often wished I had scuba gear at those pools to explore the many caves that are scatterd throughout the bottoms of the larger pools. In my opinion the Kapoho tide pools are the best snorkeling that I've experienced anywhere on the island. Kaheana beach(when it's not stormy) has a great big rock pillar out in the mouth of the bay that is covered with coral and attracts large schools of fish that swarm around it. This is another spot that I've wished that I had scuba gear in order to get down there with the fishy's. The dive spots do exist on the east side, but during the stormy seasons the water isn't as friendly as on the west, and some of the spots take some effort to get to, but there are no big crowds, just you and the ocean critters. Have fun exploring!
Aloha,
Mark
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Hey Jim:
Mahalo for the great tips. I have snorkeled at the Kapoho tide pools too and agree that it is a really great spot. One time my wife and I were going from pool to pool on the ebb tide. AT places there was a strong current that would carry us along. The channel we were in eventually emptied out into a large pool (More like a large pond) and then the current slowed down allowing us to swim on to shore. Great fun.
I will check out the other places you suggest too. Are you a scuba enthusiast? I prefer to go with someone to a new place where I never was before. If you are game let me know and maybe we could give it a whirl (No pun intended).
All the best,
Andrew
Edited by - Andrew on 04/06/2006 21:17:50
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There are scuba divers blossoming here on the east side. A group of us has managed to get hold of an Ingersol Rand compressor for filling tanks. We plan to build a scuba shack, install the compressor and begin the first Hilo Side Dive Club as of this summer. Anyone nterested keep in touch and we will announce it as soon as we are working on the project. Just another fun thing to share in paradise!
Pam
Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!
I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"
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pslamont
I am interested in forming a diver's club on the East Side. I have my divemaster qualification and am an avid diver/underwater photographer. I would be eager to help out with any work related project to help establish a club. Please keep me in the loop.
All the best
Andrew
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I have yet to learn scuba, but I hope to soon. I wanted to in Washington, but with the cold water comes the added expense of the dry suit, ect. I like the idea of warm water diving alot more. If anyone knows where I can get some good deals on used scuba gear please let me know.
Aloha,
Mark
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I would kill for a tank-refill place in Pahoa (well, not "kill" literally, but you get the idea). Its such a pain to have to haul my tanks into Hilo to get them refilled. Keep me posted on the scuba club.
John Dirgo, RA, ABR, e-PRO
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I would like to join your club
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Wow Mark you missed some of the most beautiful diving water in the northwest. I learned how to dive in Puget Sound waters and just used a 1/4" wet suite. It isn't clear blue and warm like Hawaii but the sea life is great. I'm thinking of getting back into diving after the house is finished.
Royall
What goes around comes around!
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sign me up too. I'm scuba certified, but have only gone down once since I got certified. That was with a guide listed in the phone book. I don't think he sells gear, but maybe he could rent it to us when we go out???
stefanie
