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Dive Sites
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The Kona coast is home to over 80 dive sites within a short 15 to
20 minute boat ride and several more "long distance" sites
within an hours ride. Lava tubes, pinnacles, and swim through arches
characterize many of the sites we dive on a regular basis. Large pelagics
(Manta Rays, Humpback Whales from December into April, Dolphins, and
the occasional Whale Shark) and unique endemic creatures make diving
in Hawaii a very rewarding experience. Water temps range from the
mid 70's in March to the low 80's in late September with visibility
consistently in the 100 ft. range. For a complete map of the Big Island
of Hawaii as well as other "Fabulous Maps of Favorite Places!"
check out Franko's
Maps. You can read descriptions of some of our favorite sites
below. |
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Nai'a - The name of this dive site translates
to dolphin from it's native Hawaiian and the site lives up to
it's name by providing us with the best chance to dive with
our beloved Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. Large pods gather here
while resting during the early morning hours. We stay a respectful
distance from them but more often than not they come in for
a closer look at us :-) |
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Kaloko Arches - One of our favorite spots
featuring the most dramatic topography on the Kona coast. Numerous
arches and canyons with vertical walls make this a very unique
dive. This is one of our best octopus encounter sites so if
you want to get a peak at this shy cephalopod make sure to request
a dive here during your stay. |
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Turtle Pinnacle - This site is known as
a turtle cleaning station. Schools of surgeon fish wait for
turtles to lay on the bottom or hover just a few feet above
and then they move in to eat the algae off of the turtle's shell
and skin. This behavior is unique enough to make this one of
the two sites filmed by the IMAX crew for "Coral Sea 3D"
while they were here in Kona. The other was Garden Eel Cove
for the Manta Ray Night Dive. |
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Eel Cove - Not to be confused with Garden
Eel Cove (a.k.a. Manta Heaven). This site affords us with the
best chances of Dragon Eel encounters. Wyatt is the "Dragon
Master". If he is on the boat follow him for your best
chance of seeing this spectacular eel. Frog Fish and Leaf Scorpions
make this site one of our best "critter dives". |
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Pawai Arches and Rock Awash - A great site for a variety
of topography and fantastic fish populations. Butterfly Rock is found
here where schools of Millet Seed, Pyramid, and Raccoon Butterflies
congregate. A cool double arch way can be found just off the stern
of the boat. Carousel Cave is within kicking distance and there is
a small cave with a sandy bottom near by where white tip reef sharks
can sometimes be found sleeping. |
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Long Range/Advanced Sites - Our more
adventurous sites afford the best chances of seeing large pelagics
including Manta Rays, Giant Jacks, Eagle Rays, and occasional
Hammerheads. Some of these dives have maximum depths at around
100 feet and these trips are restricted to divers with at least
50 dives under their belt. |
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Click
here to see this month's schedule!
