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Testimonials
We
have received very favorable unsolicited reviews in "The Travelin' Diver's
Chapbook" from Undercurrent.
Many divers find us in the popular book "Big Island Revealed", as well as the New York Times and the LA Times newspapers. We also get lots of positive feedback directly from our customers. Here are just
a few of our guests comments:
"Aloha Glenn Maggie & Crew, We had
the most wonderful time on the big island this year, you and your crew were a
direct result of our remarkable vacation. Glenn I don’t think it is the fact that
you have an awesome dive shop or that you have the best boat in Kona, I believe
that your success runs much deeper than that. We feel it’s the way you treat your
customers and your commitment to excellence. The way you put family above all
else definitely shows and carries over into your day-to-day operation. We will
absolutely recommend to all our diving buddies here in California that you guys
are the people to dive with on the big island. We had moderate success with the
shore dives and will be doing nothing but boat dives with your crew next year.
Speaking of your crew, what a bunch of talented, EXTREMELY well mannered and helpful
individuals The Manta Ray dive was the most exhilarating and awesome spectacle
of nature I have ever witnessed. You guys are truly the best and we will see ya
next year. Aloha and Mahalo my friend." The Wilson’s Mark, Mary, Kyle
and Jake Antelope, California
"Aloha, Glenn and Maggie
& The Crew of Kona Honu Divers, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the fantastic
experience that I had with you and your dive crew. I will never forget the hospitality
and the feeling of being at home, that you and your crew extended to not only
me, but to everyone on the boat. Rich, Thank you for the sights you pointed out
to us while on our dives, each dive was an exhilarating experience, which will
never be forgotten. I will think back, on the long cold winter days of the awesome
sights that are waiting for me when I get back to the island. The Manta Dive was
the icing on the already fantastic vacation. I will be recommending that anyone
that visits the island to come visit you and I promise they will leave with the
most incredible experience of their lives, as I did. Thanks Again for the memories
and I look forward to seeing you again in the near future. Mahalo." Eric
Buron (aka: Chum) Warren, Ohio "Greetings Kona Honu!
Just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to all of you for making my 2 days of
diving such a pleasurable experience. Rich did a great job completing my open
water dives, and the following day I had two really fun dives with Dennis – my
first as a ‘certified’ diver! I must tell you that I dived one other day with
one of your competing dive shops in Kona. One that is supposedly one of the best
operators in the world, and I can say that they can’t hold a candle to you guys.
They were disorganized, not friendly and your boat puts theirs to shame as well!
Thanks again – I’ll be back!" Brad Camblin Phoenix, Arizona "Last
Saturday we went on the Manta Ray dive with 3 other people. Scott, Bo, & Capt.
John led the group. We saw Manta Rays and appreciated your fine boat. But, what
we are really writing about is to commend both the designated captain and divemasters
on our trip. These guys really did an excellent job. We've been diving for 20
years - all with Carribean (sp) operators. YOUR GUYS ARE THE BEST WE HAVE EVER
BEEN WITH - helpful, watchful, thoughtful. THANKS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE."
Kent & Kathy Kehrberg Shoreview, Minnesota "Hi
Glenn & Maggie: Thank you for one of the greatest moments ever, our manta trip
with you. Your crew is very professional and confidence-inspiring , a Great group
you have there. Thanks for the trip. Hope to see you next year, and hope you see
some friends of ours. We brought home some of your brochures to pass around."
Sincerely, Sherry McDermott Santa Cruz, California "Mahalo
to you, KONA HONU DIVERS . As always, your crew was friendly, helpful, enthusiastic,
and respectful of the ocean, all of which makes diving with you guys a great experience.
I hope next time we can do more of it." Marcia Repaci & family "Hi
Glen & Maggie, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed the experience
of diving with Kona Honu Divers.All diving is good, but some is special, and that’s
the feeling our group had with your “family”. Frank, John, Debbie, Richard and
Dennis made all our dives unique and interesting and your boat is the best in
Kona. The manta dive is an experience that simply cannot be described. No wonder
it’s in the “top 10” worldwide. Thank you for helping make our trip to the Big
Island one we will never forget." Dick Childers & Jim Weins, Washington
State Josh Childers, New York City "Dear Glenn and
Maggie, Thanks for making my November dive trip such a memorable experience. These
are my best pictures of the 13 Mantas we saw. Please add them to your web site
if you desire. The experience was indescribable. I will definitely do this dive
again next time I am in Kona and you are the only company I will go with. I am
recommending you to all my friends." Bentzion Kravitz, Los Angeles "Glenn,
Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful two days of diving I did with
you and your outstanding crew. Of all the boats I have dove from, on three different
islands in Hawaii, yours is without a doubt the nicest. Lots of room to gear up,
clean, and smooth running. I would not hesitate to recommend your dive operation
to any on my friends or students. Looking forward to diving with you again."
Bryant "Bear" Johnston OWSI "Maggie, Glenn & crew. My husband,
son and myself had a great time with your crew. We were all very impressed with
your dive masters, they made the trip enjoyable and knowledgeable. I appreciated
how comfortable Frank made me feel on my dives and just how great he took care
of all of us. My husband and my son enjoyed the manta dive and would do it all
again. We are planning on coming back to the island (looks like the last week
of May) and will be bringing our daughter and her friend and we will definitely
be booking our dives with you. In fact, because Chris and Kevin raved on how great
the night dive was I am planning on participating next time. We have been spreading
your company's name around to other divers we work with letting them know how
well you take care of your divers along with how great the equipment is. This
summer you should hear from a few of them. Thanks for the great dive memories."
- Zunker family, Carol, Kevin and Chris from Elizabeth, Colorado "Just
got back to a cold Washington DC after a great week in Hawaii. The two dive trips
with you guys was just amazing, the best in my 20 years of scuba. Not only because
of the superb diving conditions and the large amount of fish and animals. But
also because of a great team. Unusually friendly and helpful and fun to be around.
Highly recommended to join these guys. I just have to come back soon. Thanks to
all of you." - Dr. Paal Brekke, Greenbelt, Maryland
Photo by Rick Decker | "I
had a fantastic time with Kona Honu Divers. It was my first diving experience
EVER, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience - one of the highlights of
my trip. I had one on one theoretical AND practical instruction. My instructor
was very patient and understanding with me - endlessly going over concepts with
me and making sure I was comfortable for the duration of the two dives. The scenery
was spectacular, the people were fantastic, and I look forward to diving with
them (I am psyched enough to get my certification!) when I return! Thanks for
a wonderful time Kona Honu Divers!" L. Pegoraro - Toronto, Canada
"Glenn, we are now home in Tokyo with wonderful memories
of diving in Kona. We had an outstanding time thanks to the professionalism and
kindness of you, Frank and John. The Honu One is a spectacular dive boat that
made the experience even more grand. We saw so many endemic Hawaiian fish and
sea life thanks to your expert guiding. I am only bummed that I couldn't dive
the last day. But, the boys had a great time and said I missed "the best"
dive. I don't know ... the manta ray dive was pretty special (despite the urchin
encounter). Our underwater pictures are being developed now, and we can't wait
to see how they turn out. I have already referred a couple friends to Kona Honu
Divers. Be sure that if/when we return to Kona, we'll be in touch. Have a very
happy new year and we hope your business continues to prosper. Please give our
best regards to everyone" Mike, Sean and Kevin Samp - Tokyo, Japan "Glenn,
Frank and Crew, Thank you for the incredible experience you afforded me on the
24th. What a Hanukah present! After telling you that although I was PADI certified,
I had very little diving experience, you kept a watchful eye over me as I "tested"
some things that we all learn in theory. The overall experience was amazing; from
seeing an Octopus to hearing Humpback Whales singing, to seeing them on our way
back to the harbor. You guys are all GREAT and gave me memories that I'll never
forget. Mahalo." Stephen Kohn - Denver, Colorado "Hi
Glenn. I just wanted to drop a line to thank you and your excellent staff for
providing an absolutely top notch diving experience for our family. Your new boat
is beautiful but, more importantly, your extra effort to make every dive hassle-free,
enjoyable and eduational really made our week in Kona special. I can't wait to
get back. See you then, Randy" Kathy, Randy & Colin Reims - Lafayette,
Colorado 
White Tip Reef Shark
Photo by Matt Gower |
"My name is Matt Gower and I dove with you last November the weekend
before Thanksgiving. I just wanted to thank you for the best dives of my life,
and the best picture of my life. If it was not for you (Glenn) holding on to my
arm dragging me closer to the shark I would have never taken that shot. My own
dive instructor could not believe that I got that close. Anyway thanks again and
I will definitely use Konahonudivers again." Matt Gower - Austin,
Texas This is a little note to say thanx for the great dives when
I was in Kona in mid-January. I appreciate the good dives that I had and the nice
way in which I was treated by all the Kona Honu crew. My trip to Kona and the
dives with you guys are especially good memories now that I am back on the mainland
where it was zero degrees cold the other night! A couple of the fond memories
that I recall from my dives with Kona Honu Divers are: Frank's very knowledgeable
briefings before each dive (I appreciate very much the local history and culture
of the island that he wove into his briefings), John's (taller John) pleasing
personality and willingness to help in any way, John's (Captain) assistance in
completing the dives, Melissa's desire to make the one dive I had with her as
pleasurable as it could be, and how could I ever forget the "Welcome to a
Hawaiian Snowstorm" dive that I did with you, Glenn. I did not get to meet
or talk with Maggie (I hope her oral surgery and recovery went OK) but maybe I
will later. And, Yes, the Honu One is the Cadillac of dive boats. Your advertising
is not all hype, it's the truth. I am saving up to make the trip next year. Heck,
there are so many dive spots on Kona that it will take several trips to see even
half of them. Merrilll Meehan, West Virginia "Thank
you for showing me a great time and my husband thanks you for taking good care
of me too. Maggie, thanks for your caring and sharing personality. It was you
that convinced me I had the right boat to book my dives with. And Glenn, many
thanks to you and your crew. The close attention to detail, abundant helpfulness
and friendly atmosphere made my diving experience the best I ever enjoyed. Though
a little hesitant to return for the Manta Ray night dive, I am so glad I did!
I will never forget the awesomeness of it all. I'm glad Jim, the videographer,
filmed the dive. Now I can share it with those who were not as lucky as I. I will
be back with gear in hand ready for more of your hospitality. Thanks to all of
you, and of course my husband too, I had the best vacation ever." Bari
Harris, Long Beach, CA "Maggie,You and Glenn have a top notch dive
operation. I have dove with many dive companies over the years and I honestly
would have to rate your operation as #1. The boat, the crew, the dive briefings,
the dive sites selected for the comfort of the divers, the snacks and last but
not least the care and attention that both you and Glenn pay to your customers.
The other divers I spoke with have similar opinions. I hope to dive with you one
more time before we have to depart on Tuesday. If the weather does not cooperate
and I don't get to see you again, thanks for everything, and I look forward to
diving with you in the future....." Charlie Gunn, North Olmstd, Ohio "I
was so impressed by your services and our diving experience that I wanted to express
my appreciation to you and your staff for an incredible opportunity that we will
never forget. Even though I was very reluctant to enter the water ( since my prior
diving experiences were from entering from the shore rather than a boat), I felt
comfortable and confident in your ability to help me relax and enjoy the diving
experience. This was also a highlight of my son's visit to Kona and all other
activities on the island were dwarfed in comparison by this exciting experience.
I will be certain to contact you in the future when we visit the island of Hawaii
again. We wish you much success in your business venture." Mike and
Scott Carver, Draper, Utah "Aloha Glenn and Crew, Thanks for
the note and the great photo! We miss you all so much and thank you for really
MAKING our vacation. Thanks for reintroducing me to diving and allowing Lindsay
and Chris to get the best introduction I have ever heard of. There were photos
waiting for us when we got home that Martina took with the octopus and the three
of us diving (never thought I would ever see that). Great memories, greater people.
God bless all of you and may your business prosper greatly." Chris Rasmussen
and Family "Hi Glenn, This is John of John and Martha from last
week. Thanks so much for the excellent diving and instruction for Martha. If I
can ever serve as a reference for someone who is considering being your client,
it would be my pleasure. I'll tell my local dive shop about the great experience
we had with you. Best wishes and success." John Poulos, California
Photo by Rick Decker | "Aloha
Maggie: Thanks for the nice note. I really enjoyed diving with Kona Honu Divers.
I did three two tank dives and every dive was GREAT. Glenn, yourself and the crew
were very helpful in making my diving experience with Kona Honu Divers a very
pleasant one. Please express my appreciation to Glenn and his crew. Happy holidays
from my wife Eileen and I. Mahalo." Charlie Gunn, North Olmstd, Ohio "...Back
home and trying to get back in the routine. We have already shown the video to
a bunch of people. One of the highlights of our trip was the evening we spent
diving with you and your crew. Your professionalism and friendly spirit was most
appreciated. Take care and when you get ready to come pick up that second boat
let me know. We will do supper, my treat!" Endel Lee, Ph.D., New
Orleans, Louisiana ".... Thanks again for everything! Ryan and
I had a blast diving. Kona was everything we expected and we will be back. I am
so glad Ryan shares such a great enthusiasm for diving as I do with no parental
pressure from me at all. He truly had a fantastic time and keeps talking about
it to everyone. Now he wants to get computers for our gear. We are awaiting our
underwater pictures to be developed. A lot of my friends want to know more about
our trip, especially the Manta dive.…I’ll send them your way since a lot of us
dive. Ryan is already trying to plan our next diving trip to Kona. We also want
to do some diving on Maui. Again, thank you. You’ve got a great operation and
know how to do things right. Also, please forward my thanks to Jim too; he did
a great job on the dive and with the video. I’ll forward some of the underwater
digital pictures to you if any are truly worth seeing" RM Svetz, Florida "Glen,
my wife, Rita Rae and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with you, one of the most
enjoyable dive days we have had. Especially with the whale shark! Thank you for
your personal touches in showing us things we would have overlooked on our own.
Most assuredly, we will contact you on our next visit. Your boat is wonderful."
Rita Rae and Bill Love "We are now back in cold and rainy Olympia.
Had a wonderful time with you on the dives. We are eagerly awaiting the DVD of
all the dives; our pictures came out pretty good. It was best to have done the
Manta Dive last; we can't see how diving could have been any better than that.
We found the whole operation, from the boat and its set up to the crew with their
help, knowledge, and support, and the food to have been "first rate". We won't
hesitate to recommend Kona Honu Divers to anybody looking for great dives in Hawaii...."
Hal Michael, Olympia, Washington
Photo by Rick Decker | "I
was one of the cruise ship musicians who snorkelled with you this past November
(you may recall Aki's constant longing for his Hungarian girlfriend). I'm writing
to say thanks for the much needed memory. You see, I am now home in Newfoundland,
the most easterly point in North America. We are closing in on a record for winter
snowfall....we're almost at 20 feet total snowfall ALREADY. I NEED to think of
our lovely day together in Kona to get through
it. It was truly one of the
best and most memorable days of my life. I wish you continued success. Should
I find myself in Kona again, expect a call!!" Patrick Boyle, Mount
Pearl, Newfoundland Canada "Thank you so much for the wonderful
time. That was the best snorkeling I have ever done. When I return to Hawaii,
my wife and I will be back out to see you. Wonderful customer service!" Michael
R. Neal, O.D., Pennsylvania "Just wanted to say that I had
a great time diving with Kona Honu Divers and if I ever do come back to Hawaii
I'll be sure to look you up." Lasse Bertelsen (Freezing in Denmark)
"I still can't believe what Ellie and I got to see with you on the
diving boat. Whales, dolphins, and Manta Rays in one day. Can't wait to return
to Hawaii and dive with you guys again." Sonja Williams
"I just wanted to drop you a note to express what a wonderful diving
experience my daughter and I had this March. It truly seemed we where the only
divers on the boat by the way we were catered to. Every ascpect of the trip was
great! (Jessie is still talking about the Manta-ray!) From the boat to the excellent
briefing no one else comes close to you and your crew."Joe and Jessie
Pierzga Falls Village, CT "Sorry for the long delay in getting
back to you to say thank you for such a great experience diving Kona. I've
dived many places around the world, and I gotta tell you, the diving in Kona was
beautiful, that's for sure, but what made the whole experience magnificient was
Glenn's attitude, his personal attention to each diver, and his knowledge and
teaching ability while underwater was the best I've ever experienced. And
your boat (and Dennis too) was impecable -- top notch. I will always recommend
your dive operation above all others! Congratulations on a job done well,
and done right!" Beth Pearlman, Chicago, IL "Aloha!
We really did enjoy diving and snorkeling with you guys. We have been snorkeling
and diving in a lot of places but you guys were absolutely the nicest, most helpful
folks we have spent time with! Thanks for a wonderful experience." Lita,
Marvin, Brandon, Chuck Smith, Lexington, NC "We so enjoyed
our trip with you and your gracious hospitality. Our trip to Hawaii was truly
a wonderful experience. I have passed on to many of my friends the wonderful experience
we had aboard your boat." Carolyn Mani and the entire Horn clan!
"Thank you for the excellent week of diving! Your crew was
very knowledgeable, courteous, pleasant, and made my trip very enjoyable! Your
boat is spacious, fast, and clean.
When I'm in Kona, I'm looking forward to diving with you again." Bixler
McClure, Shell Beach, CA "Thanks! We had a wonderful time
and will definitely be referring all my friends to your company when they head
out to Kona...I'll be there same time next year, so I'm sure we'll be planning
another trip." Kristin E. Soto, FL "Hello and
a BIG thank you to the entire crew on the Kona Honu. My daughter
and I would
like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for the wonderful memories you
helped us create. Christina hasn't stopped talking about how kind and patient
her scuba instructor was and I can't stop talking about our wonderful Manatray
Night Dive. It was the highlight of our vacation. Thank you again, you guys were
the best!" Mary and Christina Spisak,Victorville, CA "I
so much wanted to email you before now - trying to "calm down" and write
coherently. But the first thing that came to my mind while thinking about the
manta ray trip Sarah and I took with you was " Ohmigawd, ohmigawd, ohmigawd"
which pretty much was all I could say while in the water. Sarah and I were so
unbelievably fortunate to have this mother-daughter trip after her college graduation.
And to have such a phenomenal experience as we had with your crew and the manta
dive was icing on the cake. It was unbelievable. We both still shake our heads
when describing it people - we're so glad we did this.... you and crew did a great
job of allaying our fears.... I was extremely pleased with the professionalism
of you and your crew...it was obvious you love what you do and want others to
enjoy themselves safely. THANK YOU!" Andi Schoenman & Sarah Tompkins "Just
wanted to give you and your staff a big MAHALO! I had a great time diving with
you guys. You have a beautiful boat, great customer service, and a customer for
life." Ben Whitetall "Glenn I had a great time
diving with your company. It was my first dive and you guys made me feel very
comfortable. Your boat, crew, and service was outstanding. When I come back to
the Big Island I will definately look you up!" Ben Brookhart "Thanks
for the certification for Advanced Open Water. Em and I enjoyed our diving experience
with your team, equipment and your boat! You have put other dive operators we
have used to shame. Thanks to FRANK, JOHN, PORTER WATSON, AND the boat CAPTAIN
for their expertise and assistance. What were our greatest experiences? ... had
to be the montrously huge Manta Ray that hovered over Em and me, swooping down
on us over and over again. WOW. and the excitement and fascination we enjoyed
as we held an octopus. and watched the Conc munch down on a sea urchin. Awesome.
We had a great time and felt like we got good instruction in the courses we selected
for our AdvOpenWater. Thanks, Porter, for doing TWO video dives with me! Ruth
Martin Ward, Texas "The pictures keep reminding me about
the wonderful time in the Big Island. For a new diver like me, you and your crew
have created a friendly atmosphere which makes the 4-day learning period a real
enjoyable one. Your extra effort in making the diving course as flexible as possible
is much appreciated. As a matter of fact, you have demonstrated great professionalism
and friendliness at the same time..." Terence and Bonnie, Hong Kong "Thanks
for the remarkable time. I still can't believe the incredible diving and great
time I had with you and your crew. In 5 days of diving I saw sharks, dolphins,
turtles, octopus, turkey fish, eels, and more fish than I could possibly remember.
...That's not to mention the MANTAs...oh my gosh!!! We watched Porter's video
of the night dive and I'm still impressed...they were remarkable. Nothing like
a little "Manta Moose" to end the day. I'd like to thank the guys I
dived with during the trip, John, Porter, Frank, and Ron on the night dive. All
you guys were great. It was a lot of fun doing the swim throughs and having someone
who could tell me what it was I was seeing. I don't see many of those critters
up here in the Northwest...." Mike Bovard, Oregon "Just
wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much Cathy and I appreciated the excellent
dive experience that you provided at Kona Honu Divers. ... It was both very fun,
and very educational at the same time. In our opinion, there was no better way
we could've spent 3 days in Kona, than to spend them with y'all !!! We enjoyed
the first six dives associated with certification training so much, that we decided
to come back for a 7th and 8th dive, including another round doing the amazing
Manta-Ray night dive extravaganza!!! Truly one of our top 5 best times doing anything.........ever!!
We would like to especially thank yourself, Maggy, Frankie, and Dennis for making
us feel welcome, and for being so friendly and attentive in taking care of our
needs." Chuck & Cathy Zellmer, Portland OR "Marty,
Sara, and I would like to thank you and your great staff for a terrific diving
experience on our vacation. All resorts have dive boats, though not as good as
your new boat. All resorts have dive sites, though not always as spectacular as
yours. And, all resorts have crews that operate the boats and this is what, in
our minds, puts you way above all dive resorts. The crew of Capt. John, blonde
John, Porter and Roy were fantastic and made all of our dives a truly memorable
experience. (Who could ever forget a Manta Ray night dive like that?)The crew
was very knowledgeable of the area, dive sites, and marine life, as well as being
very personable and friendly and made us feel as if we were long time friends
and not just some more tourist divers. To say that we had a great time would be
a gross understatement!!All or our best, and thanks again for a great time."
Dave, Marty, and Sara Kreps "Thanks again for a great
experience on our dives in Big Island. It was really the highlight of our vacation!"
Lizanne Connelly,Chapel Hill, NC "I can't begin to tell you
what a wonderful time I had diving in Kona With you and the crew of the Kona Honu
One. It seemed so fitting that I should get my Advanced Open Water through Kona
Honu Divers this year after you opened the door of diving for me with my intro
dive with you last year. The cap stone of this years dive was most certainly the
Night Manta Dive. Even through I had read about this dive and talked to those
that had made the dive nothing and I mean nothing can prepare you for this dive
it was an awesome even surreal experience no wonder its rated as one of the ten
top dives in the world. And crew the Kona Honu One made it all the more enjoyable
by taking all the work out of the dive so that we could concentrate on the dive
itself. ......I hope to see you again next year." M Rav. David Nordling,
Wichita, Kansas
"We had a wonderful time with you guys-
Thanks for all the hard work and the awesome service. I already recommended you
to my sister, Gail Barranda- who should be in touch with you shortly to book her
dives.We hope to return to the Big Island soon." Tisha Velmonte and
Clayton Kramer, San Francisco, CA
"Hello Glenn, Sorry we
missed you last week when we were in Kona diving. As you probably heard, the conditions
were challenging. We were on the trip where Frank was injured by the eel. But
I just wanted to say that your organization is wonderful. John Haut was great
not only on the phone but on the boat where he was handling students. We were
very impressed by how you handle "full" boats with 18 divers. I don't know why
other dive operations don't stagger the entries like you do! It makes wonderful
sense. We've spent time in Kona before (my mother lives there) but when we come
back, we are certain to contact you again for more diving adventures. Please say
hello to your crew for us. Happy New Year. All the best," Heather and
Joe Collins Click here to view photos
sent to us by our clients |
