Hawaii
Oahu: Dive the famous wreck of the World War II mine-sweeper, the Mahi and other sites including Makaha Caverns and Hanauma Bay to sample the wide variety of diving Oahu has to offer. Head across the island to the North Shore for a serious dose of the surfing culture, especially if there’s a competition at the famed “Banzai Pipeline” between Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, both famed big-wave spots themselves. The north shore is also full of quaint restaurants, shops and art galleries. Must-do’s include a visit to the Arizona Memorial, Waimea Falls Park and the most famous volcanic crater in the world, Diamond Head.
MAUI: In addition to the sites along Maui's coast, the island of Lanai and the Molokini Crater offer exciting diving within easy reach of Maui. The spectacular lava domes of the "Cathedrals" of Lanai and the Molokini "Backwall" are favorites. Whale-watching is a popular activity here as opposed to whaling in the island’s past and the town of Lahaina offers plenty of museums, shops and activities which portray the island’s commitment to marine conservation and the protection of the humpback whales which frequent these waters during their annual migration between December and April. For awe-inspiring scenery, pack a picnic and take the “Road to Hana” and make a day out of it.
HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND: "Big" definitely applies to more than just the size of this island that is dominated by the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes rising to over 13,000 feet. The Earth’s most active volcano, Kilauea, is also one of the Big Islands five volcanoes making up the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Diving takes place along Hawaii’s Kailua-Kona coast where sightings of mantas, dolphins, whale sharks occur. Dive sites are on pinnacles, lava tubes and dramatic formations including swim-through arches. One of the most popular dives is the Manta Ray Night Dive - an experience not to be missed. Hiking, helicopter tours, waterfall tours, surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, volcano treks and four wheel drive safaris are but a few of the topside options available in-between dives throughout the Hawaiian islands.
KAUAI: Some of Kauai’s most popular dives like the Sheraton Caverns and Turtle Bluffs are located right offshore, but in the summer months (May-September), many divers venture from Kauai to the Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau for some of Hawaii's most pristine and dramatic diving. A must-do when visiting the “Garden Island” is a trip by either boat or kayak along the Napali coast – a rugged and primordial stretch of coastline that is one of the most stunning in the world. Views over this area are equally impressive from the ridge trails of Koke’e State Park.
Kona Village Resort
Unplugged experiential vacations on 82 oceanfront acres at Kahuwai Bay. Unpretentious individual thatched-roof bungalows nestled around lush lagoons and pristine white and black sand beaches. Unmatched snorkeling and diving with spectacular viewing of Hawai‘i’s dazzling marine life. Kona Village Resort Ocean Adventures is located right on site.
ResortQuest at Poipu Kai
This property sits on 70 acres of landscaped gardens in a prime location. A community of condominiums, townhouses, and private homes connected by manicured walking paths, each cluster of living areas has its own recreational facilities. Diving with Seasport Divers.
ResortQuest at the Maui Banyan
This modern condo resort features spacious suites especially popular with groups. With access to swimming pools, outdoor BBQs and tennis courts, and close to golf and the beach, guests can truly experience the island according to their tastes. Diving with Maui Dive Shop.
ResortQuest Kona by the Sea
Furnished island-style, this intimate condo resort provides the ideal home away from home. Set on a magnificent shoreline, guests venture down the road to enjoy the quiet charm of Kailua-Kona, with one-of-a-kind shopping and dining. Diving with Jack’s Diving Locker.
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Located alongside Poipu Beach with a variety of activities to fill the non-diving hours including four restaurants, a spa and fitness center, tennis, water sports, shopping, a kid’s program, and even a torch lighting ceremony at sunset. Diving with Seasport Divers.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort
From stargazing atop majestic Mauna Kea to tours of nearby Kona Coffee farms to abundant ocean adventures launching from Keauhou Bay and an active volcano just a day’s drive away, this island has it all. Diving with Jack’s Diving Locker.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Restored to its original turn-of-the-century splendor, the “First Lady of Waikiki” is the picture of luxury and relaxation. Amenities include fitness center, kid’s program, and a wide array of activities to enjoy between dives. Diving with Ocean Concepts.
Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is situated along a spectacular stretch of the famed Ka’anapali Beach. This Maui hotel blends an endless array of activities and amenities with gracious aloha spirit, perfect for any Hawaiian vacation. Diving with Hawaiian Rafting Adventures.
