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.
