In Kailua-Kona, along Ali'i Drive on the Big Island's west side Jack's Diving Locker offers classes for scuba certification and equipment rental as well as a number of cruise excursions to popular diving spots off the Kona Coast.
One of Jack's most popular dives is the Manta Ray Night Dive. The company offers a cruise in the afternoon that takes scuba divers as well as snorkel enthusiasts out to view a portion of the area's pristine reef so that they get a chance to enjoy the vivid colors of the tropical fish and coral. This first portion of the cruise ends before sunset and clients enjoy a light meal on board as they watch the spectacular sunset on the horizon.
After night falls, the diving company sets up bright underwater lights that attract giant manta rays. Divers go to the bottom of the sea while those with snorkels hang out at the water's surface to watch as manta rays swarm the lighted areas to be fed by tour company workers. This up-close encounter will put divers within inches of these unusual creatures -- some of them larger than the hood of your rental car.
Jack's Diving Locker
75-5813 Ali'i Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
800-345-4807
jacksdivinglocker.com
The Maui Dive Shop in Kihei along the island's southern shore offers cruises for divers aboard the Maka Koa, a 48-foot dive boat with a capacity of up to 24 visitors.
Divers from novice level to old pros will find an excursion perfectly suited for them among the Maka Koa's many itineraries. Choose from two-tank trips to Coral Gardens off Western Maui to swim with green sea turtles or venture out to Molokini Crater for some diving inside the crater of an underwater volcano where the water is so clear that 100 feet of visibility is the norm. Some dives also visit the wreckage of the St. Anthony longliner fishing boat, which was sunk to become part of Maui's artificial reef.
1455 South Kihei Road
Kihei, Hawaii 96753
800-542-3483
mauidiveshop.com
Peel yourself away from the excitement of the city in Honolulu and head out on a cruise with the Reef Pirates Diving crew. Swimming with turtles off the shore of world famous Waikiki is one option for divers, while venturing deeper for a more heart-pounding experience with the local shark population is also among the options.
Wrecks from World War II are also destinations for Reef Pirate dive cruises. Explore the Corsair Fighter wreckage or the Sea Tiger Shipwrecks for a unique experience with historical significance.
Reef Pirates Diving
1051 Ala Moana Blvd.
Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
808-348-2700
reefpirates.com
