Hawaii info needed

[BLT]

Hi,
I've got reservations for the Hilton at Kailua-Kona in January with a crowd of non-divers (ugh! Some people! ) and was wondering what to do, where to go and so on. This is my first time going to Hawaii, but everyone else has already been, but to different islands. I figured I would bring at least some dive gear (vintage or modern - hadn't decided) but are there places to shore dive or charter or should I just snorkel or what? Does anyone have any suggestions for on or off the water?

[duckbill]

My first dive on SCUBA was at Captain Cook's Cove, Kealakekua, aboard the Fair Wind catamaran out of Kona in 1977. They offered introductory guided dives at the time.

The company is still going strong, from what I understand, and still offer snorkelling trips to the cove. The cove is just BEAUTIFUL! You would love it. Lunches are made right on the boat, and I think they still have the waterslide. Lots of fish, octopii, etc. etc.

I've been back with the Fair Wind crew two times since. Once during ATD liberty, and again during our honeymoon. Never been disappointed.

It looks like they now only offer scuba packages for certified divers (no more introductory diving, I guess) aboard their new boat, but not to Kealakekua.

Check out their web site to see what is currently being offered. Things have changed from what I remember apparently, but if you can reach an agreement with your group, it still looks like a great way to check out what's under water at some of the best sites on the Big Island.

Home:
www.fair-wind.com/
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Also on the Big Island, you can check out horseback riding through the jungle, tours of private Kona coffee and Macadamia nut plantations.

There is also the black sand beach further south, and the City of Refuge- a reconstructed native Hawaiian village.

Further south (as "south" as you can go), you can drive to the southernmost point of the United States (check your rental car policy, though).

Further along the coast you would come to Kilauea, Hawaii's erupting volcano. It's been erupting for decades now. The same eruption has been going on since before we saw it in 1995 on our honeymoon. The Volcano House is a great place to stay right on the rim of the caldera, but the big caldera is not the present site of the eruption, if I'm not mistaken. There are lava tubes, hot springs, sulpher pots, and lots of hiking opportunities around there. Unless you or someone in your group has asthma, the volcano is something you should not miss while you have the opportunity and if you have the time.
www.volcanohousehotel.com/

Further around at Hilo, there are helicopter tours of the volcano or waterfalls.

The Big Island is my favorite of the chain because it is more laid back, less touristy, and seems to have preserved more of the traditional native Hawaiian "ohana" (family) atmosphere that the other islands have nearly lost.

Olioli! ("Enjoy!")

[time2dive]

This is an highly biased opinion. I work for Sandwich Isle Divers, it is a smaller operation, six passengers, same locations as the more crowded boats. Since I use vintage gear they/we will not look at you too strangely if you bring it.

Tim

[kgehring]

I have dove with dive makai and they were great. Modern gear but check with them about vintage. www.divemakai.com

[Nemo]

I think the guys are giving you some pretty good scoop on divesites and boats. Two places I like around Kailua Kona are Mahu Kona to the North, and City of Refuge to the South. Further South, Milolii is nice, but it's a rough steep narrow road and kinda tough to get in and out of. There's a certain "local" aspect to it, too. Be advised.

Gearwise: bring your regulators and camera. Tank rentals are very reasonable. You might bring your mask and fins if you're really fond of them, but it's so easy to rent that stuff here, you might not want to lug it around with you.

If your friends are non divers but still want to visit the underwater world, you might consider the Atlantis submarine in Kona. Nice boat ride, and a nice submarine dive.

For the truly adventurous, there's boat-launched parasailing. That's fun!

Or, you can rent a Harley Davidson and cruise around. That's fun, too.

I can't recommend Uncle Billie's Restaurant in Kona any more...sorry. But across the street, right on the beach, is the Kona Inn. Great spot for a sunset dinner and drinks.

Forrest Gumps in Kailua Kona is a very cool seafood restaurant based on the movie. I like that place myself.

And there's some open-air clubs near the ocean that have drinks, dinner, and evening entertainment. It's nice to stroll along Alii Drive in Kona and see what's going on.

The Hilton Waikoloa is nice. Kinda big though. Disneyland-style boats carry people to and fro. Lots of nice shops and artwork to see. Great waterslides and pools. Live dolphin shows. To be honest, some of the in-hotel restaurants are expensive and might not be all that satisfying. As you're driving in to the Hilton on the right is an area called The King's Court. Regular food, pizza, burgers, and so on. If we don't want to tie on a silk feedbag, that's where we go.

To be honest, except for the waterslide, the Hilton isn't my favorite place to crash. I prefer the King Kamehameha in Kailua Kona. Everything we want, nothing we don't, and more closely located to the main drag. They are both class acts; the King Kam is a little more convenient, is all.

If you do get to the other side of the island, there's a restaurant called The Volcano House. We went there for our anniversary two years ago. It's a little high priced, but the atmosphere is very personal: like being in a large stylish home with a stone fireplace, sofas, and dining room-like seating arrangements. The people are knowledgeable and friendly. The service is excellent. And the food and drinks are first rate. Really good food, and definitely worth the price, I'd say.

Of course, this is all predecated on any of this still being here after Flossie has her way with us tomorrow. And today there was an earthquake, and a strange UFO spotted over Honolulu! NOT your average day in Paradise! ;-)

Anyway, hope you have a great time.

[BLT]

Wow! You guys have lots of good information!

I guess to clarify, we will be staying at the Hilton Waikoloa village which as I am finding out is actually about 20 miles up the coast from Kailua-Kona. We will be using their time share for it we are locked into our location.
The rest of the gang aren't water bugs and/or have sinus issues, so they might be up for some snorkelling, but probably aren't up for even a discover scuba.
Thanks again for the info!