Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
predictable, the nearby rocks are sharp and the waves can become powerful in the
blink of an eye; throw in the cover of night and you're asking for trouble.
Most manta night dives are two-tank dives exploring one mediocre site during
sunset before heading to the manta grounds. Operators tend to offer manta dive
and snorkel excursions; the former run around $150 (not including gear), the latter
around $100 (mask and fins included). Check the Manta Pacific Research Founda-
tion website (
www.mantapacific.org
)
for manta-sighting data and guidelines for re-
sponsible manta watching.
If you really want a nighttime underwater adventure, try a
black water dive
.
Sound ominous and creepy? It kind of is, but also surreal and beautiful. You'll be
boated to a site offshore where you dive into the cold black waters of the open
ocean. At night, the strange, bio-luminescent animals of the deep rise to the sur-
face, creating a glow-in-the-dark rave of alien underwater life feeding all around
you. Occasionally much larger, strange beasts, like 900lb bug-eyed marlin, will dart
past your astonished eyes. Trust us when we say black water dives are one of the
most fascinating experiences available in Hawaii. They don't take just anyone on
these excursions; Jack's Diving Locker (
Click here
), which runs an excellent Pelagic
Magic black water excursion, requires night divers to have a previous night dive un-
der their belt, as well as 10 logged dives, including one within the last year.
Fishing
Kona is the world's number-one spot for catching Pacific blue marlin (June to August is
peak season) and is also home to ahi (yellowfin tuna),
aku
(bonito or skipjack tuna),
swordfish, spearfish and mahimahi (white-fleshed fish also called 'dolphin'). Most of the
world records for catches of these fish belong to Kona fishermen.
Many charter boats are listed in the
Fishing
freebie available around town and online
at
Hawaii Fishing News
(
www.hawaiifishingnews.com
)
. The standard cost to join an ex-
isting party starts at $99 per person for a four-hour (half-day) trip. Otherwise, a charter
for up to six people costs between $450 and $600 for a half-day, and $750 and $3500 for
a full day, depending on the boat and the number of people on the trip. Prices include
equipment and license.
888-566-2487, 326-1800;
www.charterdesk.com
;
74-381 Kealakehe Pkwy;
6am-6pm)
is the
main booking service.
Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club
FISHING
schedules.
