Kailua-Bay, Right In The Heart Of Kailua-Kona

Many have asked that I elaborate on this Dive Site, after mentioning it in one of my Underwater Thoughts: Night Diving. Well, this has to be one of the easiest Shore Dive Sites on the Kona Coast. The pier at the heart of our little fishing village, Kailua-Kona, is the hub of ocean activities in town.... yet, few dive there. Why? I dunno, because it is fun, there's lots to see, it is usually calm as a clam, and the convenience is perfect for a dive in our ocean realm. Perhaps people just don't think of it, or they think it might be too busy to enjoy the scenery underwater. I say, "Give it a try." You'll be glad you did. Now, here's some pointers to make the dive more enjoyable: First, enter the Day Dive at the Southern little beach, right next to the landside of the pier. You'll easily recognize it by the kids jumping in the mini-waves there - there's always little kids in the area (even during school hours and after school, the little rascals). Moms and Pops bring the kids, sit on the wall, and 'talk story' with the passing tourists. When you get set up, notice there are a string of Swim Bouys going out away from shore. As you enter, be sure to stay south of those bouys to stay well clear of the incoming and outgoing fishing and adventure boats that use the pier to embark and disembark their catches and passengers. The Bay at Kailua is shallow and interesting...maybe 35 ft at maximum depth in the area we dive. The water is usually crystal clear and filled with all kinds of fish and invertebrates. You'll see an occasional sunken treasure or two, too. (Or, should that be "tutu" - because you often will see an older diver swimming by). There's a couple coral encrusted anchors cemented by time to the bottom just off shore, so watch for them - and inspect them closely for macro photo ops... teeny-tiny nudibranchs, miniscule crabs, shrimp, seastars - you name it. In the lava flats, at maybe 20-25 ft, peek under the shelves and you'll see sleeping cardinal fish, bigeyes, and octopus, or maybe a white tip. Watch above, too, for schools of opelo and akule (which are always in this bay). Their schools are so dense they will actually blot out the sun as they pass over your head - so if it looks like the lights went out or the sun set in the middle of the day, look up! Don't swim too close to the shoreline on the east and southern shore, as fishermen will be casting their lines to catch some fish - and YOU don't want to get caught. Stay more toward the center of the bay, still south of the Swim Bouys and you won't be in anyone's way - and really, there's more to see out there, anyway. Watch your gauges and when it's time to return to shore, surface, get your bearings, and head right back to the little beach where you entered. When you exit, simply walk up to the steps, pause and tell the little kids what you saw (possibly inspiring them to learn to Scuba), then walk over to the showers at the little county building and rinse off.... then get ready for another dive!

IMPORTANT: On this or any dive I suggest, YOU are responsible for your diving. Dive only when you and the conditions are right. If, for any reason, you do not feel competent in making the dive, whether it be from shore or from a boat, DON'T DIVE. I cannot be responsible for your incompetence, heavy weather, tide, or current conditions. Diving is a SAFE and ENJOYABLE sport. Don't dive if you are at all uncomfortable with the conditions or your safety.