North Kohala Dive Site: Mahukona

So many people who come to Kona stay in the big resorts up north and ask about Shore Diving on the Kohala Coast.... well, there are some great sites way up there. "Way up there" is about 35-45 miles north of Kailua-Kona. Are we spoiled, or what? Many Mainland divers will drive for hours to get to a good site. We just jump right in in a radius of about 50 miles and consider it a major 'trip' to drive 45 minutes to a good dive site. Oh, Paradise, how lucky we are to actually live here!

Anyway, let's talk about Mahukona. Mahukona is a short drive (46.9 miles north of the light at the corner where our friendly Shell service station is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona). Follow the Queen's Highway north past the airport, past the Puako turn-off, to Kawaihae. Turn west at the junction through Kawaihae, then north on route 270 toward Hawi. Just north of Lapakahi Historical Park you'll see the sign for Mahukona. Turn makai (toward the ocean) and travel down the paved road to the caretakers' house. Turn right on the north side of the house and you'll come to a cement parking area which used to be the base for a loading operation for boats and barges. A creek enters a small bay there and you'll find a great dive entry/exit point right before your eyes. There is even a wrought iron ladder provided so you can climb back up to the cement abutment on your return (no need to use it to enter, just do a giant stride into the water - but, be careful as it's only about 4 feet deep even at low tide - so it is probably best to leave off your fins, and climb down the ladder, then have your "buddy" hand you your fins, and put 'em on in the water - that's easy!).

Head due west and the bottom gradually slopes off to 15-20 feet. Watch for a very large Brown Spotted Moray Eel along a trench at the end of the cement abutment. He's just a little fellow, maybe 3 or 4 feet long, who has lived in the south side of the trench, in a little crack there, for years. On a recent dive there we fed him some urchin and he smiled his approval.

When you've gone about 30 feet past the cement abutment make a sharp right turn and swim toward the northern edge of the bay and keep your eyes open for a large chain. When I say, "large", I mean "HUUUMOUNGOUS!" When you see it, you'll know what I mean. The chain lies on the bottom and heads out to sea. Follow it for about 50 feet, due west, and lying just north of the chain is a gigantic boiler (at least 8 feet in diameter). A hole in the side of this large cylindrical piece of machinery invites viewing with a dive light. On a recent dive, as we approached this viewing port - a Yellow-margin Moray Eel about as big around as my thigh greeted us and slithered out to say, "Hello!". Well, my brother Glen, who was my buddy at the time, and I are adventuresome, but we ain't stupid! So, we left him alone and continued inspecting the area. Nearby we found a propeller which had a shaft on it the size of a telephone pole. The ship, or barge, these artifacts were from has been underwater for many years, showing lots of coral encrustation. Many marine life creatures have called it home for decades. This wreck site is only about 25-30 feet deep so it can easily be seen by snorkelers and divers alike. It is near shore and the area is fairly well protected, so, especially in the morning, it can be easily reached, even by novice divers. The last time we were up at Mahukona, a shower was available right at the exit site. Only 150 yards south of the turnoff to the dive site is Mahukona Park, maintained by the County. It has a shower, restroom, picnic tables - and friendly locals.

After your dive, if you like, stop by the Kawaihae Shopping Center, where you will find Kohala Divers, a great little dive shop. Talk to the owner, and 'talk story' about his operation and the great dive sites up north. Then stop in at Cafe Pesto for some great 'grinds' (food for Hawaiians).

And remember, take only pictures and leave only bubbles.

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.