Another Great Dive Site!: Puako

Let's talk about PUAKO. Puako is on what we call "The Kona/Kohala Coast" which means it is 'up north' - and 'up north' means the winds come up in the mid-to-early afternoon, so hit this shore dive site early in the day, the earlier the better. You'll see what I mean. This Shore Dive takes us north of Kailua-Kona about 30 miles to the quiet little village just makai of the Highway. Follow Rt. 19 north from Kailua-Kona, past Keahole International Airport (where you landed on arrival into Kona), continue past the Waikoloa Resort area, past the Mauna Lani Resort turn-off, and then turn left onto Puako Road (it's well marked). Follow Puako Road past the boat ramp and through this beautiful little beach town. Each time we drive through Puako it feels like we should be tiptoeing. When you come to the end of the village, (2.8 miles from the highway - just before you enter the NEW paving with shinning new street light-standards), turn right onto a solid sand road (there's a sign stating "Shoreline Access") and travel about 25 yards, then park the car.You'll be right at an entry/exit area at a small cove. Slightly further south (about another 25 yards) is another gash in the lava rocks that makes an easy entry/exit spot, too. Gear up with your buddy and, after you have gone over the "Dive Plan", enter the water. Here you will find yourselves in shallow water, cruising over a smooth lava shelf with small boulders strewn about. These boulders are covered with sea urchins of several varieties (some of which are very prickly, so don't touch 'em). Swim out about 50-75 yards and turn north. You will spot one of three large holes in the pahoehoe. The hole mouths will be at about 10'-12' depth. Swim into the one that is obviously open at the ocean end and drop to the bottom. Now you will be at about 20'-25' depth. It'll be dark - but look out toward the northwest. You'll see daylight through a tunnel of 15'-20' length. Swim through that tunnel and as you do, you'll be amazed at the colorful coral inside. Here you'll also encounter a lobster or two, aweoweo (Hawaiian Bigeye), ala'ihi (Hawaiian Squirrelfish), an occasional nunu (Trumpetfish), and maybe a nohu 'omakaha (Devil Scorpionfish). The roof of the tunnel contains stinging anemones (that can hurt you when touched), so stay low. When you reach the mouth of the tunnel you'll exit into a crevasse at about 30' depth that extends out to a drop-off that continues into deep water. As you swim through this gulch keep your head up! You are bound to see turtles here. We've seen the largest Green Sea Turtles in Hawaii at this dive locale, ranging to over 200 pounds! Be on the lookout for Manta Rays here, too. Leopard Rays frequent the reefs and sandy spots at Puako, also, because of the abundance of their favorite food, sea urchins. The sand bottom of the trench is home to many Horned Helmet Shells, Marlin Spikes, Augers, and Cone Shells. Enjoy a rest stop here and look around you. Sit right down! The reef fish in this area will astound you as they cavort past your mask. They are as tame here as anywhere on the Kona Coast. They'll actually come up and peer in your mask at you! Stay still, they are just as curious as you are, and won't bite. The visibility here generally is in the 100' range, so don't forget to look from side to side, as well as in front and behind - you'll probably see a sleek White Tip Shark off in the distance. They glide through the water with the greatest of ease - and are seldom seen, unless YOU are looking for THEM! We consider sharks a great sighting and look for them constantly. They are truly magnificent creatures and sighting one is always a highlight of any dive. Incidentally, they, like eels, have an unwarranted bad reputation (but that's a story in one of the other chapters on the website, look for it).

At the drop-off of the reef you can venture right or left, but watch the current, as it can be swift at Puako Reef. Allow for it, watch your bottom time, and explore the wall. The reef is abundant in marine life. You can dive here 1000 times and never discover all it has to offer. Because of the currents, the sheer drop-off to deeper water and the sheltered area of the nearby bay, many huge fish can be viewed here. On a recent dive we saw the largest Ulua we've ever seen at Puako. It must have weighed in excess of 200 pounds. Large eels are in practically every nook and cranny, so take a dive-light. Puako is a photographer's delight with bright colors everywhere, so don't forget your camera. Snorkelers will revel in the shallow water views near the entry area and divers will come back for more - that's a promise. Remember, too, we are the visitors to the underwater world. The marine life we see should be left where we see it, so those behind us can thrill to the discovery.

We are in a diver's paradise along the Kona/Kohala Coast and Puako proves that - without a doubt. Dive safely and often. The more you dive the more comfortable and proficient you become.

Special Puako Note: The garden eels of Puako are found straight out from the mouth of the above mentioned crevasse at about 90 ft on a sandy ledge that goes down fo-evah - so if you seek these beautiful sea creatures, WATCH YOUR BOTTOM TIME AND DEPTH!

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.