With
"Dick the Diver"
Dick Dresie
Latest Update: "Just the other day!"
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
WHAT'S THE WATER TEMPERATURE?
Well, it does vary a little, but only a little. Usually we find the water temperature in the 72 to 78 degrees (F) range... but sometimes in late August to late October we've felt a cozy 80 to 82 as we entered the ocean off the Kona Coast. So, you don't need a dry suit! That's for sure!
Would you believe, though, some people do wear dry suits?... But then, they don't have natural insulation (some call it 'fat'), like I do. Really, those wearing dry suits are a little weird, if you ask me... but then, nobody asks me anymore. You won't need a hood and 3mm is generally quite enough. I wear my latex skin-tights practically year 'round and find it fine and dandy. Just come prepared for some nice warm temperatures... and enjoy the clear visibility all year 'round. YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT!
Why dive Kona?
Good Question... My Answer: "We can dive the Kona Coast, on average, 340 days - and nights - a year!" There are few places in the world that can 'honestly' brag like that. Our island mass protects us from heavy weather and currents felt most other places - and our semi-tropical location, right in the middle of the beautiful Pacific, makes Kona the perfect dive location - practically every day, all year 'round.
What makes diving Kona so great?
The daily availability of our warm, calm, clear waters make Kona diving so inviting. The underwater visibility is seldom less that 50 feet and usually exceeds 100 feet. The fish life is variable and exciting with over 650 species within sight on practically every dive (yes, even the humu-humu-nuku-nuku-apua'a) - and of those 650 species, over 35% of them are endemic to Hawaii, not seen anywhere else on the planet. We have big things to see: dolphins, turtles, whales, manta rays, morays, sharks, you name it (if it lives in the oceans of the world, you'll find it off our shores).
Where is Kona?
Well, we are in the island State of Hawaii in the U.S.A. - but, more explicitly, we are on the Big Island of Hawaii. We are not Honolulu, where you will find Waikiki on the island of Oahu - and we are not Lahaina on the island of Maui. And we sure as heck aren't Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai. We are the real Hawaii, on the west coast of the Big Island, the Orchid Island, HAWAII.
Where can I go shore diving off Kona?
Glad you asked. I wrote a book about 20 years ago describing 27 different shore dive sites off the Kona Coast - and it SOLD OUT. Now with this new toy called "the Internet" I decided to make it work for you the diver. I'm offering you the opportunity to find out where to go diving off Kona. No charge. I just want you to have fun diving - and the best way to do that is to dive Kona.
How about Boat Diving?
Again, I'm glad you asked. We have some of the best boat diving operations in the country right here off the Kona and Kohala Coasts (Kohala is just north of Kona). Day trips? No problem. Night dives? No problem. We also have some great 'live-aboards' that will take you out for days on end...including EVERYTHING! Frankly, there isn't one I would NOT recommend. Boat diving is terrific, too, and if you need pampering, and don't mind paying a little more for that convenience, let's talk. I'll steer you to some wonderful dive operations that will supply you with your every need. And again, no charge for this advice.
Is Kona "eco-minded"?
We do not tolerate damage to our underwater environment, if that's what you mean. Yes, "take only pictures and leave only bubbles". Underwater photographers delight in what our Kona/Kohala Coast offers: variety, clarity, and availability of sound environmental practices. We do promote that - and hope you do, too.
Why go shore diving?
Because it's cheaper, Silly. But, besides that - Kona Coast shore diving and snorkeling is easy. At many places around the world the surf and entry/exit ease make it practically impossible to shore dive. Kona? No problem IF you know where to go.
How can I find out more about diving off the Kona Coast?
Just
and ask whatevah you wish. I'll try to answer your questions and guide you to fantastic diving - the best diving - on the Kona Coast of Hawaii.
| *Turn off your "pop-up blockers", please. | ||
Aloha,
Dick the Diver........
P.S. I do get around you know?
Occasionally I have to come up for air
and check my e-mail.
If I don't get back to you right away...RELAX!
I will get back to you as soon as I
get back on dry land...
may take a day or three!
"Being alone with the sea is definitive meditation.
It is an awe-inspiring realm where the gods must surely dwell - and yet
they too would require no companion,
for the sea is companion enough."