Hawai’i Recommendations: Features and Pro/Cons of the Various Islands
Hawai’i-The Big Island
Kauai-The Garden Isle
O’ahu-Honolulu
Maui-The Valley
includes dive shop & charter recommendations for each island
Kona Hawaii Links
On this site: About Kona and Kona Diving and Hawai’i Recommendations and
Benefits to Training in Kona and Kona Shore Diving (email us us for access to this last one)
Facebook: Hawaii Underwater Explorers (HUE) and Project Baseline Hawaii
Weather and Radar
Swell forecast:
click on units to change
magic seaweed charts and Caldwell commentary and shadowing graphs. Kona is 6-12 hours ahead of O’ahu for South swells, and 6-12 hours after O’ahu for North swells
Volcano: volcano forecast and Summit Road Conditions/Forecast
Recommended Tourbook: Hawaii The Big Island Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook. Also available in Kindle format
LODGING – Big Island, Kona Side: — links coming soon!
Please tell them Wet Rocks Diving sent you!
No Frills Hotels Kona Tiki, Uncle Billy’s, Kona Seaside, or VRBO
In Town Resorts King Kam Hotel (Marriott), Royal Kona
Keauhou (20 mins from Kona) Kona Surf Resort, Kanaloa Condos (basic to lux)
Waikaloa Four Star Resorts (45-60 mins from Kona)
Four Seasons, Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani
OTHER TRAVEL TIPS
Rental cars – we’re on an island; don’t take it for granted that you’ll be able to get a rental car on arrival without a reservation. We have found the best rates can be had by booking a car ahead with a reservation that can be canceled without penalty, check the rates occasionally, and re-book if you find a better deal.
Hilo vs Kona – If you’re staying in Kona or taking a class in Kona, we recommend flying into Kona. It takes 2.5 – 3hrs to drive from Hilo to Kona (through high altitude!) which is not pleasant immediately after a long flight. There are more flights available into Kona direct versus Hilo. Kona’s airport code is KOA.
Bikers – Home of the Ironman World Championships, we have a culture of bicyclists in Kona, please keep an eye out for them when driving. Also watch our for tourists doing stupid or oblivious things on mopeds.
Pau hana, live aloha – You’re “done work,” so enjoy the island at a slower pace and live (and drive) with aloha when you’re on island.
RECOMMENDED VENDORS – more coming soon! See Hawai’i Recommendations
TOPSIDE ACTIVITIES – more coming soon! See Hawai’i Recommendations