Hawaii
Why
The Hawaiian Islands are located in the center of the Pacific Ocean in
the tropical zone about 4,000 kilometers off the west coast of the USA.
Hawaii boasts 19 islands and islets and is classed an ecological paradise
with unique flora and fauna, some are endangered species, and two volcanoes
that are considered the most active in the world.
Diving in Hawaii is characterized by dramatic and diverse underwater landscapes with
labyrinths, arches and caves created mainly by volcanic activity, large marine creatures
such as sharks, pelagic fish, pods of dolphins and whales in the open sea. Here you can
see a vibrant variety of tropical fish including triggerfish, lionfish and pufferfish and more.
When
The weather is wonderful and characterized by a stable climate with no changes
between seasons and comfortable sea conditions. Water temperatures range between
22-26 C making Hawaii the perfect destination for recreation and diving all year round.
Tourism in Hawaii is highly developed, sought after and at a standard that is compatible
with American tourism.
How
The most common way to arrive is via the US, but you can also catch a flight from
Seoul that takes approximately 18 hours. In any case, a US visa is required.
You can dive in Hawaii via local diving clubs who offer offshore diving and daily cruises,
but the best way is to sail on the Kona Aggressor II. The liveaboard reaches the best sites,
where you never meet the daily divers and dive in exclusive sights, the right places at the
right times! The boat offers unlimited diving and night dives every night.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Garden Eel Cove at Makako Bay- Manta night dive
A beautiful and moderate slope with an endless sandy surface of garden eels and
manta rays that arrive here to feed on plankton. A magnificent day dive with
numerous reef fish and Morey eels. At night the real action begins, the divers
torches attract plankton that simultaneously attract even more manta rays and
dolphins... charming creatures that feel comfortable near divers and snorkelers.
Level: Suitable for divers and snorkelers of all levels. (Night dive - AOW)
Depth: 6-12 m
Room Cave 3
One of the most popular sites in the area. Diving into a huge 60 meter lava pipe with
three large caves. During this dive, you can see the amazing structure of the special
volcanic region. At the beginning of the dive even in the shallows you will see a wide
cave with an impressive arched entrance, a spectacular sight when the sunrays penetrate
through. Continuing the dive to an equally impressive cave that resembles a skull! The
caves and their surroundings are home to many soft corals with lobsters that hide in the
crevices, nudibranch, morey eels, reef sharks, and of course colorful reef fish.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 6-30 m.
Turtle Pinnacle / Turtle Heaven
In this site there is a pinnacle at a depth of 16 m marking the cleaning station for
turtles. Many turtles come to rest on the reef and are cleaned by many surgeonfish
and zebra fish. Here you will also have the opportunity to see schools of barracuda,
octopuses, Morey eels, impressive colonies of vibrant corals and occasionally pods
of spinner dolphins.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 16 m.
Kaiwi Point
One of the most beautiful reefs in the region. Colorful hills covered with assorted
corals surrounded by numerous reef fish including triggerfish, Trumpetfish and
Jack fish. Huge lava arch shaped structures and a huge wall that rises from the
seabed to the surface, small stone caves etc. At 12 m there is a sharp drop to a
beautiful wall. Here you can also spot large manta rays, sharks and more...
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
Golden Arches
This site has the most beautiful lava arches in the region and numerous reef
fish. Diving along the first shallow arch covered in corals the sun's rays penetrate
the cracks in the stone and are a sight you will not want to miss. In order to reach
the second arch you will dive over a beautiful reef in proximity of a steep wall.
Here you can see many frogfish, scorpion fish and more. Dolphins can also be
spotted here from time to time.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 18 m.
Honokahau
One of the most beautiful and colorful dive sites. The reef is covered with vibrant
colonies of abundant corals. The reef is home to large schools of reef fish, butterfly
fish, Heller's barracuda etc. Further along the reef there is a steep drop where you
will be able to see sea bats, dolphins, turtles and more...
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
Naked Lady
An 18-meter-long cruise ship that caught up in flames and sank. This
shipwreck is a home to numerous reef fish, mostly yellow snappers.
Here you have an opportunity to see endemic fish such as the green lionfish.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
Rainbow Reef
A beautiful and shallow diving site, the southernmost reef in the United States.The
sandy seabed deepens moderately from 5 to 12 meters, with a large eel garden and
a multitude of small, colorful fish. At a depth of 12 meters there is a steep descent
to a rocky cliff of 30 meters. The site received its name thanks to its spectacular
colors and assorted corals with many fish that live among them.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: maximum 30 m.
Black Coral Forest
Diving to the sandy seabed covered with endless amounts of impressive black
corals, among which live many fish like the rare and colorful long-nose hawkfish,
schools of barracuda, Morey eels etc.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: 16-30 m.
International Time
GMT - minus 10 hours.
Entry Visa
You will need a US entrance visa to visit Hawaii. You are required to present
a passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a return
ticket. Visas may be issued by your local travel agent, or US embassy.
Vaccines
Health wise, Hawaii is regarded as a safe destination, there are no risks
and no recommendations for any vaccinations whilst visiting. We recommend
keeping updated with your Ministry of Health website, regarding vaccines.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity. Travel and diving insurance-
can be purchased on this site. A credit card is accepted in most places,
saving the need to carry excess cash. Diving certificate, valid diving
insurance and a diving logbook. Photocopy of your passport, diving
certificates and travel insurance. Make sure to keep it in a separate file
from the original documents.
GIS - Visitor Information System
In cruises carried out by the Aggressor fleet, you are required to fill out a
guest information form. Immediately after booking the cruise, you will
receive a link to fill out a computerized information form, allowing the
ship to prepare for your arrival and provide you with the best personal service.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed to
using, especially a mask and a dive computer. Check your diving equipment prior to
your departure. This as an intensive week and a computer is essential. Rented scuba
diving equipment must be booked in advance. Payment for the equipment will be
directly to the boat.
Water temperature throughout the year is between 22-26C degrees. We recommend
a short 3-5 mm wetsuit, throughout the year.
Important items to bring along: An inflatable buoy to mark your location attached
to a roller and rope, anchor reef against strong currents, a whistle attached to your
BCD, and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
Hawaii is one of the most spectacular places in the world abundant with unique
flora, fauna and breathtaking landscapes both underwater on the surface! You do
not have to be an expert photographer in order to take superb photos to capture
some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments. Diving packages are available
for most kinds of cameras, for photography above and under water. Easy-to-use
extreme cameras are also a popular choice. Our team of photographers will be happy
to offer help and professional advice on appropriate equipment for the trip.
Clothing
It is unnecessary to pack a lot of clothing on a dive holiday in a tropical climate.
A light garment to wear in the day between dives is recommended and the dress
code on board is casual. One or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
Towels and bedding are provided by hotels and on the boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining
specific drugs is impossible. Do not forget to stock up on seasickness pills if
necessary. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure
to tropical weather, appropriate clothing and remember to drink plenty of fluids.
The ship is equipped with comprehensive first aid equipment including oxygen.
Flights
When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled
exactly as in your passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your
suitcase shows the final destination of your trip. You must arrive at the airport at
least 3 hours before departure. The number of bags and their weight should comply
with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
Pick up and drop off services, to and from the ship, are not included in the package,
however transportation is easy and there are plenty of taxis. on arrival you can catch
a taxi from the airport directly to the marina where the ship docks. On returning from
your cruise the ship's crew will help you organize transportation back to the airport or
one of the hotels, as needed.
Communication
In the marina area and on the first and last day of the cruise there is available
Wi-Fi access and cellular phones reception. Whilst travelling in remote areas,
you may purchase a satellite communication package enabling internet access,
communication, sending and receiving e-mails.
Weather
The weather is wonderful and is characterized by a great stabile climate and
optimal sea conditions, which allow recreation and diving throughout the year.
This destination is renowned for offering 350 days sun a year and therefore tourism
is developed and sought after. Cruises are in high demand during the holiday seasons.
Sea Conditions
Most activity takes place in pleasant and calm seas, but sometimes seas are high
due to local winds. Some of the sites have currents we will use to dive in their direction.
Use an inflatable buoy to mark your position, until the dive boat arrives.
Visibility conditions under the water are good and range between 18-30 meters. Keep
at safe distance that allows eye contact with the group leader according to the site's visibility.
Electrical Supply
110 V, we recommend to bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
The sockets are American.
Money
The local currency is the US dollar.
Credit cards are accepted by all tourist service providers.
Local Taxes
There are no supplement charges or taxes.
Tips
Tips are commonly paid on the cruises and the approximate
going rate is 10-15 percent of the price of the cruise.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chambers
The closest decompression chamber is located in the hospital at Honolulu.
If necessary, our recommendation is to let the ship's crew or person in charge
of dive activities to manage evacuation procedures according to local practice,
and supply oxygen if necessary.
Close
Things to do in Hawaii?
This is one of the most interesting destinations in the world with plenty of attractions.
Whilst other diving destinations have limited options in terms of recreation and tours,
Hawaii has so many options, we recommend you stay for as long as possible in order
to take advantage of the variety of attractions and activities that you may experience here.
Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you see live volcanic lava flowing,
bask in the sun on spectacular beaches, take tours and cruises to other beautiful and
unique islands. Hawaii offers a spectacular contrast between the modern world as seen
in Honolulu with skyscrapers painting the landscape, and the wonderful world of nature
and islands and sparse kilometers of land. The distance between the Hawaiian Islands
from any continent has created a unique and interesting evolutionary world. The
inhabitants born here are a combination of local Polynesian tribes and a profound
influence of the US.
We recommend you research and plan a comprehensive trip to Hawaii that will
undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
Are cruises suitable for non-divers?
Activities and the nature of the trip are suited for divers. During the cruise there are
plenty of opportunities to visit the beaches, swim, snorkel and explore the islands.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to participate in such a trip?
Not necessarily, but previous experience is always a plus. The dives are with a guide
and it is an intensive week. Without a doubt, non-experienced divers will benefit from
this trip. A professional team of instructors accompanies all dives and divers are divided
into small groups according to their level of experience. It is recommended to be at least
an advanced diver with nitrox and depth certification. Some of the dives are to a depth
of 40 meters with strong currents.
Do I Have to Have Nitrox Certification?
On an intensive dive tour, it is recommended to use Nitrox. Using the dive computer in
regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases safety ranges. The Nitrox supply is
$125 per week for those who are certified. You can also get certified for Nitrox onboard
for $ 195 and $ 75 for nitrox use after the course (prices might change).
How Many Dives are there During the Trip?
The cruise offers unlimited diving and many guests dive an average of 5 a day, except
on Fridays when there is only one dive after which the cruise returns to its port of origin.
Arrival time to the port is at 13:00. This cruise offers night dives on every day of the cruise.
What Kind of Food is Served During the Cruise?
The food served is varied and usually American and Caribbean cuisine.
Breakfast have a superb selection of tropical fruits, fresh and chilled fruit juices,
dishes made according to your request, cereals, yogurts, excellent coffee and more.
Lunch is 3 courses and includes soup, baked bread, a selection of main dishes and
delicious desserts.
Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere and includes a fresh salad and a choice between
chicken, fish or meat, a selection of drinks and margaritas.
We will be happy to respond to requests and personal preferences, please make sure
that you have filled in the questionnaire in advance.
What is the Alcohol Policy?
We recommend that you purchase your favorite alcoholic drink from the
nearest duty-free shop. The boat takes precautions regarding drinking and
diving. Anyone who consumes alcohol will find himself or herself snorkeling
until the next day!
What Happens when I Return to the Port at the End of the Cruise?
As stated, the ship returns to the port on Friday afternoon and at sunset,
a cocktail party is planned on board. You can take an afternoon explore
the island and the ship's crew will be happy to help organize such a trip.
Dinner is not served on Friday and guests can choose one of the island's
restaurants to dine in.
On Saturday after a light breakfast, the ship sets sail at approximately 08:00.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
Yes you do! In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international
with a medical statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all
the questions in your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem.
If there are positive answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If you
are over the age of 45, medical approval is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba
equipment. We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer.
We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
