Looking for dive buddies and recommendations in Hawaii

[DeepThought]

I'm lucky to be sent to a scientific convention in Honolulu around 18-24 of April.
I will hopefully be able to take some time off to dive.
Any dive buddies around Honolulu?
Any dive site recommendations?
Any non-dive-related recommendations?

I'm considering taking some time off and extend my stay and hop on to other islands, but that depends on recommendations and costs (I'm a poor student).

So which islands would you recommend going to as a dive destination?
What's the deal with transportation between islands in Hawaii?

My stay in Honolulu is mostly paid during the convention, but afterwards and on other islands, if any one is willing to spare a bed/floor then It'll be a great help to my non-existing budget.

I'm a trained and capable (though somewhat rusty) recreational free diver, interested mainly in recreational diving, but line diving would do too. I spearfished once in my life, but will be happy to try that too.

Michael

 

[nostres]

Lucky You!!

I want this job!

I am sure Hawaiians will reply soon, there's quite a few of them here. I did my research as I am planning my trip there too ( it was postponed few times already)
Here's what I know so far, small planes provide reasonably priced and dependable transportation between the islands.

I am not interested in Oahu/Honolulu but search Molokini crater on Maui
It's a must

But Team Performance swears by Kona/Big Island for few reasons, no waves, 200ft depth available in swimming distance ( no boat charter needed!). They also meet wild dolphins almost every time they go! Kona is also Martin's choice for training.

Don't forget to try burgers from local cows fed with pineapples (hope You're not a vegetarian

 

[blaiz]

Howzit DeepThought,

There is no shortage of divers on Oahu. Plenty of them would be happy to give you some advice too. Unfortunately this is a new sub forum on the DB so the action is fairly light so far.

I dont mean to send anyone away from the DB but for the sake of a quick reply you might post on Hawaii Skin Diver Home Lots of divers from oahu participate on the forum there. Hopefully soon we will have the same response here.

If you get over to maui there is some great diving here and Id be happy to go on a dive or two. If you make it over here send me a PM.

As far as other recommendations Im not familiar with the diving on oahu but other than Waikiki it is a beautiful Island. Drive around the east side towards and past Diamond head to Makapu'u and Eva beach.

Its a major tourist destination but the snorkeling in Haunama bay is pretty incredible. No spearing of course but at least you get an Idea of what healthy Hawaiian reefs look like.

 

[trux]

You can also try contacting some of the host-friendly freedivers at APNEA.cz. I see there are at least three members on Hawaii who marked they can accommodate traveling freedivers. And since I believe you are also a registered member, you can contact them by PM (click the envelope at their handle name on the list):

http://apnea.cz/?hosts+U.S.A.