Kona Paradise

While the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is a secret no longer, she hides her treasures well. The stark, dry, lava strewn shores belie the beauty that lies beneath the waves. Minimal rainfall, low runoff, and limited development have left the waters off Kona near crystal clear and, while there are places where fishing line and gear shroud the bottom, the fish life is impressive.

Our day started near the tip of SouthPoint but high winds and waves forced us west and north along the coast. After a few miles things had settled enough to allow launching of the small boats and our day had begun. From the very first survey we knew we were in paradise. Thirty to forty meter visibility, large fish everywhere, and near one hundred percent live coral cover. It was like diving in an aquarium without end. As my data sheet rapidly filled with parrotfish, unicornfish, emperors, and surgeonfish, I knew it was going to be a good day.

Kona did not disappoint. On the third dive of the day we had been running for nearly half an hour when out of the blue appeared two sleak shapes moving hesitantly, but steadily towards us. Two seven foot scalloped hammerheads moving in from the deep. They were magnificent! Curious and ever watchful on moved in beside us and kept pace for just a few seconds before drifting off behind and off along the reef. It was magical and wonderful. So sleek, so powerful, and so perfect. A perfect end to a perfect day.