Recently I watched an official PADI (free) DVD on becoming an Open Water Diver. It discussed the basic principles of beginner diving, which were educational, 11 sections on special types of diving that were also informative to find an area of interest, and a video highlighting two people’s experiences with diving. I felt it gave a good educational base of what an Open Water Diver will need to know, it demonstrated the practice of beginner principles, and generated excitement over scuba diving. Here are the main things I learned:
Buoyancy- water buoys up an object with a force equal to the weight of the water the object displaces.
Positively buoyant- If an object weighs less than the water it displaces, it floats.
Negatively buoyant- An object weighs more than the water it displaces, it sinks
Neutrally buoyant- An object neither floats nor sinks.
You control your buoyancy with your BCD (Buoyancy Control Device).
Air pressure is the air’s weight caused by gravity holding the atmosphere against the earth.
Depth, Pressure, Air volume, Air density, Surface vol. equiv.
0m/ 0ft, 1 bar /ata, 1, x1, x1
10m/ 33ft, 2 bar / ata, 1/2, x2, x2
20m/ 66ft, 3 bar / ata, 1/3, x3, x3
30m/ 99ft, 4 bar / ata, 1/4, x4, x4
Equalize pressure frequently as you descend.
Breathe continuously and NEVER hold your breath while ascending or descending.
When air compresses under pressure, it becomes denser.
Scuba gear supplies air to you at the surrounding pressure, so at 20m you use your air 3 times faster than at the surface. The deeper you dive, the faster you use your air.
Equipment:
MASK- find one that fits well (place the mask on your face, inhale and exhale through your nose and it should suction to your face comfortably). When you get it home, gently scour the inside of your mask with a low abrasion cleaner or toothpaste. If you don’t, you won’t be able to defog it for diving.
SNORKEL- it allows you to rest at the surface without using tank air. It should be attached on the left side of your mask.
FINS- full foot fins are convenient and suitable for warm water diving where you don’t need additional foot protection. Most divers opt for open heeled fins with wet suit boots that provide insulation and protection. Rinse inside and outside of all gear with fresh water after all uses.
Buoyancy Control Device:
Most BCDs are jacket style that include a large inflation/ deflation hose, a low-pressure inflator mechanism, and an over pressure leak valve. Most divers prefer a weight integrated BCD so it eliminates the need for a separate weight belt.
Scuba tank and valves:
Yoke valves- most common. Regular attaches to a Yoke assembly.
DIN valves- Regulator screws into the valve. It handles somewhat higher pressures.
Valves should open and close smoothly. They all require an “o-ring” to seal water out. Never drain the cylinder completely; always leave a few bar / a couple hundred PSI to keep moisture and contaminates from entering.
Regulator:
SPG- Submersible Pressure Gauge. This tells you how much air you have during a dive.
Confined water- dive 1:
Assembling scuba equipment
Adjustments and gearing up
Breathing underwater
Regulator clearing
Regulator recovery
Mask clearing
Swimming underwater
Equalization and underwater swimming
Managing your air
Alternate air source
Extra second stage
Alternate inflator regulator
Ascending
Exiting the water
Equipment disassembly and care
Friday, February 22, 2008
PADI open water diver video
UP COMING FIELD STUDIES
By Leda A. Cunningham, Executive Director
Greetings from REEF HQ! Conservation science is in sharp focus here at REEF, from an expanded Grouper Moon Project to new uses of REEF data in the Channel Islands. REEF is making giant strides in the Florida Keys community with a successful For the Love of the Sea benefit event, upcoming citizen science panel discussions and the recognition of two invaluable volunteers by a prominent community foundation. If you're looking for travel opportunities, consider jumping on one of the 4 spots just released on the Turks and Caicos Field Survey, April 19-26, or joining the Sea of Cortez Field Survey October 5-12. Educators can apply to join these or other REEF Field Survey teams through a special scholarship. Please read on . . .
Greetings from REEF HQ! Conservation science is in sharp focus here at REEF, from an expanded Grouper Moon Project to new uses of REEF data in the Channel Islands. REEF is making giant strides in the Florida Keys community with a successful For the Love of the Sea benefit event, upcoming citizen science panel discussions and the recognition of two invaluable volunteers by a prominent community foundation. If you're looking for travel opportunities, consider jumping on one of the 4 spots just released on the Turks and Caicos Field Survey, April 19-26, or joining the Sea of Cortez Field Survey October 5-12. Educators can apply to join these or other REEF Field Survey teams through a special scholarship. Please read on . . .
Friday, February 15, 2008
Beginning scuba- Where to start
So… wondering where to start? How about the beginning! Scuba divers dive in a variety of places from the obvious: oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, quarries, waterways, canals, to the more obscure: mines, springs, abandoned oilrigs, and even former missile silos. Scuba diving is a year-round sport though if you’re further north, winters could bring challenges such as cold water and ice diving, which require special training. Commercial divers typically work for contractors, building and maintaining underwater structures, conducting surveys and inspections, operate complex remote operated vehicles (ROVs), and life-support systems; hyperbaric first aid and emergency medical care.
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there. There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
PADI:
1. Open water diver- you must be 15 years old. Ages 12-14 (NAUI) and 10-14 (PADI) can receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there. There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
- Divemaster
- Skin diving Instructor
- Assistant Instructor
PADI:
1. Open water diver- you must be 15 years old. Ages 12-14 (NAUI) and 10-14 (PADI) can receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Nature Conservancy
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/
Together with our members and conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 200,000 acres of critical natural lands in Hawai‘i.
Remember when "environmentalist" meant…recycling? It's not so simple anymore. Being an environmentalist today calls for a whole new level of greener thinking — from what you choose at the grocery store to how you commute to work every day. So check out these eco-friendly tips from Nature Conservancy staff and leading environment bloggers on how to make personal, science-based choices to help save the planet.
Together with our members and conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 200,000 acres of critical natural lands in Hawai‘i.
Remember when "environmentalist" meant…recycling? It's not so simple anymore. Being an environmentalist today calls for a whole new level of greener thinking — from what you choose at the grocery store to how you commute to work every day. So check out these eco-friendly tips from Nature Conservancy staff and leading environment bloggers on how to make personal, science-based choices to help save the planet.
Hawaii's Birds
Hawaii's Birds
`Akialoa
One of the birds whose song is no longer heard in the forests of Kaua`i is the Kaua`i `akialoa. While considered numerous in the 1890s, the population started declining soon thereafter. Despite intensive searches and rumors that the Kaua`i `akialoa may still persist, no confirmed sightings have been made since 1965. Some naturalists retain hope that survivors may still exist in remote tracts of intact native forest.
Threats:
The `akialoa's habit of frequenting forest edges and low elevations may have exposed them to introduced diseases, starting their decline toward extinction.
Hawaiian Hawk ('io)
To ancient Hawaiians, the 'io was a royal figure: strong and aggressive, but also graceful and stately, flying silently high above the earth. The Hawaiian saying "kaha ka 'io i ka malie" translates as "the hawk stands out in the calm skies," and is used to denote admiration for a person who stands out in a crowd because of their appearance or charisma. The palace of the Hawaiian monarchy in Honolulu was named 'Iolani, "Exalted Hawk," which reflects this long-standing symbolism.
Survival:
The 'io has been able to persist because it can thrive in a variety of habitats. It has learned to hunt the rodents that have been introduced into the ecosystem, thus augmenting its ancient diet of forest birds. As a top predator, the presence of 'io in the forests of Kona is also an indication that the system which supports it is still relatively intact. In ecological systems, when the underpinnings are damaged, the top predators are often the first to be affected. In the forests of Kapu'a in South Kona, 'io still build their nests in strong 'ōhi'a trees, calling out their existence for all to hear.
Kaua`i Thrush (Puaiohi)
The puaiohi, or small Kaua`i thrush, is found only on the island of Kaua`i. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the puaiohi is considered to be critically vulnerable to global extinction. It is restricted to the high elevation `ōhi`a forest in the Alaka`i Wilderness. Two decades ago, the Hawai`i Forest Bird Survey estimated the population at merely two to three dozen.
Threats:
The following must be controlled if the puaiohi is to survive:
Spread of alien plants into the Alaka`i Wilderness
Proliferation of goats and pigs
Predation by small mammals such as rats
Maui Parrotbill (kikekoa)
The Maui parrotbill is one of Hawaii's rarest birds. Living in the remote mountains of East Maui, it has a rich olive green body with a yellow chest. The head, with a bright yellow band just above the eye, is masked in dark olive. The most distinctive feature of the bird is its strong, hooked parrot-like bill, used for vigorous prying of chunks of koa bark, or snapping straight through strong twigs of understory shrubs in search of its major food: native beetles boring through the wood. The force of the jaws working the bill is enormous relative to the "songbird" size of the Maui parrotbill, and sometimes you can hear the crunching and snapping of the twigs and branches as the bird works its way through the understory.
Threats:
The Maui parrotbill's survival is threatened by:
habitat destruction by pigs
introduced predators, especially rats
avian diseases spread by mosquitoes
Today, while the parrotbill is restricted to the wet forests of East Maui, it seems to be holding its own, benefiting from the healthy regrowth of understory shrubs following a decade of feral pig control in Waikamoi and adjacent watershed lands.
`O`u
`O`u is one of Hawai'i's rarest birds. It once inhabited the islands of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Maui, and Hawai`i. Today, it can only be found on the islands of Kaua`i and Hawai`i, where it resides in the upper canopy of `ohi`a forests. On Kaua`i, the few remaining individuals live at the 3-5,000 foot elevation in the Alaka`i Wilderness.
Threats:
Survival of the `o`u is threatened by:
Habitat destruction
Introduced predators
Avian diseases, such as malaria
Pueo
The Pueo and the Hawaiian Hawk are the only two extant native birds of prey native to the Hawaiian Islands. The pueo is a subspecies of the North American short-eared owl, and is considered by many scientists to be a relatively recent natural arrival to Hawai'i.it is celebrated as an `aumakua (ancestral spirit) by many Hawaiians.
`Akialoa
One of the birds whose song is no longer heard in the forests of Kaua`i is the Kaua`i `akialoa. While considered numerous in the 1890s, the population started declining soon thereafter. Despite intensive searches and rumors that the Kaua`i `akialoa may still persist, no confirmed sightings have been made since 1965. Some naturalists retain hope that survivors may still exist in remote tracts of intact native forest.
Threats:
The `akialoa's habit of frequenting forest edges and low elevations may have exposed them to introduced diseases, starting their decline toward extinction.
Hawaiian Hawk ('io)
To ancient Hawaiians, the 'io was a royal figure: strong and aggressive, but also graceful and stately, flying silently high above the earth. The Hawaiian saying "kaha ka 'io i ka malie" translates as "the hawk stands out in the calm skies," and is used to denote admiration for a person who stands out in a crowd because of their appearance or charisma. The palace of the Hawaiian monarchy in Honolulu was named 'Iolani, "Exalted Hawk," which reflects this long-standing symbolism.
Survival:
The 'io has been able to persist because it can thrive in a variety of habitats. It has learned to hunt the rodents that have been introduced into the ecosystem, thus augmenting its ancient diet of forest birds. As a top predator, the presence of 'io in the forests of Kona is also an indication that the system which supports it is still relatively intact. In ecological systems, when the underpinnings are damaged, the top predators are often the first to be affected. In the forests of Kapu'a in South Kona, 'io still build their nests in strong 'ōhi'a trees, calling out their existence for all to hear.
Kaua`i Thrush (Puaiohi)
The puaiohi, or small Kaua`i thrush, is found only on the island of Kaua`i. Listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the puaiohi is considered to be critically vulnerable to global extinction. It is restricted to the high elevation `ōhi`a forest in the Alaka`i Wilderness. Two decades ago, the Hawai`i Forest Bird Survey estimated the population at merely two to three dozen.
Threats:
The following must be controlled if the puaiohi is to survive:
Spread of alien plants into the Alaka`i Wilderness
Proliferation of goats and pigs
Predation by small mammals such as rats
Maui Parrotbill (kikekoa)
The Maui parrotbill is one of Hawaii's rarest birds. Living in the remote mountains of East Maui, it has a rich olive green body with a yellow chest. The head, with a bright yellow band just above the eye, is masked in dark olive. The most distinctive feature of the bird is its strong, hooked parrot-like bill, used for vigorous prying of chunks of koa bark, or snapping straight through strong twigs of understory shrubs in search of its major food: native beetles boring through the wood. The force of the jaws working the bill is enormous relative to the "songbird" size of the Maui parrotbill, and sometimes you can hear the crunching and snapping of the twigs and branches as the bird works its way through the understory.
Threats:
The Maui parrotbill's survival is threatened by:
habitat destruction by pigs
introduced predators, especially rats
avian diseases spread by mosquitoes
Today, while the parrotbill is restricted to the wet forests of East Maui, it seems to be holding its own, benefiting from the healthy regrowth of understory shrubs following a decade of feral pig control in Waikamoi and adjacent watershed lands.
`O`u
`O`u is one of Hawai'i's rarest birds. It once inhabited the islands of Kaua`i, O`ahu, Moloka`i, Lana`i, Maui, and Hawai`i. Today, it can only be found on the islands of Kaua`i and Hawai`i, where it resides in the upper canopy of `ohi`a forests. On Kaua`i, the few remaining individuals live at the 3-5,000 foot elevation in the Alaka`i Wilderness.
Threats:
Survival of the `o`u is threatened by:
Habitat destruction
Introduced predators
Avian diseases, such as malaria
Pueo
The Pueo and the Hawaiian Hawk are the only two extant native birds of prey native to the Hawaiian Islands. The pueo is a subspecies of the North American short-eared owl, and is considered by many scientists to be a relatively recent natural arrival to Hawai'i.it is celebrated as an `aumakua (ancestral spirit) by many Hawaiians.
Kauai Z-Tourz
Kauai Z-Tourz is dedicated to providing the best raft and snorkeling tour available on Kauai. Aboard our custom built Rigid-Hull Zodia Raft, guests are treated to a tour that is personalized, educational, interesting and adventurous. Guests are given marine as well as cultural narration and have the opportunity to snorkel with hundreds of species of tropical fish as well as the Green Sea Turtles. We also offer dolphin-watching year round and whale watching December through May.
We are truly a specialized boat tour available on Kauai. We are the only boat tour with the emphasis on snorkeling and marine life watching and interaction. Our personalized attention to guests, guided tour in the water, and commitment to education and protecting the marine environment are components we are very proud to feature. As examples of this, we DO NOT allow or promote fish feeding on our tours and we DO NOT ?throw anchor? in any of our selected sights, since both cause damage to the reef environment and its inhabitants.
As a company we are dedicated to making each tour a custom adventure for the guest and giving them a truly Hawaiian experience using ancient Hawaiian place names and knowledge being passed on from our captain and crew.
All of this will be shared with the spirit of Aloha!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
We are truly a specialized boat tour available on Kauai. We are the only boat tour with the emphasis on snorkeling and marine life watching and interaction. Our personalized attention to guests, guided tour in the water, and commitment to education and protecting the marine environment are components we are very proud to feature. As examples of this, we DO NOT allow or promote fish feeding on our tours and we DO NOT ?throw anchor? in any of our selected sights, since both cause damage to the reef environment and its inhabitants.
As a company we are dedicated to making each tour a custom adventure for the guest and giving them a truly Hawaiian experience using ancient Hawaiian place names and knowledge being passed on from our captain and crew.
All of this will be shared with the spirit of Aloha!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
MODIFIED BLOG
Today i added acouple elements to the page..
I added a clock in the right corner of the blog page and below i enter a stat counter to my page on who is where and what country that person is from who reads the blog, though it is new.. It will take some time to build up new stats.. I was tired of logging in see the 9000+ month visitors so i am seeing how many views i get a day from this point on.
I added a clock in the right corner of the blog page and below i enter a stat counter to my page on who is where and what country that person is from who reads the blog, though it is new.. It will take some time to build up new stats.. I was tired of logging in see the 9000+ month visitors so i am seeing how many views i get a day from this point on.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
HOW MUCH DAMAGE HAS HUMAN FISHING DONE
HOW MUCH DAMAGE HAS HUMAN FISHING DONE TO THE OCEAN? We thought we could fish forever, because the sea was a limitless protein mine. But dawning now is a realization that we were wrong about that. But how naive were we? And what price will be paid? Ocean life is dying back in unexpected ways: although there are fewer fish and other sea animals, more of them are starving, while waves of 'sickness' spread as primitive microbes gain the upper hand. Symptoms include spreading 'dead zones,' harmful algae blooms and a diminished presence of sea animal life in general. Is fishing implicated in all of this?
WANNA KNOW MORE?
http://www.fisherycrisis.com/
WANNA KNOW MORE?
http://www.fisherycrisis.com/
Marine Plants of Hawai'i
Marine Plants of Hawai'i
Order Siphonocladales
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa
Description: commonly known as the "Green Bubble Alga" due to the large round cells. When small the thallus is a hollow sphere, when larger the sphere may burst becoming convoluted and cup shaped. The seaweed is grass green in color and can form extensive mats over the reefs surface
Size: 1-10cm thick.
Habitat:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dictyosphaeria versluysii
Description: has bubble-like cells, but is completely solid in middle and always remains rounded. Grass green in color, but sometimes bluish-green in color.
Size: 1-2 cm high and 1-5 cm wide.
Habitat: commonly found on reef flats and tidepools.
Photograph: Richardson's Beach Park, Hilo Hawai'i. 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microdictyon japonicum
Description: M. japonicum is a single flattened blade consisting of a meshwork of fine connecting branches. It is grass-green in color.
Size: from 1 to 6cm wide and 1 to 4 cm high.
Habitat: low intertidal areas of rocky coastlines, on flat reefs, and in between the branches of corals at deeper depths.
Order Siphonocladales
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa
Description: commonly known as the "Green Bubble Alga" due to the large round cells. When small the thallus is a hollow sphere, when larger the sphere may burst becoming convoluted and cup shaped. The seaweed is grass green in color and can form extensive mats over the reefs surface
Size: 1-10cm thick.
Habitat:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dictyosphaeria versluysii
Description: has bubble-like cells, but is completely solid in middle and always remains rounded. Grass green in color, but sometimes bluish-green in color.
Size: 1-2 cm high and 1-5 cm wide.
Habitat: commonly found on reef flats and tidepools.
Photograph: Richardson's Beach Park, Hilo Hawai'i. 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microdictyon japonicum
Description: M. japonicum is a single flattened blade consisting of a meshwork of fine connecting branches. It is grass-green in color.
Size: from 1 to 6cm wide and 1 to 4 cm high.
Habitat: low intertidal areas of rocky coastlines, on flat reefs, and in between the branches of corals at deeper depths.
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Sea Life Park Hawaii
At Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins dance, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea.
Come and explore our entertaining and educational attractions!.
Get up close and personal with a fantastic array of marine life and make amazing discoveries about the inhabitants of our aquatic world. You can swim with dolphins, come face to face with Sea Lions, play like a pirate or just kick back and watch our thrilling animal shows.
Stay dry or get wet, it's up to you but one thing's for sure - learning's never been so much fun!.
Park schedule: Daily from 10:30 to 17:00 hrs
A once in a lifetime chance to participate in a very special program with dolphins. You will enjoy a thrilling Belly-ride, unforgettable Kiss and free time!
The Dolphin Adventure is a once in a lifetime chance to participate in a very special program with dolphins. After a short orientation, guests will enjoy 30 minutes of dolphin fun! Participants will touch the dolphin and pose for a big KISS, perform various close contact behaviors and you will have a chance to view the dolphin underwater all while a trainer educates you about these amazing animals.
Different Activities:
Dolphin Adventure
Dolphin Aloha
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Royal Swim
Hawaiian Ray Encounter
Sea Life Luau
Sea Lion Discovery
Sea Trek Adventure
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
Come and explore our entertaining and educational attractions!.
Get up close and personal with a fantastic array of marine life and make amazing discoveries about the inhabitants of our aquatic world. You can swim with dolphins, come face to face with Sea Lions, play like a pirate or just kick back and watch our thrilling animal shows.
Stay dry or get wet, it's up to you but one thing's for sure - learning's never been so much fun!.
Park schedule: Daily from 10:30 to 17:00 hrs
A once in a lifetime chance to participate in a very special program with dolphins. You will enjoy a thrilling Belly-ride, unforgettable Kiss and free time!
The Dolphin Adventure is a once in a lifetime chance to participate in a very special program with dolphins. After a short orientation, guests will enjoy 30 minutes of dolphin fun! Participants will touch the dolphin and pose for a big KISS, perform various close contact behaviors and you will have a chance to view the dolphin underwater all while a trainer educates you about these amazing animals.
Different Activities:
Dolphin Adventure
Dolphin Aloha
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Royal Swim
Hawaiian Ray Encounter
Sea Life Luau
Sea Lion Discovery
Sea Trek Adventure
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
Getting your feet wet- First time scuba
By: Amanda W. (Scuba Junkie)
Life of a beginner scuba queen
2/6/08
Being from Iowa, you may not consider scuba diving an option for me. That is, unless you don't know where Iowa is or that we're the land of corn. Not exactly teeming with fantastic vacation dive spots that are flocked with tourists. I want to share my thoughts and experiences as I go through the process of learning to scuba dive.
My hope is that fellow novices can learn from my stories, or maybe more advanced divers to gain an understanding of beginners. No matter the reason for your interest in scuba, it has brought you to this point. Some background on myself is that I do not like being in a bathing suit, am not used to being in water, dislike emerging my face in water, and have a fear of drowning. With that said, through the encouragement and passion of a friend, I am preparing to take my first steps toward becoming an Open Water Diver.
I personally had my first experience with snorkeling in April 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas while on vacation. After the first 15 minutes in the water of thinking I was going to drown, I began to relax and focus more on my desire to see the beauty beneath me. I had to practice at breathing through the snorkel underwater, and let me tell you it is a strange feeling to see below and continue breathing. My friend and I had $10 underwater cameras, but the pictures could not do justice for what we could see with our own eyes. I was a bit disappointed in the coral to be honest, but I really had nothing to compare it to. After all, I went for the experience, and the fish didn't disappoint.
With Scuba Jay's prompting I began to consider trying scuba, though after almost hyperventilating with just snorkeling I had my reservations. We began with hearing stories and watching videos on YouTube and learning of different types and purposes of diving- wreck/ excavation diving, underwater archeology, underwater ecology, vacation diving, underwater photography, night diving, cave diving, ice diving, rescue diving, search and recovery diving, and for academic or research purposes. For me, I am interested in a few of the aforementioned so I recommend that if you're nervous, find one you can use as a motivator to get your feet wet. I am assured that once you start, you're hooked.
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
· Divemaster
· Skin diving Instructor
· Assistant Instructor
6. NAUI scuba Instructor
PADI:
1. Open water diver
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
Life of a beginner scuba queen
2/6/08
Being from Iowa, you may not consider scuba diving an option for me. That is, unless you don't know where Iowa is or that we're the land of corn. Not exactly teeming with fantastic vacation dive spots that are flocked with tourists. I want to share my thoughts and experiences as I go through the process of learning to scuba dive.
My hope is that fellow novices can learn from my stories, or maybe more advanced divers to gain an understanding of beginners. No matter the reason for your interest in scuba, it has brought you to this point. Some background on myself is that I do not like being in a bathing suit, am not used to being in water, dislike emerging my face in water, and have a fear of drowning. With that said, through the encouragement and passion of a friend, I am preparing to take my first steps toward becoming an Open Water Diver.
I personally had my first experience with snorkeling in April 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas while on vacation. After the first 15 minutes in the water of thinking I was going to drown, I began to relax and focus more on my desire to see the beauty beneath me. I had to practice at breathing through the snorkel underwater, and let me tell you it is a strange feeling to see below and continue breathing. My friend and I had $10 underwater cameras, but the pictures could not do justice for what we could see with our own eyes. I was a bit disappointed in the coral to be honest, but I really had nothing to compare it to. After all, I went for the experience, and the fish didn't disappoint.
With Scuba Jay's prompting I began to consider trying scuba, though after almost hyperventilating with just snorkeling I had my reservations. We began with hearing stories and watching videos on YouTube and learning of different types and purposes of diving- wreck/ excavation diving, underwater archeology, underwater ecology, vacation diving, underwater photography, night diving, cave diving, ice diving, rescue diving, search and recovery diving, and for academic or research purposes. For me, I am interested in a few of the aforementioned so I recommend that if you're nervous, find one you can use as a motivator to get your feet wet. I am assured that once you start, you're hooked.
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
· Divemaster
· Skin diving Instructor
· Assistant Instructor
6. NAUI scuba Instructor
PADI:
1. Open water diver
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
Waimea Bay - North Shore - Oahu
Famous big wave surf break with the largest surfable waves on the North Shore. Between 4-10 foot it breaks next to the inside rocks and is considered "pinballs." It starts breaking on the outside boil in the middle of the bay around 10-12 foot, but big wave veterans don't consider Waimea to be "real" until its 18-20 feet, and waves of up to 25-30 foot have been ridden at "The Bay."
There are about 5 different webcams these days in the church above the bay.
View from the mountain above the Valley.
There is a buoy located about a mile outside of the bay, it is used to predict really big waves coming through, or current conditions.
Medium Surf skill set required! Daughter and I surfered these waves three-four different times, peaking 15-20 foot waves on an average day making the ride little complicated for beginners.
There are about 5 different webcams these days in the church above the bay.
View from the mountain above the Valley.
There is a buoy located about a mile outside of the bay, it is used to predict really big waves coming through, or current conditions.
Medium Surf skill set required! Daughter and I surfered these waves three-four different times, peaking 15-20 foot waves on an average day making the ride little complicated for beginners.
Pipeline - North Shore - Oahu
This is how you might feel your first time out at pipe.
Breaking close to the beach and visible just towards Kaena Point next to Ehukai Beach Park is the "Pipeline" reef. Usually pipeline is the hollowest, biggest barrel on the North Shore. Pipeline is nearly always extremely crowded, and for good reason, no place else breaks like it.
The biggest barrel in the world at times, and one of the absolute best waves on the north shore. For sheer adrenaline, power, beauty and danger, Pipeline has no equal.
Pipeline's famous lefts break best on a west or northwest swell, the north lines tend to make it close out. The is where the really big barrels are.
The right at Pipeline, or Backdoor Pipeline, can deliver a sometimes longer, faster barrel than pipeline itself, although there is no channel back out, like pipeline has.
The drop at Pipeline is almost always late, and critical, with the wave jacking up much bigger by the time you get to the bottom. Wave selection can be key because not every wave is makeable.
When the swell gets over 6-8 feet, pipeline starts breaking from the second and third reef, allowing a easier take-off at times, which gives the rider time to set-up for when it hits the first reef and starts to barrel.
Pipe is not a place for beginners, with a defined pecking order when it gets really good.
Breaking close to the beach and visible just towards Kaena Point next to Ehukai Beach Park is the "Pipeline" reef. Usually pipeline is the hollowest, biggest barrel on the North Shore. Pipeline is nearly always extremely crowded, and for good reason, no place else breaks like it.
The biggest barrel in the world at times, and one of the absolute best waves on the north shore. For sheer adrenaline, power, beauty and danger, Pipeline has no equal.
Pipeline's famous lefts break best on a west or northwest swell, the north lines tend to make it close out. The is where the really big barrels are.
The right at Pipeline, or Backdoor Pipeline, can deliver a sometimes longer, faster barrel than pipeline itself, although there is no channel back out, like pipeline has.
The drop at Pipeline is almost always late, and critical, with the wave jacking up much bigger by the time you get to the bottom. Wave selection can be key because not every wave is makeable.
When the swell gets over 6-8 feet, pipeline starts breaking from the second and third reef, allowing a easier take-off at times, which gives the rider time to set-up for when it hits the first reef and starts to barrel.
Pipe is not a place for beginners, with a defined pecking order when it gets really good.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
KAUAI ZODIAC TOURZ
WELCOME TO KAUAI ZODIAC TOURZ
THE ONLY BOAT TOUR ON KAUAI SPECIALIZING IN SNORKELING!
Come explore Kauai's PRISTINE offshore reefs and caverns
Snorkel equipment, food and beverages- All included
More Fish and Turtles- Less People !!!
Hawaiian owned- Experience shared with aloha!
Extraordinary Family Adventure- Beginners Welcome.
Humpback Whales (Dec.-May), Turtles, Dolphins and Exotic fish - Not to be missed!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
Hawaii Reef Divers/Scuba Jay recommends this operator!
THE ONLY BOAT TOUR ON KAUAI SPECIALIZING IN SNORKELING!
Come explore Kauai's PRISTINE offshore reefs and caverns
Snorkel equipment, food and beverages- All included
More Fish and Turtles- Less People !!!
Hawaiian owned- Experience shared with aloha!
Extraordinary Family Adventure- Beginners Welcome.
Humpback Whales (Dec.-May), Turtles, Dolphins and Exotic fish - Not to be missed!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
Hawaii Reef Divers/Scuba Jay recommends this operator!
Diving Molokai
Very few visitors to Hawaii have the opportunity to explore this natural sanctuary, which offers some of the best diving in the Islands. Pristine waters that team with wildlife including several species of rare fish and coral, green sea turtles, rays, several types of sharks and colorful reef fish abound. Dive locations are chosen the day of the tour based on the best possible dive conditions and may include the mysterious Moku Ho'oniki or the famous backside of Molokai.
THERE IS MANY QUALIFIED OPERATORS
MauiDivers
ReefPirates
Hawaii Reef Divers
Pacific Paradise Divers
Kona Honu Divers
Bubbles Below Scuba
Seasport Divers
THERE IS MANY QUALIFIED OPERATORS
MauiDivers
ReefPirates
Hawaii Reef Divers
Pacific Paradise Divers
Kona Honu Divers
Bubbles Below Scuba
Seasport Divers
Hawaii Dolphin Swim & Snorkel
Come and spend the afternoon with the amazing crew of the Kaaihue Eater of the Dead as they take you snorkeling off the west coast of O'ahu! Before embarking on your adventure, you will be treated to either a delicious continental breakfast of Kona coffee, hot tea, cocoa and donuts for the morning tour, or a light midday snack of soda, snacks and fruit for the afternoon tour.After boarding the vessel, you will go for a short 10-minute cruise up the coastline where, if conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to swim with Nai'a, the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. These beautiful marine mammals were loved, respected and protected by the ancient Hawaiian people. Kaaihue Brothers Adventures crew continue to honor that tradition and, if the conditions permit, they will allow you to passively swim among them, but there is a very strict no-touching and no loud and disruptive behavior policy. We will feed you to the sharks!
Following your swim with the dolphins, this three hour tour continues with snorkeling in beautiful live coral gardens with schools of brilliantly colored reef fishes and also swimming with another member of the ocean family, the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles of "turtle town". You'll be amazed and awed by the abundant sea life in this pristine natural environment.
As you head back to shore, just sit back and relax because Kaaihue Brothers will also provide you with a light lunch!
The Boats:
The 37-foot Threaser-built Kaaihue Eater of the Dead offers one of the best rides on Hawaii waters! It's 478-HP engine allows exceptionally high-speed rides at up to 22-knots and it also has comfortable ocean side seating for up to 35-passengers, a powerful engine and an onboard restroom.
The Maui Adventure is a 71-foot RIB (rigged inflatable boat) vessel that can carry 90passengers for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. You will be seated comfortably on the boat as the three powerful 600-HP engines propel the vessel at 29-knots over the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of comfortable center seating and an onboard restroom as well.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
Following your swim with the dolphins, this three hour tour continues with snorkeling in beautiful live coral gardens with schools of brilliantly colored reef fishes and also swimming with another member of the ocean family, the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles of "turtle town". You'll be amazed and awed by the abundant sea life in this pristine natural environment.
As you head back to shore, just sit back and relax because Kaaihue Brothers will also provide you with a light lunch!
The Boats:
The 37-foot Threaser-built Kaaihue Eater of the Dead offers one of the best rides on Hawaii waters! It's 478-HP engine allows exceptionally high-speed rides at up to 22-knots and it also has comfortable ocean side seating for up to 35-passengers, a powerful engine and an onboard restroom.
The Maui Adventure is a 71-foot RIB (rigged inflatable boat) vessel that can carry 90passengers for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. You will be seated comfortably on the boat as the three powerful 600-HP engines propel the vessel at 29-knots over the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of comfortable center seating and an onboard restroom as well.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
People of Hawaii
The people of Hawaii can be described as racially diversified, though the population of the mainland U.S. is beginning to appear so too. However, though the racial make-up of the rest of the U.S. seem to be predominately Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics and a minority of Asians, in Hawaii, is seems more to be East Asians, Southeast Asians, Hawaiians and other Polynesians, Caucasians including Hispanics and Blacks. Also significant are the people of mixed racial background of the above mentioned races. Maybe some of the photos can do justice to what I’m trying to describe. It was taken during a parade to honor the University of Hawaii Football team that won the WAC Championship, but also included other UH teams and Local High School teams.
The photos featured here are of a small Southeast Corner of the Island of Oahu which includes the Kokohead-Makapuu area and the district of Waimanalo. The landscape is varied, in parts dry, rugged yet very beautiful. For those who may be thinking where they can go to spend a day or even part of the day, this section may be the answer. If you just want to relax and go sightseeing and don’t want to
View from Makapuu Lighthouse Hike.
expend too much energy and time, this is the place. If you want to sightsee, have lots of energy and time to spare this is also the place for you.
As most hotels are located in Waikiki, what the visitor needs to do is just drive East on the main highway called Kalakaua Ave. He’ll end up on Diamond Head Rd. which will then take him around Diamond Head and on to Kahala and the Residential Areas of East Honolulu for about another 5 miles. When he’s at the base of Kokohead, he has arrived.
Just about a few feet is the entrance to World famous Hanauma Bay, shown in the movie Blue Hawaii. It is a must stop for everyone, as the view from the top and the beach below is breathtaking. Also highly recommended is some snorkeling to experience the magic of the underwater sea-life there.
After leaving this paradise, you may (or may not) want to visit the Kokohead Botanical Gardens located a few more hundred feet away within the Kokohead Crater. However, it can be a hot dusty walk, so it’s not for everyone. It’s has many Cactus and other plants.
Another Hiking View
a few more hundred feet is the Blow Hole Lookout, which one can see the island, vaguely, of Molokai, on a clear day. If you’re lucky the spouting Blow Hole will put on a wonderful geyser show.
Proceeding on, you may see a sign saying “Ka Iwi”. Actually is better known as the starting point for the 45 minute hike up an old service road to the Makapuu Lighthouse. The view going up is quite spectacular as well as the finale at the end, of Rabbit Island and the coast of Makapuu and Waimanalo. This is an option for those with energy and time, but also highly recommended (by me). If it’s early in the year, you may see whales. However, if you’re not the energetic type, as you drive a few more feet pass this sign, you will see a lookout point, that gives you also a pretty good view of Rabbit Island and the Coast, sans the sweating.
As you continue on, you pass though Waimanalo, know for it’s beautiful beaches and view of the rugged Koolau mountain ranges. Most of the homes belong to Native Hawaiian homesteaders. However, deeper into the valley towards the mountain
Rabbit Island.
Looks like a whale, but called Rabbit Island because of the abundance of rabbits there. Also a Bird Sanctuary.range, you see more agricultural farms especially flower nurseries. Just by the lush tropical greenery that surrounds you, you can understand why.
Road to Hana is apparently a must on Maui
The road to Hana is apparently a must on Maui. There is no room for passing the car in front of you. Even if there was, passing one car would only put you behind the next one. The idea of going to Hana is a popular one. The scenery from the road is spectacular. The word "Paradise" comes to mind. Imagine what this Hana place must be like!
It takes a great while to drive there on the crowded and curvy roads. Eventually you get there though, to what feels like the end of the world, the last outpost before the vast ocean. It's not a big city. It's not even a town. It hardly even qualifies as a village. Some houses. Some hotels. A post office. A souvenir shop. That's all, folks! Feels like the most isolated place on earth. Fortunately, the road back is equally spectacular driving the opposite direction...
It takes a great while to drive there on the crowded and curvy roads. Eventually you get there though, to what feels like the end of the world, the last outpost before the vast ocean. It's not a big city. It's not even a town. It hardly even qualifies as a village. Some houses. Some hotels. A post office. A souvenir shop. That's all, folks! Feels like the most isolated place on earth. Fortunately, the road back is equally spectacular driving the opposite direction...
Beach at Hanauma Bay
The beach at Hanauma Bay has been a popular gathering spot... (Tom Wharton/The Salt Lake Tribune )«1»HANAUMA BAY, Hawaii - Few people who snorkel ever forget their first experience with a mask and fins in tropical waters.
Mine came in the late 1980s during my first trip to Hawaii. Famed Utah sportscaster Paul James told me about a reserve where fishing was not allowed called Hanauma Bay (ha-NOW-ma) and said it was one of the best things to do near Honolulu.
Another friend who lived there concurred. So, with rented snorkel gear and bags of frozen string beans and peas, we headed to the beautiful half-moon-shaped bay that is a water-covered dormant volcano crater filled with turquoise water, coral reefs and thousands of tropical fish.
It was, indeed, an amazing experience. Colorful fish of all shapes and sizes swarmed us, eating the green beans out of our bathing trunks or hands. I had never seen anything like it.
We also walked to a famous blow hole called the Toilet Bowl and marveled while watching locals swim into a lava tube and then come out the other side, a claustrophobic experience I would never attempt.
What we didn't think about was the fact that many of the things the millions of annual visitors to Hanauma Bay were doing - feeding the fish, stepping on coral and eroding the sides of hills - were damaging this precious site.
Making a return visit last August, we found a far different place. If the parking lot is full, no more cars allowed. Visitors must see a video and hear interpreters talk about how to protect the park. The beach is far less crowded, and trails on each side of the volcano have been closed for safety reasons.
"This has been a major control measure to prevent overcrowding on the beach," explained Alan Hong, Hanauma Bay manager. "When we had over 3 million visitors a year with no restrictions, it caused a lot of environmental impact. We're trying to reduce the impact by reducing the number of people. Those who come are exposed to an orientation program to know what they can do to minimize the impact to our reef. We have reduced the number of visitors to a million a year on the beach."
In fact, the history of the bay's management is replete with management practices that have changed its ecology and encouraged its human use in different ways.
According to the park Web site, www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay
, some of the earliest development on the site came in the 1890s, when an old photo shows a building that was probably used by Hawaiian royalty. In 1928, the city and county of Honolulu established Koko Head Regional Park, which included Hanauma Bay, by buying it for $1 from the estate of Bernice Bishop with a deed restricting its use to public parks and rights of way.
A new paved road came in 1931, and the area was protected with barbed wire after Pearl Harbor was bombed. A road to the beach was built in 1950 along with restrooms and showers. An easement for an undersea trans-Pacific telephone cable allowed a 200-foot-wide swath to be cut through the coral reef with tons of rock removed. That actually created more swimming space and created a new biological zone inside the reef for small invertebrates that fish fed upon.
But, by the 1960s, the area was overfished and few fish could be seen. According to the Web site, the Hawaii Division of Fish and Game declared the bay a Marine Life Conservation District, ending the taking of marine life, shells, coral, rocks and sand.
That led to the Hanauma Bay I experienced in the 1980s but also to overcrowding. The nature center was completed in 2002 and the increased management has, according to Hong, reduced visitation.
"There are in the neighborhood of 200 marine animals in the bay, but the fish are what people focus on," said Hong. "You will probably see maybe two different species when you go snorkeling, but the typical snorkeler will remember the most colorful, biggest ones that swam right in front of them."
Despite the restrictions, Hanauma Bay remains one of Honolulu's biggest attractions. If you are staying in Waikiki, you would do well to sign up for one of the commercial bus tours as opposed to driving a car; parking is limited.
Hong said the busiest times of year are when school is out: June, July and August, March and April spring breaks and the Christmas holiday season.
---
* TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
Hanauma Bay basics
* THE BAY is 10 miles east of Waikiki on the Kalaniana'ole Highway.
* NO PETS, alcoholic beverages, fishing, feeding fish or removing or harming marine life are allowed.
* CALL 808-396-4229 for a recorded message with all current fees, times and condition.
* ENTRY FEE is $1 per car and $5 per person 13 years or older.
* VISITORS ARE REQUIRED to watch an educational film before going to the beach.
* LIFEGUARDS are available.
* THERE ARE picnic facilities with tables, a concession stand, restÂrooms, showers, phones, snorkel, mask and fin rental, locker rental and a gift shop.
* THE BEACH is wheelchair accessible via shuttle bus or trolley.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California, hawaii beaches, hawaiian life style
Mine came in the late 1980s during my first trip to Hawaii. Famed Utah sportscaster Paul James told me about a reserve where fishing was not allowed called Hanauma Bay (ha-NOW-ma) and said it was one of the best things to do near Honolulu.
Another friend who lived there concurred. So, with rented snorkel gear and bags of frozen string beans and peas, we headed to the beautiful half-moon-shaped bay that is a water-covered dormant volcano crater filled with turquoise water, coral reefs and thousands of tropical fish.
It was, indeed, an amazing experience. Colorful fish of all shapes and sizes swarmed us, eating the green beans out of our bathing trunks or hands. I had never seen anything like it.
We also walked to a famous blow hole called the Toilet Bowl and marveled while watching locals swim into a lava tube and then come out the other side, a claustrophobic experience I would never attempt.
What we didn't think about was the fact that many of the things the millions of annual visitors to Hanauma Bay were doing - feeding the fish, stepping on coral and eroding the sides of hills - were damaging this precious site.
Making a return visit last August, we found a far different place. If the parking lot is full, no more cars allowed. Visitors must see a video and hear interpreters talk about how to protect the park. The beach is far less crowded, and trails on each side of the volcano have been closed for safety reasons.
"This has been a major control measure to prevent overcrowding on the beach," explained Alan Hong, Hanauma Bay manager. "When we had over 3 million visitors a year with no restrictions, it caused a lot of environmental impact. We're trying to reduce the impact by reducing the number of people. Those who come are exposed to an orientation program to know what they can do to minimize the impact to our reef. We have reduced the number of visitors to a million a year on the beach."
In fact, the history of the bay's management is replete with management practices that have changed its ecology and encouraged its human use in different ways.
According to the park Web site, www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay
, some of the earliest development on the site came in the 1890s, when an old photo shows a building that was probably used by Hawaiian royalty. In 1928, the city and county of Honolulu established Koko Head Regional Park, which included Hanauma Bay, by buying it for $1 from the estate of Bernice Bishop with a deed restricting its use to public parks and rights of way.
A new paved road came in 1931, and the area was protected with barbed wire after Pearl Harbor was bombed. A road to the beach was built in 1950 along with restrooms and showers. An easement for an undersea trans-Pacific telephone cable allowed a 200-foot-wide swath to be cut through the coral reef with tons of rock removed. That actually created more swimming space and created a new biological zone inside the reef for small invertebrates that fish fed upon.
But, by the 1960s, the area was overfished and few fish could be seen. According to the Web site, the Hawaii Division of Fish and Game declared the bay a Marine Life Conservation District, ending the taking of marine life, shells, coral, rocks and sand.
That led to the Hanauma Bay I experienced in the 1980s but also to overcrowding. The nature center was completed in 2002 and the increased management has, according to Hong, reduced visitation.
"There are in the neighborhood of 200 marine animals in the bay, but the fish are what people focus on," said Hong. "You will probably see maybe two different species when you go snorkeling, but the typical snorkeler will remember the most colorful, biggest ones that swam right in front of them."
Despite the restrictions, Hanauma Bay remains one of Honolulu's biggest attractions. If you are staying in Waikiki, you would do well to sign up for one of the commercial bus tours as opposed to driving a car; parking is limited.
Hong said the busiest times of year are when school is out: June, July and August, March and April spring breaks and the Christmas holiday season.
---
* TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
Hanauma Bay basics
* THE BAY is 10 miles east of Waikiki on the Kalaniana'ole Highway.
* NO PETS, alcoholic beverages, fishing, feeding fish or removing or harming marine life are allowed.
* CALL 808-396-4229 for a recorded message with all current fees, times and condition.
* ENTRY FEE is $1 per car and $5 per person 13 years or older.
* VISITORS ARE REQUIRED to watch an educational film before going to the beach.
* LIFEGUARDS are available.
* THERE ARE picnic facilities with tables, a concession stand, restÂrooms, showers, phones, snorkel, mask and fin rental, locker rental and a gift shop.
* THE BEACH is wheelchair accessible via shuttle bus or trolley.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California, hawaii beaches, hawaiian life style
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
