Best shore diving spots (Kailua: live, shops, move)

[midd2005]

I've found a somewhat strange lack of scuba talk on this forum. and if i try to google scuba diving on oahu, i get seriously bogged down in scuba shops that target tourists. i've found a shore diving website with reviews but it doesnt seem to get updated that frequently or offer that comprehensive of info. i'm aware that oahu isn't exactly the best of the islands for diving but, diving-wise, from where i am coming from this move will be a revolution for my dive log. i can't wait.

so, i'm generally curious on your thoughts about shore diving and would love to hear people who know the situation on the ground talk about that a bit. more specifically, does anyone know of any oahu scuba bloggers? what are your current favorite shore dives? is there a big divide between local divers and tourist ones? what's the winter diving scene like? i presume certain parts of the island will be a total no go then, yes? any particular dive shop recommendations for the kailua/kaneohe area? does anyone know people who do a little instructing on the side, i.e. without also running a shop?

that's probably enough for now, though i've got more.

thanks for the low down.

[newUHprof]

I don't dive, but I have a colleague who does a lot. (He takes vacations from Oahu to go to other tropical islands and dive there.) His two go-to dive shops are: Island Divers in Hawaii Kai and Ocean Concepts near the Arizona Memorial. Neither of those is in Kailua, but it's a small island! At his rec, we bought lots of snorkel gear at Island Divers, and they've been great every time we've been in. They sell a book and a map (both pretty cheap, I think) about shore dives & snorkeling in Oahu, and when we asked them for rec's they gave us some good tips.

I've seen lots of people diving at Sharks Cove in the summer, which is one of our favorite snorkeling spots. Definitely a no-go for most of the winter, though, yeah.

Have fun!

[surfscuba]

in the cove below blowhole made famous from the movie, from here to eternity, is a popular spot.not far from waikiki just past sandy beach.
haunama bay is crowded and available parking is a hit and miss affair.
knew someone who lives in the philippines diving the 7000+ islands with their reefs, ww2 wrecks,etc.

[Lisa From Maui]

We don't dive yet. Maybe next year. For now, we snorkel. Went to "The Preserve." A park ranger stopped by, said hello. We asked him where his favorite snorkeling spots are. He gave us great ideas.

We asked him about showers. Closest shower was a mile away. He told us to fill up a laundry soap bottle with water, the type of bottle where you push a button, and the soap comes out. He told us to leave it on top of the car. We now have his and hers showers every time we go to the beach. I love the park ranger for telling us that.

Anyway, if there are any national or state parks on Oahu, ask the park rangers. They know alot. Also, aren't there any scuba clubs? The stores that sell scuba gear will probably know where you can find any scuba clubs.

Hope that helps. Lisa ;-)

[KoaKine]

Originally Posted by Lisa From Maui

We asked him about showers. Closest shower was a mile away. He told us to fill up a laundry soap bottle with water, the type of bottle where you push a button, and the soap comes out. He told us to leave it on top of the car. We now have his and hers showers every time we go to the beach. I love the park ranger for telling us that.

)

I do like that!