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Dive Review of AAA Diving/Ala Moana Hotel in
Hawaii/Oahu

AAA Diving/Ala Moana Hotel, Feb, 2008,

by Craig Wood, PA, USA (Top Contributor Top Contributor 50 reports with 48 Helpful votes). Report 3870.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Two years ago I visited Oahu and chose to dive with AAA Diving (see my February, 2006 review). When the opportunity for a return trip came up, I did not hesitate to make my dive reservations with Alex Mason and AAA Diving. The website is top-notch and very informative, email communication is quick and accurate, and Alex is readily available by telephone. Recent improvements include the acceptance of credit cards for payment and a secure reservation system on the website. I was picked up at my hotel within minutes of the promised 7 AM each morning in a nice van, new since my last visit.
The AAA dive boat, Elysium, is in very good shape and makes for comfortable, uncrowded diving. Divemasters accompany the group on all dives but treat experienced divers appropriately. I dove with 3 divemasters during my stay, Jason, Grant, and Chris. All were considerate, communicated well, knew the dive sites, and pointed things out when possible. They ensured the safety of the divers in their charge. The dives and surface intervals were flexible and leisurely, maximizing the dive experience for all involved.
The wrecks of the Sea Tiger and YO-257 both had numerous swim throughs that made for enjoyable exploration. The Sea Tiger, in particular, allows for multiple dives with new and interesting findings each time. Nautilus Reef, 100 Foot Hole, and Turtle Canyon were teeming with sea life. The fish and other sea life of Hawaii are a particular treat for those of us who spend most of our time in the Caribbean. Some of the highlights included more turtles than I could count, Whitetip Reef Sharks, moray eels (Viper, Yellow Margin, Whitemouth, Stout), Leaf Scorpionfish, Amberjacks, Tiger Cowries, nudibranchs (including a beautiful pair of Imperial Nudibranchs), and Hawaiian reef fish all around including butterflyfish, wrasse, and triggerfish. The huge schools of Bluestripe Snapper on the Sea Tiger were gorgeous.
Again, I enjoyed my diving off Oahu much more than expected, largely due to the friendliness and service of AAA Diving. I would certainly welcome the opportunity to return again.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Grand Cayman, Key Largo & Jupiter FL, Bonaire, San Diego, Maui/Lanai/Molokini, Cozumel, Costa Rica
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather cloudy Seas calm, choppy
Water Temp 74-76°F / 23-24°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 30-80 Ft/ 9-24 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions No decompression, back with 500 psi
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Dedicated camera rinse tank
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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