Main Menu
Join Undercurrent on Facebook

The Private, Exclusive Guide for Serious Divers Since 1975 | |
For Divers since 1975
The Private, Exclusive Guide for Serious Divers Since 1975
"Best of the Web: scuba tips no other
source dares to publish" -- Forbes
X
 

Dive Review of Jack's Diving Locker/Kona Islander Inn in
Hawaii/Kona (West Coast)

Jack's Diving Locker/Kona Islander Inn, May, 2004,

by Richard Swan, CA, USA . Report 1030.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 2 stars Food 2 stars
Service and Attitude 2 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 2 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 2 stars
Comments Recently got certified (Open Water) with Jack's Diving Locker in Kona, Hawaii. My instructor, Doug Farr, was excellent. He was patient, competent, and answered all of our questions which must have numbered in the hundreds. My fellow classmate was a twelve year old boy, who needed a little extra help, especially in the classroom. Doug was very helpful, and at the same time let me work on my own pace so I did not have to wait around. The boat was more than adequate. The entire crew was very helpful and did their best to meet the needs of all passengers. After our first dive, the captain spotted a group of Pilot Whales and we were treated to 15 minutes following about 6-8 whales on our interval. The coral is boring and the sea life minimal. Did see some great turtles and a baby reef shark.

The Kona Islander is one level above a dive. They have inadequate parking, never had maid service the whole week, and the food in the area was okay at best. My best two meals were at Subway!

On my last day diving, I went on a Manta Ray Night Dive with Kona Coast Divers (Jack's was booked). Kona Coast spends the entire dive (50 minutes) with the Mantas, so you will get your fill. Snorkelers come too, and watch from the surface. It was fantastic. We had at least 12 mantas that put on a great show. My dive guide, Steve, took great care of me, knowing I was new. I might have gotten into trouble getting back to the boat without his help. This dive would probably entertain divers of any level. I will remember it the rest of my life.

The next day I went to the volcano on the south side of the Island. The lava was flowing and was a fantastic experience.

My recommedations would be to stay on the West side for only a couple of days and do the night Manta Ray dive and maybe one other day of diving. Be sure to book the Manta Ray dive in advance. As far as I can tell it is only offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Spend the rest of your time on the East side spending time at the Volcano and rainforest areas.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 0-25 dives
Where else diving First Time
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather rainy Seas choppy
Water Temp 78-78°F / 26-26°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-120 Ft/ 15-37 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions They let you dive to the end of your tank and computer limits. I did see one diver with reef gloves using them to pull himself along the bottom. I was not aware of anyone saying anything to him.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

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

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

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 2 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Had two large buckets on board for soaking cameras.
Was this report helpful to you?
Leave a comment (Subscribers only -- 200 words max)
Subscribers can comment here
 

Subscribe Now
Subscribers can post comments, ask the reviewer questions, as well as getting immediate and complete access to ALL 670 dive reviews of Hawaii and all other dive destinations. Complete access to all issues and Chapbooks is also included.

 

Want to assemble your own collection of Hawaii reports in one place?
Use the Mini Chapbook Facility to create your personalized collection.

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.

Undercurrent Home


Get more dive info like these and other important scuba updates sent monthly to your email.
And a FREE Recent Issue of Undercurrent

Free Undercurrent Issue
Get a free
monthly email and
a sample issue!


Find in  

| Home | Online Members Area | My Account | Login | Join |
| Travel Index | Dive Resort & Liveaboard Reviews | Featured Reports | Recent Issues | Back Issues |
| Dive Gear Index | Health/Safety Index | Environment & Misc. Index | Seasonal Planner | Blogs | Free Articles | Book Picks | News |
| Special Offers | RSS | FAQ | About Us | Contact Us | Links |

Copyright © 1996-2024 Undercurrent (www.undercurrent.org)
3020 Bridgeway, Ste 102, Sausalito, Ca 94965
All rights reserved.

Page computed and displayed in 0.16 seconds