BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

Year:2003

Volcanic diving

Season: Year-round diving

Visibility: 20-40 metres (sometimes up to 50 metres)

Water temperature: minimum 22°C in January-February, maximum 27°C in August-September

Over 70 moored sites and a variety of marine ecosystems await divers in the waters of Hawaii's Big Island. More than 450 species of fish and many species of hard coral combined with an amazing clarity of water (30-40 metres is commonplace, with up to 50 metres at times) makes a trip aboard Kona Aggressor a very special experience. The volcanic terrain of Hawaii creates a stark beauty both above and below the waves, supporting an amazing diversity of underwater habitats including caves and caverns eroded out of lava flows, piles of basalt boulders and coral reefs. Some unique and spectacular fish make their homes here, but it is probably the lava tubes which provide the most fascinating aspect of Hawaiian diving. Streams of molten larva gradually solidified as they cooled in the seawater leaving long tubes with hollow centres. Along with the many species of reef fish teeming amidst the forests of black coral, one can also see some of the larger species found in these waters including Manta Rays, sharks, porpoises and sometimes whales.

Cavern Point comprises two amazing dive sites: Twin Lava Tubes and Three Room Cave. Here you will discover a huge underwater lava tube system. At Twin Lava Tubes two parallel tubes, one on top of the other, extend over 50 metres into the rock. A rock column rising out of the water marks the entrance to the lava tubes. To explore these tubes a dive light is necessary, as no light can penetrate so far. The walls are etched with cracks and crevices which hide a variety of crustaceans and some splendid nudibranchs. Three Room Cavern is a complex of underwater tunnels and caves with high vaulted ceilings populated by moray eels, lobsters and a variety of nudibranchs.

Near the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay, boat moorings have been placed in the shallow water which is usually calm. Here there is an amazingly rich fish population dominated by Racoon Butterflyfish, durgons and Bird Wrasse. Sometimes this dive site is referred to as 'The Aquarium' because of the amazing colours of the fish. Yellow-margined Morays are also commonly found in this area and Leaf Scorpionfish occur at depths of 3-5 metres.

Pentagon consists of five massive larva tube openings which connect in a complex of interweaving tunnels and archways. The shallow depth of this dive makes it an excellent choice for the underwater photographer. Triggerfish, tangs, surgeonfish, Moorish Idols and many others can be found at this site, which is only 150 metres from the beautiful Waikoloa Beach.

Try a night dive at Manta Ray Village and witness the site of up to a dozen Manta Rays drawn to the massive plankton swarm illuminated by the submerged lights from Kona Aggressor.These incredibly gentle giants, with a 'wingspan' of just less than 3 metres, cruise the reefs and drop-offs. The most exciting encounters occur at night when the bright lights of the boat attracts a concentration of plankton, which in turn attracts the Manta Rays. During this stunning acrobatic spectacle the mantas twist and turn as they feed in the circle of light, just as if they were performing in the spotlights of a theatre.

Kona Aggressor is equipped with an adventure cage specially designed to allow divers to experience the thrill of blue water drift diving from the safety of the all-aluminium cage.

KONA AGGRESSOR

Kona Aggressor is a very comfortable liveaboard that carries 14 passengers in six staterooms with private head and shower and air conditioning with individual climate controls. Five Deluxe Staterooms have one large lower bed and an upper single bed, while the Quad Stateroom has four single beds. Five crew provide superb service throughout the cruise and make sure your diving holiday runs smoothly. Between dives guests can relax on the sundeck (either in or out of the shade) or try the amazing hot tub! The salon has an excellent collection of books, videos and music to enjoy.

The dive deck covers the aft third of the main deck. Large gear lockers double as seats and line the rails and centre. Two tanks are mounted at the back of each locker, so it is easy to don your equipment at your seat or ask for the tank to be taken to the dive platform. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. A large three-tiered camera table has plenty of space for camera assembly or preparation and separate rinse tanks are kept for cameras and videos. The photography department provides rental cameras and accessories as well as the services of the photo pro if you require a model or expert advice. E-6 processing is available daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A range of PADI and NAUI speciality courses are offered on Kona Aggressor including Nitrox training and facilities. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental by pre-arrangement. The Kona Aggressor has been designed to be a barrier-free vessel, catering for the handicapped diver. A special lift between decks allows complete accessibility between decks.

For after the dive there is a freshwater shower and clean towels awaiting, as well as the chef's freshly prepared snacks to appease the after-dive hunger pangs! Delicious barbecues, American-style and local dishes are served; breads, biscuits and baked snacks come strait from the oven. Most meals are served buffet-style.

Kona Aggressor operates from Kailua Bay Pier, next to the King Kamehameha Hotel on Big Island for 7 nights cruises, departing every Saturday throughout the year.

A Kona Aggressor brochure is available from our office on request.

£1264 in a Deluxe Stateroom

£1405 in a Deluxe Stateroom

Includes:

· Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Saturdays.

· 7 nights cruise on Kona Aggressor on a twin/share or quad/share basis with full board (except dinner on the last night), including non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages

· 5.5 days 'unlimited' diving (including night dives), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Please note: Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants.

Non-divers: A £141 reduction applies.

Additional Week: A £141 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £500

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

UNITED AIRLINES

Depart from London (Heathrow) on Saturday morning, arriving at Kona, via Chicago and Los Angeles, on Saturday afternoon. On the return journey, depart from Kona on Saturday afternoon and arrive back in London (Heathrow), via San Francisco, on Sunday evening.

£555 for departures 1-30 April (excluding Easter).

£610 for departures 1 January-31 March (excluding Easter), 1 November-18 December, 24-31 December.

£690 for departures 1 May-30 June, 1-31 October.

£740 for departures at Easter, 1-30 September.

£840 for departures 1 July-31 August, 19-23 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Chicago/Los Angeles/Kona/San Francisco/London(Heathrow) by United Airlines.