Search Divequest

Kona Aggressor (Aggressor Fleet)

The Western Pacific

BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

Volcanic diving

Manta Ray, Kona, Hawaii by Martin Edge

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, Milletseed Butterflyfish and many others can be found at this site, which is only 150 metres from the beautiful Waikoloa Beach.

Try a night dive at Garden Eel Cove 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 up to 4 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. 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.

Price: from about £1199. Includes: airport transfers; 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 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day. Reductions for divers 65 or over, non-divers and extra weeks. Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants. Deposit: £600.

Single Occupancy Supplement: 50% of the cruise cost (but you can avoid paying the supplement if you are willing to share a cabin).

FLIGHTS: Prices from about £800 to Kona. There are daily flight connections to Kona. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on routing, season, current fare levels and booking class availability. Our quote will include all taxes and fuel supplements applicable at the time of quotation, as well as our service charge. The usual airfare deposit is £300.

STOP-OVERS: These are available in Los Angeles or San Francisco, depending on flight routing.

COMBINATIONS: As Honolulu in Hawaii is an essential stop on the westbound route across the Pacific top Micronesia, it is easy to add a week on Kona Aggressor to a dive holiday in Truk, Yap or Palau. Talk to us about the possibilities.

Dolphin and Remora. (Annelise Hagan)