Hawaii Scuba Diving

There's another great way to see this vast island--by boat. The Orca Raft Adventure takes you on the ride of your life on their 28 ft., hard bottomed raft with a 350 horsepower engine that sends you flying over the wakes. It's great fun and a fast way to get you in the water and snorkeling with spinner dolphins at Kealakekua Bay. What makes this experience complete, is Mitch Stauffer and Kirk Hering, who are so knowledgeable about the island and it's underwater life, sea caves and lava tubes.

Hawaii is also one of the best areas to star gaze. Astronomers have come from around the world to visit the highest point in the Pacific, Mauna Kea. It is the tallest mountain in the world and rises slowly to 13,796 feet. It is headquarters to the largest observatory called the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. You can take guided tours up the summit, which take up to eight hours. Parkas are included. Or if you want to skip the actual climb, The Four Seasons, and many other resorts on the island, invite astronomer, Wayne Fukunaga and his telescope to share his knowledge with guests and visitors. It's a great, less exhausting way to stargaze.

Scuba divers take note! If you haven't tried a night dive, this is the place to do it. And the added plus is swimming with Manta Rays. The dive is called "dinner with the Manta Rays." It's an amazing experience to be in the water with these shy sea creatures, with wing spans that cover 12 feet across, and can weigh as much as an elephant. Each Manta has descriptive patterns on their underneath, and over a 100 have been identified and studied, and while I was there, three new ones were added to the list. Many of the Kona diving facilities offer this truly one of a kind experience.

Driving the endless stretch of road can be quite daunting in some areas. But, it can offer some spectacular views and sites that might go unseen. For example, take the Green Sand Beach, called Pu'u Mahana. It has incredible emerald green sand. Accessible from Highway 11, it's a 6-mile hike into the beach area. Unique and a must see.