Daily Dive BLog, Kona Hawaii

January 13, 2005

It was a beautiful sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky and the snow
covered peak of Mauna Loa was quite a site! After gazing at the
stunning topside scenery, we plunged into the 79 degree water.
Underwater, the viz was over 100 feet. Gorgeous.

Today we dove Pawai Bay Marine Sanctuary. There were Humpback whales
frolicking just off shore. We didn't see them underwater, but we could
hear them singing off in the distance.

The highlights of the day included two endemic fish species (that means
they can be seen no where else on the planet) A group of three Banded
Angel fish and a harem of about 8 female Psych-head Wrasses being lead
around by their guy. The females have really cool psychedelic spots and
a red tail, where as the male has a bright orange head and shimmery
golden spots.

Next we saw a HUGE, spiny lobster and a porcupine puffer fish hiding in
a crevice in the side of a pinnacle.

Everyone was really impressed with the health of the coral reef and the
abundance of fish. For all 6 divers, it was their first time in Kona
and had only Oahu and Maui reefs to compare it to. All agreed that Kona
is a very special place, indeed.

Best Fishes, Nikki and Mike