I had the opportunity to make a few dives while we were in Hawaii this last week. The first dive I did was a shore dive from Makena Beach. The visibility was about 40 feet and the swell was up, but the most fascinating thing about it was that we could hear the whales singing. Sound travels much farther underwater and we were able to listen to the mothers and their new calves.
The next day Wade and I arrived at the marina around 6:30am to take an hour boat ride out to Molokini Crater. It is a half moon shaped volcanic island that is a marine sanctuary under water and a bird sanctuary on the island. The visibility was an astounding 100 feet. Wade could see me diving on the bottom while he snorkeled. We were able to see tons of reef fish as well as moray and garden eels. I kept hoping to see a white tip shark, but nothing. I suppose if I had seen one, I would have had to end my dive early since I would have drained my tank of air in one gasp.
Hang loose.
Spiny Puffer
Moray Eel.
Chasing my dinner, the ulua fish. Very tasty.
The next day, I took a 2 1/2 hour boat ride to the island of Lanai to dive the famous Cathedrals. They are ranked in the top 10 dive spots in the world. I was completely awed by their beauty. These formations are agent lava flows that have now been reclaimed by the sea, coral grows over every inch.
The rare Bandit Butterfly Fish.
I have no idea what the name of this fish is, it was not on any of my charts. Does anyone know? She almost looks like a harlequin.
The Trumpet Fish, which was about two feet long.
One of the many sea turtles (honu) we saw. He was hanging out at the bottom eating his lunch. Usually we would see them either on the surface getting air, or swimming.
The Lanai dives were the best dives I’ve ever been on. If you find yourself vacationing in Maui and have the chance to make only one dive trip, I would recommend the Lanai Cathedral dives over Molokini. As good as the crater was, nothing can compare to the beauty of the Cathedrals. Since then I have dreamed that I was still swimming through the lava tubes and seeing wonders that only few will experience. I am humbled and amazed that I had the incredible opportunity to live that kind of adventure, and to see up close the majesty of creation. God’s power and imagination have never been more clear to me than when I was 70 feet under water diving in the warm waters of Hawaii.
thanks for sharing those great pictures!
The “mystery” fish is called a “Rockmover”, with the juvenile being called a “Dragon Wrasse”…according to my book on fish of Hawaii. What kind of camera did you use, Heather? Good pics! Eric and I have been diving in Hawaii before. Eric went to the crater while I was at a conference, so I missed that dive.
Thanks for the help Marcy. I rented a digital camera from the dive shop (Maui Dive Shop) so I couldn’t tell you exactly what kind it was. It was very easy to use underwater and they burned the CD for me right on the boat (for a fee of course.)
How did Eric like the crater? Any plans to return?
I am loving the pics… very serene!
hawaii is just beautiful….
i hope all these comments are making you happy.
your blog is ten times more colorful and pretty than wade’s… just wanted to make a note of that : )
And also… i am glad you are back! It was fun seeing you today. Love the fluffy poofy coat. An interesting contrast to your wardrobe in hawaii I dare say.
I am done commenting. Hope these made you smile : )
Mahalo
Those pictures are absolutely beautiful, what kind of camera did you use ? Does not seem to be your standard underwater camera.
Thanks for sharing
Paloma
Eric reminded me that I too went diving at the crater, and I remember it being very beautiful. Eric actually dove on the back wall of the crater while I was at the conference.
The crater was great, but the Lanai Cathedrals look more interesting to me…maybe we will do those next time we are in Hawaii. We are going to St. Croix in April and will dive there several days. Should be interesting!
And to answer your question, we do plan to go back to Hawaii…we absolutely loved it! But we have been there twice in two years, so we probably won’t return for awhile. We went to Maui last year, and Kona the year before….ah, the joys of medical leadership conferences!
Can’t wait till you bump the Siberia in February pix up against the scuba photos in Hawaii. It’s good to be Heather Hodges!
I can’t argue with that, Rob. My life is an adventure and I am so grateful for the opportunities that the Lord continues to give me. I’m really gearing up for our trip to Siberia in a few weeks. I’m continually humbled that you have asked me to be a part of this important mission. See ya soon in Moscow!!! I’ll be the blond American in the big, black, poofy coat. I look like a burnt marshmallow.
beautiful…
i love the view underwater..that’s why i like diving in Hawaii.
thanks for the pics.
Nice shots… I’ve dove the Cathedrals as well. What can you say after diving there? GREAT! Nice site.
divemasterdiary.blogspot.com
The “bandit butterflyfish” is actually a bandit angelfish. Angelfish are similar to butterflyfish but are in a different family.