CHMTKlein's Dive Log

Dove the blowhole tonight (7:30 PM) based on wind and surf report from surfnewsnetwork.com. Upon mounting the lanai - large flat lava platform on the northwest (left side) of Eternity Beach, the wind shifted from the west to the northeast - directly into the channel. I was prepared to call the dive before it began. However, my dive buddies were up to the challenge and we hit it. Saw many sizeable goatfish and lobsters. Additionally, we had ground support in the parking lot above. Upon surfacing and identifying my dive flag (with blink strobe on top), our ground support flashed a light down from the parking lot to confirm our location. Surge was very strong, and I strongly discourage diving this site at night unless you've done it (at least) a couple times in the daylight.

Entered at 'the elevator' during fairly significant swells. The elevator was churning like a washing machine, and waves were rolling over the lava flats. I was afraid a surge of water flowing through the lava tube would smash our head against a rock. However, once we entered the basin and dropped to a depth of 5' and below, the bubble curtain disappeared and the surges through the tube were manageable. Hugged the edge of the rock/shore face and found numerous caves and swim-throughs. However, the swells and pitch along the bottom (I believe) scared off most of the turtles and other significant sea life. I did take a first time visitor (my Boss) to the site, and he was totally enthralled by the diversity and the lava tube (elevator) entry into the open sea. Great site, but the incoming fall surf is beginning to attrite safe shore entry. A must dive site during safe/normal shore entry . . . i.e. surf ranging from 0 - 3 feet max.