Jay Hansen's Dive Log

I live and grew up in Hilo and let me tell you about Leleiwi. I mostly dive there at night and will be doing so tonight. Just to the north of Leleiwi proper, there is a small bay where 3 small pavilions line up along the highway. If you get to the 3 pavilions that go out toward the sea, you went too far. The little bay I speak of is by far the best shore dive in Hilo. The water can be very dangerous so make sure you are up to the task. This bay is the first place I heard the humpback whales singing in Hawaii. A very incredible experience that just makes you want to cry for what we have done and are doing to these incredible animals who sing songs to each other just as we do. The terrain under water is just as breathtaking. Deep canyons and cliffs that drop off into the blue. It's like diving over the craggiest mountains you can imagine. There are arches, caves, cliffs, canyons, fish, coral, inverts, lots of different eels. It was here I saw 2 hermit crabs the size of large grapefruits. Occasionally this beach has tiger shark sightings but I spend many many hours in the water here at night free diving for lobster and have never seen a shark. In fact I've seen only 2 white-tips, one on the Kona side and one here at Puhi bay a few miles north of Leleiwi. This site will not disappoint but remember, beginners beware. The locals call the sea on this side of the island 'man-eater' and for good reason. My friends and I dive when it's treacherous and always at night so just be aware of your abilities, never go out alone and go home after an incredible dive. This place is for beginners at Leleiwi proper up to the most advanced either direction up or down the beach. You're gonna love it. Trust me. I know the bottom from Kings landing to the Hilo breakwall like the back of my hand and this place is the best!