There’s no place on Earth like Hawaii.
The volcanic archipelago is a Paradise in the middle of nowere, offering any kind of water experience.
The national sports are surf, windsurf, kitesurf and stand up paddle, practiced in world famous spots, like Pipeline, on Oahu or Ho’okipa Beach Park, on Maui.
The islands have a warm, temperate climate year round and are still influenced by the fascinating Polinesian culture.
The more recent, and also the biggest island is Hawaii, aka “Big Island”, made by five volcanos. The biggest is the Kilauea, the only one still active: every day the lava flows down the side of the volcano into the Ocean.
The lava is a very fertile environment for corals and below the surface there’s a magic world to discover.

Climate: Climate is tropical and in general is hot during the day and fresh at night.

Best time of year: Year round. For mantas, in Kona, on Big Island, better May-November; for humpback whales, on Maui, December- May.

Where to stay: In Maui, Maui Kamaole (www.mauikamaole.com) offers apartments conveniently located in Kihei, on the South Shore, right in front of the Kiehi Boat Ramp, from wich the dive boat depart early in the morning. That’s why divers should stay

in Kiehi or Wailea. For surfers, a better option is the Kuau Plaza Condominium, on the North Shore, close to Ho’okipa Beach Park and other nice spots. In Molokai, Hotel Molokai (www.hotelmolokai.com) has hawaiian style bungalows. In  Kona, on Big Island, there’s a huge choice, from campings to 5 stars hotels.

Diving centers: In Maui, Makena Coast Dive Charters (www.mauiunderwater.com); in Hawaii, Jack’s Diving Locker ( www.jacksdivinglocker.com) one of the best diving centers I’ve ever dived with.

Best dive sites: In Maui, Molokini Crater (Back Wall, Enenue, Reef’s End e Shark Condo), Five Caves, La Perouse Bay. In Lanai, the Cathedrals, Sergeant Major, Shark Fin Rock and Turtle Haven. In Hawaii, Garden Eel Cove, The Dome, Henry’s Cave, Kaiwi Point, Pipe Dreams, Turtle Heaven, Pyramid Pinnacles, Long Lava Tube.

Must see: On Maui, humpback whales, from December to March; sunrise from the top of Haleakala Crater; surf in Lahaina (for beginners); surf, windsurf and kitesurf at Ho’okipa Beach Park (for experts), snorkeling in La Perouse Bay and Honolua Bay. A day trip to Hana. On Lanai, an excursion on the panga looking for dolphins (www.captainsteves.com) and a day on the beautiful beach of Manele Bay Hotel; visit Molokai and Kauai. In Hawaii, don’t miss the night dive with the mantas at Garden Eel Cove.

Diver’s tip: Look often at your compurer, especially when diving Molokini, because the water is so clear that you don’t realize how deep you are.

Web sites: www.gohawaii.com