Kona Aggressor II, Hawaii

I had a wonderful seven days. Let me start with the constructive feedback: 1) get a new Nitrox compressor. It went down after Dive #5 ,so we did ~ 20 dives on air. I hear it breaks often and so an investment is needed here. 2) This is so minor but I think it's worth noting. It's a sweet boat but the redecoration of the salon is a major fail. Get ready for an assault on the eyes with the lime green wall paneling and cushions. So many better choices could have been made and 3) if you expect a feeling of remoteness or like star gazing, this may not be the trip for you. Four of the seven nights were spent moored in the Kailua-Kona Harbor. One of them was unplanned due to weather. We spent two nights down south and that was superb. OK, enough negativity. Here is the good news and it far outweighs these issues. 1) The crew was amazing. Chef Thomas is a consummate professional and his food five star, Captain Chris Wade (his final voyage was this week) and Captain Brad, both great people with vast knowledge and interests. The other crewmembers: Misha, Dave and Amanda also fabulous; 2) the dive deck was nice. We had 10 divers and there was plenty of room to gear up and splash in, but you must be ready to navigate some stairs with your gear on (not a problem); 3) the diving. Hawaii lacks the beautiful coral and color but it makes up for that with its amazing terrain and fish. We saw Eagle Rays, a Hammerhead shark, a Manta cruising by, a turtle (not very common), tons of eel, etc. There are currents so if you like a challenge, you’ll find it here. But, they are not bad, a newer diver will be just fine; 4) Manta Dive. We did it twice b/c the surge on the first night nearly killed us (not really but we were pretty roughed up). The second try was magical - about a dozen Mantas and one so huge (15 ft) even the DM was impressed. This is truly unforgettable. The whole trip was fantastic and I highly recommend it. Just inquire about the Nitrox and make sure y

The crew, the food, the diving (and the other passengers)

I had a great week with Colby and his crew. Accommodations, food (especially food), service were very good.

Mantas, mantas, mantas

Mataray Dive and the crew. They were always there and willing to help.

Crew,Crew,Mataray Dive

The chef was the main asset of the boat, with excellent cooking skills and great customer attention. He was also the main source of entertainment, interacting with guests during and after meal preparation. The rest of the staff was very professional and friendly, although not as engaged with guests, especially the captain.

Chef, night dives, Internet/cell access

Manta night dives!

Diving, food, crew

The only drawback is that the rental fins have rubber foot pockets which do not accept shoes which you really need in the cold water. You better bring your own shoes/fins, one of the dive guides gave me his fins but you may not be that lucky. Other than that it was a perfect trip.

Hammerhead sharks, Manta Ray night. Pelagic Magic night

The two Manta dives were nothing short of magical. Pelagic Magic was also a very unique awesome experience hanging over black water with these creatures putting on a miniature light show. Sharks, turtles, rays, Dolphins. Everything was so much fun.

27 dives in 5 1/2 days really gets your money worth, I dare anyone to walk away saying the food wasn't amazing, and the whole the crew were all fun interesting friendly people,

The nudibranchs, the vocanic formations, the healthy reefs.

Diver Brent, Chef de cuisine and Captain Cliff & Tchad

Excellent crew and food, the diving sites are good but the only one out of mind was the night dive with mantas.....im wonder why we did not repeat it. Please notice the last day the boat does not stay overnight at the pier, thus, if you have flight before 8 am, you have to reserve accomodation additionally on mainland. I did receive wrong confirmation from liveaboard.com stating i could stay at the boat and catch the flight at 600 am. On site, i have to run and get quickly a hotel room. That was a big stain after a 10 points trip.

Food, crew service, organisation

The manta night dive was AMAZING! Once in a lifetime experienced!

Service was excellent, the bed was super comfy, manta was amazing!

whales-dolphins-blackwater diving

crew-food-diving

seeing hammerhead & tiger sharks

crew,guest and diving

The food was exceptional, thank you Eric! Saw manta night dive! Saw a tige4 shark Shelby is a passionate and engaging cruise director

Food, service passionate people

Manta Ray dive, the flourecent little animals, divng with tiger shark and octopus.

The excellent diving gear, food and company

I had a great time. My first time to Hawaii, the main draw for me was the manta rays, and wow did we see some. But the real highlight for me was when Karl stopped the boat when there were dolphins near by and I got to snorkel with them. The entire crew was super-friendly and helpful, and the food was outstanding. Compared to staying in a hotel and making day dives, this was definitely a better deal. Thanks for a great vacation!

1) Divemaster tours, great for singles without a buddy on board. 2) Cabin with shower; slept well, kept warm, and a place for my stuff. 3) Service; being catered to and helped out in every way.