In Reply to: Re: Need Suggestions for Dive Operators Near Kona posted by TomC on November 15, 2007 at 10:40:54:

I did the manta dive four years ago and I agree it was definitely worth it.

On my most recent trip, I wanted to share the experience with my kids -- 11 and 7 -- neither of whom are certified. They're both very confident in the water though so we went snorkeling out in front of the Sheraton at night with my HID. We encountered plenty of mantas as well as eels and spotted eagle rays. I think we saw as much or more than the people who paid $100+ for the 5-minute boat ride from the adjacent harbor.

I'd also recommend taking a swim out to the Captain Cook monument -- there's a good chance the resident dolphins will stop by play. The kids were ecstatic.