Sunday Star-Times

INSIDER TIP

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Lil Townson, Flight Centre Eastridge

As the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii is synonymous with big-wave action and gentle, rolling breaks.

On my Hawaiian getaway, I learned that no matter what island you’re on, there are locations suited for all diving abilities, from beginners to the more advanced.

Shark’s Cove is one of the top diving spots on Oahu. It has shallow waters and is a rocky bay with picturesqu­e swimthroug­hs among the rock formations such as lava tubes, caves and caverns. I spotted manta rays and green sea turtles there.

On Kauai, I headed north to the shores of Tunnels Reef and had great visibility of up to 20 metres.

If you’re more experience­d, you’ll want to head south to Brennecke’s dropoff, a massive lava shelf with brightly coloured coral.

Just four kilometres off the southwest shore of Maui is Molokini crater, a tiny crescent-shaped island and sunken volcano. Its surroundin­g reef is teeming with a technicolo­ur underwater world of coral gardens with more than 250 species of tropical fish.

The ‘‘Big Island’’ has plenty of coastline to explore.

Marine Life Conservati­on District was ideal for diving amid coral and schools of tropical fish. I was lucky enough to spot a spinner dolphin.

 ?? FLIGHT CENTRE ?? Whichever island you’re on, there’s a dive spot to suit.
FLIGHT CENTRE Whichever island you’re on, there’s a dive spot to suit.

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