KONA, HAWAII

DECEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 30, 2023

PRE/POST-TOUR OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO OTHER HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Total package price starting at: $3169/pp

This package includes hotel accommodation, diving tours, daily breakfast, Christmas Luau ... and more!

*Prices and availability are subject to change.


THIS TRIP IS GREAT FOR DIVERS OF ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS!

NEWER DIVERS WILL ENJOY THE warm AND clear WATERS AS WELL AS THE EXTRA ATTENTION PROVIDED WITH
GUIDED DIVES EVERY TIME.

MORE EXPERIENCED DIVERS WILL LOVE THE variety of species seen on each dive. … and the blackwater dive.



Royal Kona Resort

December 23 - 30

Ocean waves crash against lava rock shores. Lush gardens burst with color and tropical scents. Refreshing sea breezes and warm sunshine wash over bare skin. Royal Kona Resort invites you to enjoy a sensory escape and the aloha spirit any tioe of the year.

Savor delectable cuisine from award-winning chefs at our oceanfront restaurant. Sip a hand-crafted Mai Tai poolside under a shady palm. Discover authentic Hawaiian culture at our Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Explore active volcanoes or scuba dive with manta rays. Stroll to the quaint seaside village of Kailua-Kona for an afternoon of dining and shopping. Pamper yourself in the serene spa. Everything you crave in an island escape is at your fingertips, ready to help you make unforgettable memories.

Dining
Enjoy the resort's vibrant food and drink scene in the bold Tiki architecture and tropical, open-air ambiance. Spectacular ocean views enhance the sumptuous Hawaiian and international cuisine, a fusion of the freshest local ingredients, European techniques and Asian influences.

Enjoy fresh seafood, island classics and hand-crafted cocktails at oceanfront tables. Island music creates a festive vibe and spectacular sunsets unfold before you. Don the Beachcomber Restaurant and Mai Tai Bar offer the best oceanfront dining in Kona, Hawaii with mouth-watering flavors and the warm spirit of aloha. See the spinner dolphins and humpback whales give breathtaking aerial performances in the Bay.


December 23 :
Arrival in Kona

You'll arrive in Hawaii this morning and be met at the airport with a traditional Lei greeting.

*Lodging (7nt): Royal Kona Resort


December 24:
Two Step

8.30 am 2-tank dive

You will start the day with a morning dive at Honaunau Bay (more known as Two Step). This dive will be a classic 2-tank dive trip.
See colorful fish as well as dolphins, turtles, and monk seals at Two Step! It’s acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots on the island, with clear blue waters, a vibrant reef, and dozens of marine species

Lunch on board is included in the form of sandwiches. (turkey, ham or veggie)

The specific dive sites are chosen that day, based on sea conditions, availability and requests.

The dive will be over around 2.30pm.

Rest of the afternoon/evening are free to spend at leisure.

*Note: add-on snorkeling is available for $140 pp


December 25:
Christmas Luau

Today will be a free day to enjoy at the pool or in one of the loungers on the beach.

Evening Luau

As the sun sets on the lava shores of Kailua Bay, you will go and experience a traditional Hawaiian Luau.

Every sense is engaged as you start your Luau experience with an Aloha greeting complete with photo opportunities. Your mouth will water at the savory aromas of the Hawaiian-style buffet in the air. Your senses will quicken as the mesmerizing songs, dances, and stories of the South Pacific unfold before you, culminating with the breathtaking Samoan fire dance (Siva Afi). A luau in Hawaii is the oldest of island traditions, and one you cannot miss.


December 26:
Lava Tubes

On this 2-tank charter, we’ll spend the morning and early afternoon diving in South Kona’s incredible lava tubes, lush reefs, and a chance to view bigger pelagic animals such as whales, dolphins, or big fish on the ride down the coast. Or, venture North to experience unique reef structures and critter hideouts, or even drift around Kaiwi Point. Between your dives, enjoy a full lunch with views of the Kona coast.

Lava Tubes Dive Requirements
- 25 logged dives and been diving within the last 6 months
- good buoyancy control and air consumption (at least 60 minutes on an 80cf tank, 100’s aren’t available & doubles are not allowed)
- You must be in good health and have NO heart conditions
- Should be comfortable backrolling off the boat if necessary
- 18 or older – under 18 considered with a JOW Rescue Diver Certification
- Must dive with a computer


December 27:
Manta Ray Night Dive

You will board the Honu One and cruise north along the coast to Garden Eel Cove. You will have an opportunity to dive the reef upon arrival during the day. Afterward you will have a light meal and you will learn about the manta ray's. After nightfall, you will re-enter the water for your manta ray dive (60min).

*Note: add-on snorkeling is available for $140 pp.

Manta Ray Night Dive Requirements
- Must be in good health with NO heart conditions
- Proof of open water certification or higher
- Must be 12 years of age or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Have been diving within the last 2 years
- You must be a comfortable diver
- be able to dive in a group and not need more attention than what is normally provided on a guided dive


December 28:
Free day

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

Optional add-on dive Blackwater dive (+$231/pp)

Looking for a more advanced dive? Blackwater diving is a unique night dive which will take you miles offshore where you will hang, suspended from a 60ft tether, over 4000ft of water to watch open ocean, or pelagic, animals drift by.

Blackwater Dive Requirements
- This dive is for the confident diver that has excellent buoyancy skills and is self-reliant
- at least 50 logged dives to join us on this adventurous dive
- show proof of logged dives within the last 6 months
- You must be in good health and have NO heart conditions


December 29:
Free day

Take today to relax at the pool or on one of the loungers next to the ocean.

We recommend visiting the historic downtown area of Kailua-Kona, which is home to several famous landmarks. Two of the most notable are Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, both on the main road running through downtown. The area was once a place where Hawaiian royals like King Kamehameha liked to reside and where fishing was the main occupation of those who lived there. Today, its roots are still clearly evident but exist alongside a modern spirit marked by vibrant food, music, and people.


December 30:
Departure

Today is time to say goodbye (for now).

After breakfast you will make your way to the airport for your flight home.


Bon Voyage!


Add-on tours

Blackwater Dive

Explore the underwater world with this extra dive at Blackwater. This dive is a 1-tank dive.

Price: $231/pp

Hidden Craters Hike

Visit the hidden crates during this hike. This is a strenuous activity and will take about 5 hours.

Price: $170/pp

Snorkel options

You can add-on snorkel options at the following locations:
- Two Step
- Manta Night Snorkel
- Turtle Pinnacle

Price: $140/pp

Zip-line expierence

See Hawaii from the tree tops with this zip-line experience.

Price: $220/pp

Hawaii Volcanoes and Kona Coffee farm

Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and get to see where our coffee is made on the Kona Coffee Farm. This excursion is 12 hours.

Price: $225/pp

Volcanoes Helicopter tour

Experience Hawaii and its volcanoes from the sky with this helicopter tour of the National Volcano Park.

Price: $320/pp

 

TRAVEL DETAILS

Hotel

Kona, Hawaii
December 23 - 30

Royal Kona Resort


DIVE INSURANCE

Aquatic Adventures of Ohio requires all divers to have some level of dive insurance to travel on all trips. At minimum, you must have hyperbaric recompression chamber coverage- this may be covered by your current insurance, but if not… you’ll need supplemental dive accident insurance.

NOTE: A DAN membership is separate from DAN insurance.

If you don’t have dive insurance yet, check out the link below for plan options.


Proof of dive insurance will be required prior to departure. If no dive insurance has been purchased/proof provided, AAO reserves the right to cancel your reservation without refund.


REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 4 people per registration form)


F.A.Q.

WHAT TIME is the check in to the hotel?

Check in at the resort will not be until 3pm at the earliest.

  • If you arrive early, or your room is not yet ready for you to check in when you arrive, you may be able to leave your bags with the front desk and they will keep them securely held behind the desk while you go out and eat or explore the resort until your room is ready.

What if I need a roommate? 

If you would like to have a roommate but don't not have one identified yet, then we will initially only charge the double occupancy rate. Aquatic Adventures Ohio will work to find you a roommate; however, if a roommate cannot be found then you are responsible for paying the single occupancy rate.


Are meals INCLUDED?

Daily breakfast is included.

do i need Certifications?

DO I HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED TO GO SCUBA DIVING?

Yes, an Open Water Certification is required to go SCUBA diving.

If you haven’t gotten certified yet, you don’t know what you’re missing!
You can do your classroom work before your trip and then do your checkout dives on vacation!

DO I HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED TO GO SNORKELING?

No.
This is a great activity that nearly everyone can participate in!
Although, we do suggest that you be comfortable in the water and able to swim with a lifejacket on.

CAN I GO DIVING JUST A FEW TIMES? OR DO I HAVE TO DIVE EVERY DAY?

The first rule of diving (well, one of the first rules) is to call a dive if you aren’t comfortable. This means that if you have signed up to go diving one day and you don’t feel comfortable, please don’t get in the water.
That said, this is a personal choice and not one that will result in a refund of money.

If you want to go diving, but don’t want to participate in the active dive schedule we have included, we can arrange a separate dive for you, as often as you’d like!

What are the diving conditions like?

In December, swimming is ideal on the beaches around Kona, Hawaii! With water reaching 80°F at most and 77°F on average, spending time in the water is very pleasant.

A 3mm “shorty” wetsuit is recommended except for rainy days and multiple diving a 3mm "full wetsuit" would be better.

(the local dive shop will have wetsuits available; however, if you prefer to try them on in advance, Aquatic Adventures can assist you with a rental or purchase of a new wetsuit!)

What dive equipment should I bring?

If you prefer to rent your equipment from Aquatic Adventures, we have all of the equipment that you will need.

  • Certification Card

  • Diving Log Book (strongly encouraged; required for solo diving course)

  • Mask *

  • Snorkel *

  • Fins *

  • Booties (if you wear them)

  • Buoyancy Control Device (required) *

  • Regulator w/alternate air source *

  • Submersible pressure and depth gauges (required) *

  • Underwater time piece (required)

  • Dive light *

  • Safety marker buoy *

  • Tank Marker Lights (required for night dives) *

  • For solo divers: pony bottle, whistle, knife, compass, and safety marker buoy or flag deployable from safety stop depth *

  • Dive computer (recommended) *

  • Wetsuit 3 mm *

  • Repair kit w/ spare parts

Can I pay by Zelle?

No. The dive shop does not accept Zelle. You can make your payment by credit card which includes a 3% processing fee.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 3% processing fee, you may pay by check. You can drop this off at the front desk of the dive shop or by mailing this directly to the dive shop.


Pricing details

price Per Person: 

DIVER RATES

$3,169 (QUAD OCCUPANCY)
$3,394 (TRIPLE OCCUPANCY)
$3,844 (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
$5,783 (SINGLE OCCUPANCY)

NON-DIVER Rates:

$2,048 (QUAD OCCUPANCY)
$2,273 (TRIPLE OCCUPANCY)
$2,723 (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
$4,662 (SINGLE OCCUPANCY)

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

Payments can be made by a credit card which includes a 3% processing fee or by check dropped off to the front desk of the dive shop or mailed directly to the shop.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

  • Accommodation

  • Airport Lei Greeting and Christmas Luau

  • All diving mentioned in the itinerary above

  • Daily breakfast

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare and airport taxes

  • Ground transportation

  • Gratuities

  • Dive gear rental (other than tanks, weights and weight belts)

  • Pre/post hotel stays (including layover stays)

  • Incidental charges 

  • Add-on excursions

    • Additional 2-tank dive- $200/pp

    • Blackwater dive (1-tank dive)- $231/pp

    • Snorkel option (Two Step/ Manta Night Snorkel/ Turtle Pinnacle)- $140/pp

    • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona Coffee Farm (12hr tour)- $225/pp

    • Hidden Craters Hike (5hrs)- $170/pp

    • Zipline experience- $220/pp

    • Volcanoes National Park Helicopter Tour- $320/pp

  • 3% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/credit card)

  • Local taxis

  • DAN (Divers Alert Network) or any other form of dive insurance

  • Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

    • World Wide Trip Protector Edge ‘Basic’ (average price of $113/pp)

    • World Wide Trip Protector ‘Premium’ (average price of $154/pp)

    • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

 

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1: Full Payment
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.

*Please keep in mind, a 3% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: Two Payments
One payment will be due immediately and the second payment will be due no later than 100 days prior to your trip.

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
NOTE: Not all insurance policy will allow you to purchase coverage after the initial deposit. It is illegal to purchase insurance with the knowledge and intent that you will be changing or canceling your trip.)

*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

TWO-PAYMENT PLAN:

(price per person)
Due now: $250 + Insurance (suggested)
90 days prior: Remainder due

 

Option 3: Monthly Payments
Payments will be split into the remaining months prior to your trip (ending at 100 days prior to departure)

(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee may be charged at time of paymentif choosing to pay with a credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Split amount due into monthly payments.

  • The first payment must be a minimum of $250 + insurance (per person), due upon receipt.

  • The remaining payments will be divided by the months- with final payment due 100 days prior to your trip.

 

REGISTRATION 

  • A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

    • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

 

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

  • Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

  • Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

 

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

  • Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 60 days before departure. Cancellations more than 60 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.

We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.

Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.

By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.

Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE

 


 

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

EDGE PLAN:
(BASIC PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 14 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

  • Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

  • Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

  • Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

  • Medical and Evacuation coverage 

 

 

WORLDWIDE TRIP PROTECTOR:
(PREMIUM PROTECTION)

Extensive coverage for everyone; designed with families in mind.

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if purchased within 21 days of deposit (other eligibility conditions must also be met)

  • Wide range of reasons for trip cancellation or interruption

  • Trip Delay and Missed Tour or Cruise Connection coverage

  • Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection

  • Medical and Evacuation coverage