Pyramid Rock, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay - Incredible

by Randy
(Kailua, HI)

Lived here for three years. Bought mask, fins and snorkel within days of arriving. Attempted to snorkel at Kailua beach park and the waves knocked me around and I lost my snorkel. I replaced it and went back. Being a relatively weak swimmer I did not venture far and saw only sand. The gear sat in the closet until I rented a beach house on base. I decide since I was there to grab my gear and peak in the water. It was incredible. I know you shouldn't go out alone but I stayed close to shore during low tide and had a blast.

Talked to some people and realized I needed a weight belt to get lower and see more. Then I went to another beach and got a tough workout and decided to buy a wet suit and dive buoy. Both great to have and the buoy should be used by everyone. It lets boaters know someone is in the water and if you get tired you just grab that and I don't think a human could sink one in the ocean if the stood on it. On the 4th of July I spent two hours in the water. I also had a spear. They are great for checking the depth of the water and we got two taco (octopus). I like it on sushi but that about it.

There is so much coral, sponges and fish it is unbelievable. My first set of photos were not good. The water was a little cloudy and I used a flash with cheap film (and cheap camera). I think the flash amplified the cloudy water. If you want to see lots of big fish they all tell me you have to go at night because they come in to sleep. Still a little nervous about that. I did buy a little light to look into crevices and under overhangs.

The coolest thing I saw so far I think is a coral with maybe 100 baby damsels. When I dove toward it they all vanished into the coral. I barely went 50 feet from shore. You could easily go 20 times that and the reef varies but it doesn't get too deep I don't think. I am basically building up my skills and confidence and venture a little further each time.

The only problem is access. If you are not in the military you will need a sponsor or go via boat. There are sand bars all over the bay and I think there are some snorkel packages you can take out there that let you snorkel and run around a sand bar. I will post pictures next time I go out and snap a few.