1. In Hawaii, Above the Great Abyssal Pits
The Hawaiian Islands, particularly Kona, are recognized as the cradle of black water diving. These underwater adventures occur at depths exceeding 1,500 meters, where passionate guides specialize in this practice, continuously discovering new species.
The History of Black Water Diving in Kona
The story of black water diving in Kona begins in the late 1970s. Chris Newbert, an underwater photographer who became a legend, used to dive alone at night aboard his small Boston Whaler, plunging down to 30 meters deep. » I even knew someone who found Chris drifting at dawn « , explains Jeff Milisen, an instructor and photographer who started his career in Kona. It was only about 20 years later that this activity was opened to the general public.
Exceptional Biodiversity
Jeff Milisen, who also spent a year in Oahu, returned to Kona due to the success of the dives. The pelagic biodiversity of the deep Hawaiian waters is phenomenal. » I’ve been leading dives in Kona for ten years, and each outing holds surprises,” says Sarah Milisen. With her husband, they even wrote a guide on nocturnal animals (A Field Guide to Blackwater Diving in Hawaii).
Sarah explains that there is a significant increase in species diversity at about 5,000 feet (approximately 1,500 meters). » We don’t have a specific site, but we sail about 3 miles offshore. »
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