A Dream Fulfilled

The lure of the azure waters of the Hawaiian Islands proved to be too much for two land locked divers from Kansas City, Missouri. It all began when Turner and Jorene Lett discovered what life is all about in their "dream come true", upon arrival in 1985 in Kona.

 

Turner and Jorene became certified as NASDS divers, May 1978. Their checkout dive was in 60 feet of water in a lead mine in Southern Missouri. Visibility, 7 feet, outstanding for that time of year. Their diving adventures took them to Florida, Petit Saint Vincent, Tobago, The cayman islands, Bahamas, Cancun, Cozumel, Turks and Caicos, and finally Hawaii.

 

After 30 years in the corporate world, Turner and Jorene made a career choice by pursuing the desire to be small business owners, and where else but on the beautiful island of Hawaii. Their previous visits proved to be too strong to ignore the opportunities of establishing a Scuba facility in Kawaihae, on the Kohala Coast.

 

Their research led them to Pete Hendricks whose local knowledge opened doors and created methods to overcome the unknowns. Kawaihae shopping center was still a blue print when a lease agreement was signed in 1984 for space facing the Kawaihae Harbor. Construction was to be completed early 1986.

 

Plans quickly became a priority to establish relationships with Scuba Manufacturers and distributors, in addition to acquiring the needed business permits and licenses, Next was the necessity of locating and purchasing the equipment needed to become a scuba facility, i.e., dive gear, compressors, store fixtures, harbor moorings, vehicles, and last but not least man power.

 

The first employee became Pete Hendricks, as store manager, who oversaw the construction process. In the meantime, Turner and Jorene were packing their belongings for the move westward. With an anticipated opening in 1986, we found Kristin Dietz, our frontline sales person. This dynamic duo helped us celebrate our grand opening of Kohala Divers Ltd in business that month. Joining us were many of the fellow dive operators on the Kona/ Kohala Coast, Property owner Dave Levenson, other tenants of Kawaihae shopping center and many locals. The blessing was followed by music and refreshments. We were proud to have the business finally open for trade.

 

The growth continued as our business base became known. With the designation by PADI as a five star training facility, we had accelerated to a position of distinction. The in-house facilities were being continually refined as the need became apparent. Our products kept improving with experience, and our service and repairs gave us an advantage.

 

Our trailered dive boat graduated from a 19 foot glaspro with a 150 HP, to a 28 foot Mako with twin 150's, on our own mooring in Kawaihae Harbor. As our dive business continued to expand, we made a decision to partner with Ocean Sports by sharing divers on their 32 foot Munson, with our gear and a combined dive crew. It was a plus for both of us.

 

Kohala Divers has had the privilege of serving our Kohala Coast friends as well as those who have visited our location. We have been fortunate to see the variety of activities ranging from Canoe regattas, military maneuvers, major  picture productions, as well as disaster recoveries. We have had the pleasure of certifying friends and visitors. We have shared the beauty of our waters and its inhabitants with many notables. We have assisted in its preservation by caring for its reefs by using permanent moorings. We know this pattern will continue.

 

Congratulations to Kohala Divers LTD for 25 years of sharing the thrill of Scuba Diving with its friends.

          - Turner and Jorene Lett