On April 27th to May 5th 2002, visitors from around the world will descend on the Kona area for the first annual Kona Classic Underwater Photography and Art festival. This festival, presented by the Hawai’i Visitors Bureau and Skin Diver magazine in partnership with the local businesses and dive operators of Kona, promises to deliver a special Kona experience that the early wanderers only dreamed about. During this one-week event, underwater photography enthusiasts, families, divers and art lovers will migrate into Kona to indulge their visual and experiential cravings.

The Kona Classic Underwater Photography and Art Festival will feature daily diving opportunities with world famous underwater photographers such as Norbert Wu, Bob Talbot, Doug Perrine, Marty Snyderman, David Fleetham and James Watt. Each day, divers will have the opportunity to dive side by side with the best photographers in the world to watch, learn and absorb their techniques and skills, as they shoot the images that fill the pages of Skin Diver magazine. Better yet, at the end of each day, the photographers will take the time to sit with you to critique your images and help you achieve your best shots ever. Imagine private photo instruction from the best in the world! Your image could be the one that wins first place in the week-long photo contest during the event. You may walk home with a Wyland sculpted Kona Classic Trophy for best overall image!

On the opening day of the event, there will be a 5K biathlon run/swim on the very streets the famous Ironman Triathlon’s are held each year in Kona. Throughout the week, attendees will join David Doubilet for an intimate evening film festival on the cliffs of the Kona Coast at the Royal Kona Resort. During the week, people may have the opportunity to meet Wyland, the world’s best known marine life artist (who also has a studio and gallery in downtown Kona).

Kids will have great opportunities to snorkel and participate in an underwater treasure hunt sponsored by Body Glove. Art festivals featuring local craftsman and artists will open and close the week’s festivities. Side trips to the volcanoes in a helicopter or exploring the beautiful city of Hilo are excellent options for the afternoons.