Best Scuba Diving in Hawaii:
Oahu
Hanauma Bay: known primarily for snorkeling, on the southeast coast, the shallow, protected waters are ideal for beginning scuba divers. You’ll see colorful reef fish and coral formations.
Sea Tiger Wreck: a sunken ship located off the coast of Honolulu. This artificial reef attracts lots of marine species, including turtles, eels, and reef sharks. The wreck lies at depths suitable for advanced open water divers, making it a popular spot for exploration.
Makaha Caverns: on the west side of Oahu, this dive site is known for its underwater lava tubes and caverns. Exploring these formations, you’ll encounter octopuses, reef fish, and occasional turtles. This site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
Electric Beach: near the Kahe Power Plant, it’s famous for its warm water and encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles, rays, and various tropical fish. It's suitable for divers of various experience levels.
Sharks Cove: on the North Shore, it’s a popular diving and snorkeling spot known for its vibrant marine life and coral formations. The site is part of Pupukea Beach Park and offers underwater caves, arches, and diverse marine species that call it home. Conditions can vary, so it's advisable for intermediate to advanced divers.
Three Tables: adjacent to Sharks Cove, it’s another excellent dive site with a series of flat, table-like rock formations underwater. Divers can explore coral structures and encounter octopuses, eels, and colorful reef fish.
YO-257 Wreck and Paradise Cove Drift Dive: a sunken navy yard oiler, and the adjacent Paradise Cove Drift Dive offers a combination of wreck diving and drift diving. Divers can explore the wreck and then drift along the coral formations, encountering turtles, barracudas, and moray eels.
Koko Craters: off the southeast coast of Oahu, this dive site features underwater craters and lava formations. You can explore the unique topography and encounter marine life such as reef sharks, rays, and schools of fish. This site is suitable for experienced divers due to occasional strong currents.
Before embarking on a scuba diving adventure off Oahu, it's essential to check local regulations, dive conditions, and ensure that you have the necessary certifications for more challenging dive sites. Diving with a reputable dive operator is the best way to go.
The Big Island of Hawaii
Kealakekua Bay: on the west side of the Big Island, you’ll find this marine life conservation district known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The bay has an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and the occasional manta ray. The underwater topography features caves and ledges, making it an exciting spot for divers.
Manta Ray Night Dive: the Kona Coast is renowned for its manta ray night dives. Divers gather near Sheraton Kona Resort's Keauhou Bay to witness majestic manta rays feeding on plankton attracted by underwater lights. This unique and thrilling experience is suitable for advanced divers, and it's advisable to go with experienced operators.
Two-Step (Honaunau Bay): a popular snorkeling and diving site known for its accessibility and diverse marine life. Entry into the water is relatively easy where you’ll explore colorful coral gardens and encounter green sea turtles.
Puako: on the northwest coast, you’ll find numerous dive sites with coral gardens, lava tubes, and diverse marine species. Puako is known for its healthy coral formations and encounters with reef sharks, turtles, and various fish species.
Cathedrals I and II: off the Kohala Coast, these are underwater lava tube formations that resemble cathedral-like structures. You’ll swim through arches and tunnels adorned with coral. The site is rich in marine life, including eels, turtles, and tropical fish.
Turtle Pinnacle: near Puako, this site is aptly named for its frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The pinnacle features coral formations and ledges, creating a crazy underwater landscape. It's popular for both snorkelers and divers.
Blackwater Dive: for a truly unique and otherworldly experience, consider this dive off the Kona Coast. Divers venture into deep waters at night, suspended over the abyss. The dive allows encounters with rare and fascinating deep-sea creatures, making it a favorite among underwater photographers.
Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park): the waters around this historic site offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Divers can explore the coral gardens and encounter turtles, rays, and various tropical fish. The site is suitable for divers of varying experience levels.
Before diving, check local conditions, follow safety guidelines, and dive with reputable operators. Some sites may require advanced certifications due to currents or depth. Prioritize safety and responsible diving practices for a memorable underwater experience.
Maui (aka "Valley Isle”)
Molokini Crater: a partially submerged volcanic crater located just off the coast. It’s a top-rated scuba diving destination, known for its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine life. Divers explore coral formations, swim-throughs, and encounter colorful reef fish, eels, and octopuses.
Cathedral I and II: these underwater lava formations, located off the coast of Lanai (accessible from Maui), are known for their cathedral-like structures. You’ll explore arches, tunnels, and caverns adorned with coral. The site is rich in marine life, and encounters with turtles, rays, and reef sharks are common.
Mala Pier: situated near Lahaina, this is a popular shore dive known for diverse marine life and underwater structures. The old pier provides a habitat for frogfish, seahorses, and octopuses. The dive is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Honolua Bay: a marine reserve on the northwest coast, it’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving. You’ll explore vibrant coral gardens, encounter schools of tropical fish, and may spot larger species like turtles and reef sharks.
Five Caves (No Name Caves): off the coast of Wailea, this dive site is known for underwater caverns and lava formations. Explore the caves, swim-throughs, and ledges while observing moray eels, butterflyfish, and turtles. The site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
Turtle Town: several sites around Maui are collectively referred to as "Turtle Town" due to the abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles. You can encounter these gentle giants in areas like Maluaka Beach and Makena Landing. Turtles often rest on the ocean floor or swim gracefully through the water.
Mokuha (Slaughterhouse Beach): another interesting dive site with lava arches, tunnels, and swim-throughs. Divers can explore the diverse marine life, reef fish and sea turtles. The site is suitable for intermediate-level divers.
Carthaginian Wreck: a sunken whaling ship rests off Lahaina's coast and has become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Explore the wreckage and encounter schools of fish, eels, and other fascinating creatures. The site is suitable for experienced divers due to depth.
La Perouse Bay: at the southern tip of Maui, you’ll find a unique lava landscape both above and below the water. Divers can explore lava tubes, swim-throughs, and encounter marine life adapted to the rugged environment. The site is suitable for experienced divers.
Before embarking on a scuba diving adventure, check local conditions, dive with reputable operators, and ensure you have the appropriate certifications for specific dive sites. Safety must be your top priority to enhance the enjoyment of Maui's incredible underwater world.
Kauai (aka "Garden Isle")
Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach): a popular dive site on the north shore of Kauai. It features a series of underwater lava tubes and tunnels that give the site its name. Explore vibrant coral formations, encounter reef fish, and maybe spot green sea turtles. The site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
Brennecke's Ledge: off Poipu Beach on the south shore, the Ledge is a dive site known for its lava formations and diverse marine life. It features a sloping ledge where divers can observe colorful coral, sea fans, and a variety of reef fish. The depth ranges from shallow to deeper areas, catering to different experience levels.
Ni'ihau Island: technically part of Kauai County, Ni'ihau is a privately owned island often visited by divers seeking pristine and untouched underwater environments. The remote location and strict access restrictions help sustain vibrant marine life. Divers can encounter large schools of fish, sharks, and explore dramatic underwater landscapes.
Sheraton Caverns (Sheraton Wall): situated off Poipu, Sheraton Caverns is known for its lava tubes, swim-throughs, and the possibility of encountering larger marine species like reef sharks. The site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to varying depths and occasional strong currents.
Koloa Landing: located near Poipu, is a shore diving site with a diverse marine habitat. Divers can explore the underwater terrain, encounter reef fish, and may spot green sea turtles. Accessible from the shore, it’s convenient for both shore and boat dives.
Fast Lanes (Fast Lane): a dive site off the southeast coast, known for its underwater lava formations and swim-throughs. You’ll find nudibranchs, octopuses, and all kinds of reef fish. The site is suitable for intermediate-level divers.
Kauai Beach Resort Reef: located near Lihue, this reef offers accessible shore diving. Explore the reef system, encounter marine life, and enjoy the convenience of shore entry. The site is suitable for various experience levels, including beginners.
Island of Kauai Sea Caves: along the Na Pali Coast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore sea caves and lava formations. The underwater caves are part of the stunning coastal landscape, and diving here provides a unique perspective of the island's rugged beauty. Due to challenging conditions, this area is recommended for advanced divers.
General Store (Keoniloa Bay): aka Shipwrecks Beach, you can explore lava formations, swim-throughs, and the possibility of encountering turtles and eagle rays. The site is suitable for various experience levels.
Before embarking on a scuba diving adventure off Kauai, it's essential to check local conditions, dive with reputable operators, and ensure you have the appropriate certifications for specific dive sites. Safety must be your top priority to enhance the enjoyment of Kauai's underwater wonders.
