The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

The ‘Gathering Place’ is the most developed and populous island of Hawai’i. Aside from world-renowned landmarks such as Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor, Oahu offers magnificent beaches affording a multitude of snorkeling and diving opportunities.

You can also find <a href="https://loveoahu.org/activities-things-to-do/snorkeling/">a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Oahu</a> or <a href="https://tridentadventures.com">Scuba diving adventures in Oahu</a>

Oahu

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States



End of Ahui or Ohe Streets off Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu

Honolulu

Kaka'ako point

Nice Dive site. Genreally good visibility. Advanced Dive. 
Wreck of old fishing vessel. Inside has decent amount of access, though most of it has been blocked of by local divers hoping to protect those unaware of the dangers of penetrating a wreck. 
Occasionally spotted eagle ray, crown of thorns (DON"T TOUCH THESE), and octopus will be around.

Outside Kewalo Basin on Oahu's south shore.


Sea Tiger is also known as SeaTiger.

Sea Tiger

This is a popular dive training site located on the south shore, near the Kewalo Marine Laboratory. Once you enter from the staircase, you'll swim south, parallel to the boat channel. Remember that the area between the red and green buoys is a boat channel, so stay to the west! Once you swim south of the 2nd green buoy, you can drop down and choose which spot to visit. To the northwest is Horseshoe Reef (named for the shape of the reef). To the west is the Kewalo pipeline, which you can follow south to pipe discharge. To the north/northeast is Secrets Reef. Be aware that there is a lot of boat traffic going in and out of this area with charters. If you have to approach the surface for any reason, deploy a surface marker or come up near your dive flag buoy. Right next to Magic Island, and Makai Pier near Makapu'u

Point Panic

Eels, Hawksbill turtles and somethime Mantas.



Kewalo Pipe

Magic Island Lagoon is an extension to a very popular family beach with a quick access from downtown. It has a very easy entry for both beginning snorkelers and experienced divers.

The Southern corner of Ala Moana Regional Park, off Ala Moana Blvd. between Honolulu and Waikiki

Magic Island Lagoon

Turtle Canyons is a great scuba dive for both beginners or first time diving and novice divers alike. The reef is approximately 20 to 45 feet deep. The boat ride out to Turtle Canyons takes around 15 minutes depending on your boat and what harbor you depart out of. Turtle Canyons was formed thousands of years ago when volcanic activity was in action here on Oahu. Large lava/rock encrusted fingers point out from the shallow shores of Waikiki in a south eastern direction. In between these "fingers" are mostly small rock boulders , coral heads and sand. If you're really into colorful corals, this dive won't be for you. The area where this dive site is situated leaves no room for fragile corals and soft corals to flourish. Heavy swells roll in from the south east like blazing freight trains only to leave an area that almost resembles a whitish blue desert. So why the heck even bother? Well my friends, this dive is an incredible one if you want to view the Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. We get divers with hundreds of dives who really "freak" out when they meet these calm spirited attitude laid back reptiles. You can literally swim right with these rare reptiles without a care in the world. I do want to mention that turtles are on the endangered species list so harassing or harming these beautiful creatures will leave you with a painful fine. So please give these cool marine creatures your utmost respect, after all you are in their "house."

Turtle Canyon Reef

This old navy oiler was sunk intentionnaly in 1989 by the Atlantic Submarine company.

San Pedro wreck is just 100'/30m away!

The dive site is amazing full of marine life and plenty of nooks and cranies to safely crawl through! Mainly done by charter boat but we kayaked out from the beach! This site can be dangerous due to changing currents! Crowds can vary from empty to heavily crowded depending on charters visiting. 

In waikiki if taking a charter it will more than likely be out of kewalo basin. If ur going from shore it's off of the beach access in waikiki right by duke's statue.

YO-257 is also known as YO.

YO-257

 This dive site features the wreck of a barge that was sunk for use as an artificial reef in roughly 90 feet of water, 250 yards off the Kahala Hilton. The wreck, a 200 foot Matson Barge, lies upright and intact with a pilothouse one can penetrate, this makes for amazing photos. Visibility is great due to the currents cleaning the water, but one should take care not to get swept up in them. Overall, one should have some underwater experience before attempting this dive.

Kahala Barge

Big turtles can be found here.

Fairly close to Baby Barge.

Fantasy Reef

Not a remarkable wreck but the reef surrounding it is great; plus a cave at 26m deep.



Baby Barge

The WWII Corsair fighter is an airplane wreck that sunk in 1946 during training (reason: out of fuel!). The pilot escaped and is still alive.

A large ships anchor on the bottom holds a sub-surface buoy that lies just below the surface providing a tie in point as well as a descent line.

An interesting wreck due of large schools of fish, and a field of garden eels.  

Huge Moray eel living amongst a school of Big Eyes within the wreck. The Moray tends to spend time in the cockpit or left side of the plane. octopus can be found hiding in the wings of the plane. 

South-East coast of Oahu; off Maunalua bay.

Kaka'ako point

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Kaka'ako point

Recommended dive shops