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

Known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because of abundant rainfall and lush green vistas, Kauai has more white sandy beaches than any other island of Hawai’i. Opportunities for world-class swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving abound!

You can also find a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Kauai at https://www.lovebigisland.com/kauai/kauai-snorkeling-spots/

Kauai

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

This was a nice, easy dive with a chance to see some big creatures like turtles and rays. Tons of eels and the standard Hawaiian fare, which means lots of fish and even some Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apu A'a

Southern side of Kauai Island. Po'ipu Road.

Koloa

Koloa Landing

Koloa Landing at Hanaka'ape Bay is a very popular dive site, especially for scuba instruction. The entry is easy, and there is plenty to see to the left and right of the landing.

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the RIGHT fork. After .2 mile, take the left fork. You'll see the landing in about a tenth of a mile.

Koloa Landing at Hanaka'ape Bay

Koloa Landing at Hanaka'ape Bay is a very popular dive site, especially for scuba instruction.  The entry is easy, and there is plenty to see to the left and right of the landing.

From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8.  After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa.  Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu.  At about mile 4.8, take the RIGHT fork.  After .2 mile, take the left fork.  You'll see the landing in about a tenth of a mile.

Prince Kuhio is a small park, but 'big' diving awaits you!. The entry is a little rocky, but easy, and you may find a turtle or two in the shallow protected area. Shallow beginning through advanced snorkeling. A little shallow for scuba. Rocky entry, but very protected bay. Turtles are the highlight. 3-21 feet. Directly across from the Prince Kuhio Park.

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the RIGHT fork and head West. After about a quarter of a mile, you will arrive!

Prince Kuhio Park

First thing’s first: bring a camera and a flashlight. This popular site delights novice and advanced divers alike with some of Kauai’s most gorgeous underwater vistas. Located just off Poipu Beach, the coral and marine life live relatively untroubled by harsh ocean swells.

The site’s main attraction is a trio of striking lava tubes that tunnel toward the Sheraton Kauai Hotel’s house beach. Divers kick through these massive structures, with communities of reef crabs, spiny lobsters and shrimp scampering between the nooks to crannies. Remember to crane your neck to the tubes’ lava ceilings: you’re sure to spot some crustaceans and turkeyfish dangling from the cracks.

Outside the tubes, even more sea life darts about from yellowmargin and white-mouth moray eels to gentle sea turtles—even the elusive leaf- and giant anglerfish make the occasional appearance

Sheraton Caverns

The Lawai Beach park, just next to the Beach House restaurant, has plenty of parking, restrooms, a telephone and shower.

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the RIGHT fork and head West. After about a half a mile, you'll have arrived!

Lawai Beach

Poipu Beach Park is a very popular site for snorkelers and first-time shore divers. All the facilities are available, including great places to have lunch right across from the beach. A great place to spend the day!

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the LEFT fork. After 1.2 mile, take a right on Ho'owili. When you come to the T, you are at Poipu Beach.

Poipu Beach Park

Brennecke Beach is just a couple hundred yards down the road from Poipu Beach Park. You will find the left coast line an interesting place to explore.

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the LEFT fork. After 1.2 mile, take a right on Ho'owili. When you come to the T, turn LEFT and drive for .2 mile and you'll see the small parking area.

Brennecke Beach

Lydgate State Park is nice area with all the facilities. The sandy beach makes a wonderful kid's paradise! Snorkelers will find the area perfect during most weather conditions; beginning divers will find it adequate for a first dive or two.

Directions: Heading North from Lihu'e on Highway 56, turn right into the park at about mile mark 5.5. If you've crossed the Wailua River, you've gone too far.

Lydgate State Park

Anahola Beach Park offers something for everyone.  There is a great beach for soaking up some Sun; the sandy entry makes it perfect for kids playing in the surf; there is good snorkeling and beginning diving just off shore; and, for the more adventurous, a good kick-out will get you to some excellent diving at the point.

Heading North on Highway 56 from Lihu'e, turn right on Anahola Road at about mile mark 13.6.  You'll find the park after about .6 mile.

Anahola Beach Park

The Hideaway is best for snorkeling, if you are in the area. We would call this a good beginner scuba dive, but the climb up and down the bluff can be difficult with 40 pounds of equipment. Definitely take a drive there to check it out for yourself, if for nothing more than admiring the sights of the Princeville Resort.

Directions: On the North coast on Highway 56, turn into the Princeville Resort area at about mile mark 28. Drive 1.5 miles all the way up to just before the Princeville Resort gate, and you'll find beach access parking to the right, next to the tennis courts.

Koloa Landing

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Koloa Landing