Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Honolulu

The top 17 dive and snorkel sites in Honolulu, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Honolulu guide

dive sites
17
dive shops
11
reviews
139
17 sites, ranked by diver reviews
Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout)1

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout)

4.7(17 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Lana'i Lookout is not for the faint of heart. It is for 'extreme divers' only. Fortunately, not too many novices find their way to this extremely challenging spot. You will make your entry by giant stride to the left of the lookout, and exit to a small rocky patch to the right. Again, an experienced guide is a must! Ask your local dive shop to talk you out of it, and if they can't, ask them to guide you through it. The sights are well worth it. For further discussion on diving this coast, see the Halona Blow Hole description. Lana'i Lookout, on the South Eastern shore, is at the only parking lot South of the Halona Blow Hole and North of Hanauma Bay.

AdvancedShore entry
Hanauma Bay2

Hanauma Bay

4.6(43 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

What is there that hasn't already been said about Hanauma Bay? Divers' paradise, excellent diving, friendly marine life, etc. Unfortunately, the overcrowding of this popular site has caused major environmental impact and has necessitated the implementation of many conservation measures. As crowded as this place is, it now has only one-third the attendance it used to have before restrictions were passed in 1990. Parking, and access to the beach is controlled, and volunteer docents try to educate the visitors so additional damage is avoided. One of our greatest concerns is the trampling of the reef. Although numerous signs are posted, it still constantly occurs. Although there's not too much live coral inside of the reef, other living organisms inhabit the zone, and it is basic diver etiquette to avoid touching any reef. Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East to Koko Head. At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay.

BeginnerMax depth 6.6 ftShore entry
No photos yet
3

Turtle Canyon Reef

5.0(2 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

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."

BeginnerMax depth 45 ftShore entry
No photos yet
4

Sea Tiger

5.0(2 reviews)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

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.

IntermediateMax depth 100.1 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
5

Kahala Barge

5.0(1 review)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

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.

IntermediateMax depth 90 ftShore entry
Halona Blow Hole6

Halona Blow Hole

4.3(24 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

This is the beach where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr got hot and heavy, making out in a wicked beach break in the movie "From Here to Eternity". (I think I would've found the waves a little distracting. Seriously, they're getting their backsides handed to them big time and I doubt they enjoyed filming that scene at all.) It's also called Cockroach Cove by more recent generations, not sure why. It's a very nice dive site. Use caution for the current and waves which can be treacherous. Only go when it's very docile. Rocks may be slippery as well. After swimming out shallow cove, turn a little north and find the big crack that leads into the actual blow hole. If there's any waves at all, stay away from blow hole. Seriously, people have died in there (usually by getting sucked in from above, though) and you don't want to get stuck inside. Just use your head. If wave action is okay, it's pretty cool dropping down into this itty-bitty canyon. Pretty good chance to see green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, octopus and maybe a white-tip shark. At first glance, Halona Blow Hole appears to be an easy, protected site for both snorkelers and divers. However, a list of SCUBA fatalities since 1971 shows that more fatalities by far occur at Halona Blow Hole than any other dive site in the state. First off, the sea cliffs that make this stretch of shoreline so great for diving also precludes any easy exit sites. This, coupled with the strong current, slippery rocks, waves on the ledges, and lack of lifeguards makes this coast one of the most hazardous on the island. Be especially careful on this stretch of coast! The nearest facilities are at Sandy Beach to the North, so take plenty of water. Halona Blow Hole, on the South Eastern shore, can be found at a large touristy turn out between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park.

AdvancedMax depth 23 ftShore entry
Koko Kai Park7

Koko Kai Park

4.1(15 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Koko Kai Park is mostly used as an entry for the previous site, Koke'e Park. It has a natural ledge that you may step on -- to do your giant stride on the next incoming swell. Exit is not easy at this site, which is why most will wait until the incoming tide, and then drift/swim to Koke'e Park beach. We recommend a guide to assist you with the first dive at this site. Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East toward Koko Head. Before heading up the side of Koko Head, turn right on Nawiliwili Street. After .3 miles turn left onto Poipu Drive. Bear right. After .6 miles turn right onto Hanapepe Loop. Bear Left. After .25 miles turn right into the park area.

IntermediateShore entry
Magic Island Lagoon8

Magic Island Lagoon

3.7(18 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

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

BeginnerMax depth 30 ftShore entry
No photos yet
9

Spitting Cave

4.0(2 reviews)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

Spitting Cave is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Oahu which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 47.9 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
10

Point Panic

3.6(7 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

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

BeginnerMax depth 60 ftShore entry
Koke'e Park11

Koke'e Park

3.6(5 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Koke'e Park is a great public access to a magnificent shelf. This is sometimes used as an exit point from the next dive site, Koko Kai Park. Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East toward Koko Head. Before heading up the side of Koko Head, turn right on Nawiliwili Street. After .3 miles turn left onto Poipu Drive. Bear right. After .6 miles turn right onto Hanapepe Loop. Take your first right into the public access.

IntermediateShore entry
No photos yet
12

Corsair Wreck

3.0(2 reviews)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

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.

IntermediateMax depth 101.7 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
13

Kewalo Pipe

3.0(1 review)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

Eels, Hawksbill turtles and somethime Mantas.

BeginnerMax depth 40 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
14

YO-257

No reviews yetUSA, Hawaii, Oahu

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.

BeginnerMax depth 85.3 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
15

Baby Barge

No reviews yetUSA, Hawaii, Oahu

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

BeginnerMax depth 68.9 ft
No photos yet
16

Kaka'ako point

No reviews yetUSA, Hawaii, Oahu

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

BeginnerMax depth 23 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
17

Fantasy Reef

No reviews yetOahu, Hawaiian Islands

Big turtles can be found here. Fairly close to Baby Barge.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftShore or Boat entry
Numbers match the ranked list of Honolulu dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Recommended dive shops

Top dive shops in Honolulu

All 11
Trident Adventures LLC
5.0 (390) · Honolulu
Book
Reef Pirates Hawaii
4.9 (303) · Honolulu
Book
Sunshine Scuba
4.9 (99) · Honolulu
Book
Green Dolphin Dive Shop
4.9 (20) · Honolulu
Book

Honolulu diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Honolulu for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 17 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Honolulu?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Honolulu are Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout) (4.7 from 17 reviews), Hanauma Bay (4.6 from 43 reviews) and Turtle Canyon Reef (5.0 from 2 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Honolulu?

The top-rated beginner sites are Hanauma Bay (4.6 from 43 reviews), Turtle Canyon Reef (5.0 from 2 reviews) and Magic Island Lagoon (3.7 from 18 reviews).

Where can I shore dive in Honolulu?

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout), Hanauma Bay, Turtle Canyon Reef and Kahala Barge are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

What is the best advanced dive in Honolulu?

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout) (4.7 from 17 reviews).

Are there dive shops in Honolulu?

Zentacle lists 11 dive shops in Honolulu. The top-rated are Trident Adventures LLC (5.0 from 390 reviews) and Reef Pirates Hawaii (4.9 from 303 reviews).