Hawaii is a favorite destination for both seasoned divers and novice SCUBA students, thanks to its pristine water, warm temperatures, and many colorful environments with intriguing wildlife. Though divers in Hawaii are in constant hot debate about which island makes the best diving destination, everyone can agree that each island holds its own wondrous and unique sites which warrant extensive exploration.
The island of Oahu is surrounded by dive-friendly, clear blue waters. Popular dive sites include lava tubes in preserved coves, nature reserves, wrecks and artificial reefs, and diverse environments with greatly assorted wildlife. Each site mentioned here is accessible, unique, and full of beautiful surprises.
Diving or Snorkeling Electric Beach in Kapolei, Oahu
Easily accessible to all levels of SCUBA diver and snorkeler by either boat or shore, the appeal of this site comes from the large wildlife population. Clean, warm water discharged from the adjacent power plant attracts millions of fish, plenty of sea turtles, and even Hawaii's spinner dolphins. Divers should practice caution near the exhaust tubes as the water is ejected strongly, causing a powerful upward current. Park at Hawaiian Electric Beach Park in Kapolei if accessing the water via the beach.
Diving or Snorkeling Sharks Cove on the North Shore of Oahu
A favorite dive site for shore access, shallow and rocky-bottomed Sharks Cove is popular with divers, free divers, and snorkelers, beginner to advanced. It is best explored in the summer months as surf season can kick up some hefty waves. Despite its name, this cove is not generally frequented by sharks, though the occasional white tip, eagle rays, turtles, and many varieties of fish call this intricate area home. It is a nature reserve and illegal to fish, so the wildlife is abundant. The rocky habitat makes for great exploration. Intermediate-advanced divers will especially enjoy the rocky ridges, lava tubes, and caverns. Parking can be a bit tight as this is an extremely popular site; arrive early to avoid the parking lot frustration.
Diving or Snorkeling Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu
A beautiful and plentiful site loved by both snorkelers and SCUBA divers, Hanauma Bay is just a short distance from Waikiki Beach and provides easy shore access with an inviting beach park. Newcomers at Hanauma Bay are required to watch a short video about the delicate flora and fauna beneath the water's surface and then can freely explore the dynamic reef. The facility is family-friendly, rents snorkel supplies for a small fee, and is closed on Tuesdays.
SCUBA Diving the Sea Tiger Ship Wreck off the South Shore of Oahu
Grab a seat on a dive boat to explore this "recent" wreck. This 168-foot vessel was sunk as an artificial reef in the mid-1990s and has begun to boast coral growth and an assortment of exciting wildlife. Visibility is often over 100 feet though currents can be strong and the depth requires careful attention to gauges. As with any wreck, deteriorating metal and overheads can serve as threats, so use caution on this intermediate-advanced level dive.
SCUBA Diving the YO-257 and the San Pedro Wrecks off the South Shore of Oahu
Sunk in 1989, the YO-257 is a well-established artificial reef, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna and beautiful swim-throughs. This is a retired World War II vessel often toured by the Atlantic Submarine. Due to its age, divers should use extreme caution near the wreck itself, as many sharp angles threaten hoses and skin. Additionally, divers should keep an eye and ear open for the submarine itself.
Just about 100 feet from the YO-257 wreck lies the San Pedro, a sunken Korean fishing vessel which is home to several turtles and the occasional shark. Beware the strong currents while exploring both these advanced dives.
The Underwater World of Oahu, Hawaii
This list of underwater sites barely scratches the surface of the abundance and beauty Oahu has to offer. This area boasts something for everyone, on land or in the ocean. Whether seeking shore dives, snorkeling sites, wreck dives, deep dives, SCUBA certification classes, quality underwater equipment, or even a dive buddy, the best plan of action is to visit one of the many dive shops on the island. At every shop, visitors or locals can find friendly advice, top-notch equipment, boat charters, and the opportunity to meet new diving friends. Aloha!
Melissa Parks - Melissa M. Parks began her practice in writing with her first publication in the second grade, and now holds a BA in creative writing from ...
