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Three Tables
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Three Tables beach offers good scenery for the diver: outcropping of lava, a wall, and lava tubes.
Directions: Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Waimea area, just South of Shark's Cove.
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Diver
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05/16/2008 Scuba6018 (Avg: 3.61 Review) - Great site. At least 10 turtles at the cleaning station, and some large Eels. Dive this site with someone familiar with this site, as there can be very dangerous surf.
08/12/2007 Steve Porter (Avg: 3.75 Review) - This is a really great site to dive. The wife and I got married here underwater on July 15th 2004. When looking at the ocean try to head to the left of the reef, as it's deeper and safer. Use your compass since it's easy to get turned around near the "TABLES" on the far side of the turtle cleaning station. Maybe 100 ft away you can find the white tip cave
07/24/2007 Aaron Budhisetiawan (Avg: 3.58 Review) - We really enjoyed this dive. A great variety of fish, larger versions of the types we saw snorkeling and diving at other sites. Turtles too! There were interesting rock formations and dive throughs. There is something for every skill level at this site. The facilities at Sharks Cove are close enough to be very helpful. Many different sections to dive. Plan to swim against a strong current on your return to the beach.
09/03/2006 ScubaFella43 (Avg: 3.77 Review) - Have done this dive a couple of times now. Last time (September 1st, 2006) was the best so far. Headed out 260 magnetic from the beach and ended up at a very active turtle cleaning station (three turtles stopped in for a wash while I was there). The station was right on top of a very nice swim-through. I also noticed a very large yellow margin moray and a zebra moray plus the usual reef suspects.
09/22/2005 Terry in Hawaii (Avg: 2.77 Review) - Surface swam 50 yards beyond the table rocks. Dropped and went west. Very nice structure for finding shrimp, crags, eels, etc. Little current. Visibility was good. Experienced snorkelers could follow from above.
10/13/2004 Becky (Avg: 3.79 Review) - I see all kinds of different critters on every dive, and, since I dive for critters, this is a great site for me. Very shallow for most of the dive, then to about 50' max if shore diving.
09/29/2004 Chad Gordon (Avg: 3.85 Review) - This site is great for student training all the way up to advanced. Between Shark's Cove, Firehouse, and Three Tables, I have done these dives about 150 times. I never tire of them, always new stuff to see. I have done three tables and shark's cove with doubles for 2 1/2 hr dives and have hit 70 ft where it all turns to sand. There are some real nice swim throughs and lots of life. Heading towards shore is 90 or "east", make sure to always swim against the current. Sometimes can be very tricky.
09/06/2004 Hoju (Avg: 3.58 Review) - Just to the right of Three Table is the Firehouse, with swim-throughs. It is a better dive than the tables. Shallow dive throughout, with no more than 40 feet depths. Several turtles and plenty of fish, along with the some very interesting topography make this an enjoyable, easy dive. You can enter from the rocky lagoon on the right of the Firehouse, and go 250 from the point to find the Cathedrals formation. Good summer dive with good facilities.
08/08/2004 Seth Bareiss (Avg: 3.32 Review) - Bring 1 tank for Shark's Cove (east from & adjacent to 3 tables), & 1 tank for this site. Shark's Cove is a superior dive. The entry here is far easier, with far fewer rocks & a shorter, sandier walk. Wear booties-- sand is HOT. If you're good on air, dive along the right wall (not in any of these photos) which arcs around to enter Shark's Cove. It's 30'/10m deep, and chock full of interesting holes, cowries, nudebranchs, and unicorn fish. The center of 3 tables only roused a little interest. It was rather average for Hawaii. Haven't tried the left wall-- I'll try it next time I'm there. These dive sites are a 1-minute's drive from a youth hostel, gas station, and grocery store, but a loooong way from the nearest dive shop. This site, like almost all spots on Oahu's North Shore, will probably be undivable from October to May.
08/01/2004 Bottom Feeder (Avg: 2.78 Review) - Arrived at 8:00 am on a Friday morning. Nobody but us at the site. Gear up at the car and take a careful walk down to the water. No beach here so entry is tricky at low tide due to numerous exposed rocks. Plant life is just about gone but rock formations and fish are plenty. Vis was about 25 ft. First shore dive since moving here. Beats the heck out of the Gulf of Mexico.
07/06/2004 Phil (Avg: 3.00 Review) - Great diving . Be prepared for deep current. Lots of fish.
07/28/2002 Bill Stohler (Avg: 3.19 Review) - Three tables is heavily dove in the summertime. There is an extensive reef and rock system that fronts the 'tables' or wash rocks. If you head out and left (towards Waimea Bay), you may find and underwater ridge that is a turtle cleaning station. Great dive when it's calm in the summertime, but get there early to get parking!
05/31/2002 Divin Dave (Avg: 3.17 Review) - Flat in the spring and summer, don't go during late fall or winter. Snorkel out beyond the tables before you submerge then let the light current assist you along. Visibility is very dependant on the weather, don't expect a great view until at least a week after a heavy rain. This is a two tank dive if you go out far enough, otherwise you can do it all in one tank with air to spare. Bring your lobster bag (when in season)! This is also a great night dive spot as well. Don't leave your vehicle unattended after dark though… With facilities farther down the street it keeps the crowds down during the week. On the weekends get there early morning or late afternoon if you want to park. Overall I give this site a thumbs up.
12/10/2001 Neil Lake (Avg: 4.17 Review) - My first Hawaiian dive which was amazing for a Canadian cold water diver. I did two dives here and was utterly thrilled with the u/w topography, and sea life. I highly recommend this dive to visitors.
07/26/2001 Luke VanValkenburg (Avg: 3.11 Review) - Diving inside the table is very shallow. You must dive beyond the tables. Very easy sandy shore dive. Always go through the table on the far left. No facilities. The nearest is sharks cove. easy night dive.
07/05/2001 Robert Lower (Avg: 3.60 Review) - Good night diving during the summer. Lots of lobster and interesting caves to peer into. Nice sandy beach makes entering and exiting easy. Best to dive after 9:30p.m. and on the left hand side.
05/08/2001 Brian Wolf (Avg: 3.18 Review) - Use caution due to large waves during winter months. Fun dive, small lava tube system in the center of the cove and straight out to the dropoff to 35 ft. Max depth here is about 50 ft. Fun dive especially at night. Always enter and exit to left of tables.
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Site Photos
Maps
(what is GPS?) |
Photo
(click photo for a larger version) |
Comments |
| Parking
Map
Sat
GPS: OA0301
N21°38.7492'
W158°03.7914'
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Pull off the main road and park by the stone wall.
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| Overview
Map
Sat
GPS: OA0302
N21°38.7586'
W158°03.8279'
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An overview from the right shows the table outcroppings.
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| Aerial
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(click photo for details)
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The wall and lava tubes are clearly visible. Make your way out from the left side of the beach.
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Last Verification: September, 2000
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