Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Oahu

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.

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.

Three Tables is great as long as you use some caution. It is a small but beautiful sandy beach with access to the best coral on the north shore. Like every spot on the north shore, this is best snorkeled in the summertime when the water is calm. Three Tables beach offers good scenery for the diver: outcropping of lava, a wall, and lava tubes.Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Waimea area, just South of Shark's Cove.

Very easy shore dive, local PADI instructors take students here for their open water cert dives. Lots of turtles, fishes... also neat swim-throughs in the reef. Nothing too nasty, maybe the occasional reef shark, though I've never seen one here. A great O'ahu dive. But it's crowded on the summer weekends... though Three Tables (another dive site) is right next door, so there's plenty of space in the water, even if parking is bad. Shark's Cove at Kalalua Point is another must-dive site for Oahu. The entry is easy, and it's just a short kick to get outside the reef. Kids and snorkelers will find the cove perfect for their activities. Rocky coastal area & tidal pools teeming with small fish for snorkeling, plus showers & restrooms. Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Waimea area. Why is it called Shark's Cove? Because the outline of the reef from above looks like a shark. Shark's Cove is also known as Pupukea

This site is half the distance from Turtle Street and is inshore. The reef peaks at 10 feet below the surface and, because of seismic activity during its formation, has a valley below it that drops to a depth of 100 feet. The wall is on a vertical drop and it has a partner another 100 yards inshore. The main focus of the site is along a 200 yard section of the seaward side of the wall and its top has a wide variety of fish, corals, overhangs and arches. Small pukas are found through the side of the wall leading to Turtle Street. The characteristic valley is called the Haleiwa Trench. Another attraction is a substantial coral mound, 20 yards off the wall, which seems to be a remnant of the original structure. The pinnacle of this mound is 100 feet wide and stops 35 feet below the surface. About a dozen turtles sit on the mound and are at ease with visiting divers.

Police Beach is a remote beach on Oahu's North Shore, even though it lies between other popular surfing beaches. It is not remote in terms of distance, but rather in terms of accessibility. The beach encompasses a large stretch of shoreline, all the way from Papa'iloa Beach to Pua'ena Point. To get to Police Beach, one either has to walk along the shoreline from Papa'iloa Beach or Pua'ena Point Beach Park because the backshore of Police Beach is private property. Episodes of the popular TV series LOST were filmed on Police Beach. The beach is sandy, but many areas on the water's edge are covered by a lava rock shelf. The ocean bottom offshore is rocky too, so swimming isn't possible here (also because of strong rip currents, especially when the surf is up). Several surf spots are located offshore. Also, local fishermen come here for shoreline fishing.

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."

Makaha Beach Park offers shore access to a site regularly visited by dive boats: Makaha Caverns. Be prepared to kick out about 150 yards, but the sights are worth it! Facilities are located across the road. On the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

Pukano Point is just south of Yokohama Bay. There is excellent coast line to explore here for the intermediate diver. At the Northern most end of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

Makua Beach offers an easy beach access to an interesting shoreline. There are no facilities at many sites on this stretch, so take plenty of water with you. At the North end of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

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.

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.

Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park is just to the West of the harbor. It is an alternate entry site for Hale'iwa shore dive. Enter at the right of the trench (looking makai) and swim to trench and descend to avoid stepping on the coral. Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Hale'iwa area.

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.

This is a great dive site, much more to see under than above ;-) Summer months bring snorkeling tours out to site. Be careful of boats and bring a dive flag! Watch for turtles catch the updraft from the pipe. They look like they are really flying. DO NOT GO IN THE EXIT SURGE FROM THE PIPE YOURSELF! Its like a washing machine. There are a couple rather small swim thrus to the east of the pipe, but watch for fish line that has snagged on the coral and been left to pollute the water. Excellent Night Dive or Daytime. Lite wet suit or rash guards need along with booties for shore entry and exit. WARNING: Watch out for the water coming out of the electric pipes. It can be strong! WARNING: Watch out for all the homeless. Leave all valueables at home. Dong Jacob or Aunty Momi w/ a valuemeal to watch your car. Take booties w/ all the thornbushes over the entry point. SW corner of the Farrington Highway on the W Shore. The entrance of the dive site is across the road from the large electric plant (between the shelter and the cooling water outlet of the electric plant). Electric Beach is also known as Kahe Point Beach Park.

See my review below. -- Stephen Porter From h-1 west travel to H-2 north, On H-2 north to Mililani/Wahiawa take exit 8 (right) to Wahiawa/Kamehameha highway (approx 12 miles to Pupukea Beach park/Fire House)

Comments for Pictures below:
pic#1 At this light turn left
pic#2 Across the street from food land
pic#3 Pupukea park (before the fire house (station)
pic#4 Park here, Try to arrive early. On the far end of the parking lot there are bathrooms, but no shower. There is a spigot to rinse gear. The closest showers are at Shark's Cove.

Kea'au Beach is for advanced divers only because of the difficult entry along the lava ledge. This dive should only be attempted in the calmest seas. Consult your local dive shop to get the current conditions. On the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

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.

Ko'Olina is a series of four protected coves that are really only suited for snorkeling. The currents are too strong just outside the breakers. The sites include well-groomed parks with all the facilities -- a great place to take the family! On the South West corner of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore. Turn off on the exit for Ko'Olina Resort.

Turtle Bay is a nice family beach area with all the facilities. The diving is excellent beyond the barrier reef, but snorkelers can find fish and an occasional turtle in the shallows. Remember not to approach a resting turtle any closer than 20 feet. Off Kamehameha Highway. Northern most bay on Oahu in the Kawela area. Also known as Kulima Cove, Laniakea Beach, Turtle Beach

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

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

Fifteen minutes from Haleiwa Harbor at the east end of Dillingham Airfield is a finger of the Wailalua Wall which stretches seaward. On that plateau, about half a mile offshore, rests a large wash rock. The position for diving in varied topography is marked by Devil's Rock which rises four to five feet above the surface. The inshore rock drops suddenly to a sandy bottom and a depth of 70 feet. There are frequent turtle sightings at this spot. One can find shells (such as tiger cowries) in the few 5 to 10 vertical cracks, although these hide the resident lobsters. The washrock provides an excellent snorkeling spot and is also coated in healthy corals. On the seaward side the drop falls to 90 feet and is a good spot for dolphins in the summer and whales in the spring.

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.

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.

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.

This site locally called Three Tables, because of the three flat rock formations just offshore are lava fingers which protrude into the ocean. The left side provides a great view of white tip reef sharks, but is a surface swim to reach the cave where they stay. On the right is a popular site with a huge cave/swim through locally known as Cathedrals. A seasonal long shore current may be present during the high winter surf period (Oct-May) and diving is not recommended with occasional exceptions on calm days. Entry and exits are easy to make, occasionally some dive shops will conduct OW classes at this site. The best diving is when the swells are 0-3 foot. This is an excellent site or interesting topography with several caves and swim throughs making for a fun dive for all levels of certification. The area is also a marine preserve so there is no fishing or hunting on the reef. Turtles can also be seen throughout the area, occasionally rays, and various inshore fish species. Dive flags are required, but not well enforced. Some dive/fishing boats also share the water. Waimea bay. Shore diving the entire reef is possible if you don't mind a surface swim of about 50-100m (300ft). Parking is free but limited so an early arrival is recommended. Three Tables is also known as Kalahopele Gulch.

Located a half-mile off the west end of Kaiaka Bay is a coral reef at depths of 25-30 feet. This site has a variety of overhangs and arches. On top of the shelf there is a large crack that is 60 yards wide by 100 yards long, where a school of 15 to 20 porcupine fish reside. At its center, several formations rise into the arches, tubes and caves. The residents of the formation and the topographical aberration give this site its name, Turtle Street. Six very tame turtles provide an excellent opportunity to photograph these gentle creatures, and the site is nestled with lots of pukas and is good grounds for lobster.

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

Located just towards shore between the islands lies a Japanese Zero

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

Makaha Caverns are usually accessed by boat, but you can swim by the beach (about 150 yards). Shore diving is a serious surface swim, if there are surfers present then I would advise against the dive. Following the reef line from the shore there will be a mooring buoy and just in on the reef from there is a large cleaning station which can hold up to 6 turtles. The caverns are at the end of the reef as mentioned about 150 yards out. There is also a mooring buoy from there shoot back toward shore and you should run across the caverns. The caverns are spacious and you can see without a light, though a light is clearly recommended on any dive. Dive flags are mandatory, people have been fined for not using one and the lifeguards will often stop you before you enter. Do not leave any valuables in your car, animosity towards military and tourists runs high in the area as does vehicle break ins. Makaha Caverns can be accessed by the Farrington Highway on the W Shore. Parking off the main road, close to the lifeguard stand. Makaha Caverns is also known as Makaha Beach Park.

This is a shore dive from Haleiwa Beach Park and is best accessed by swimming out from Jameson's Restaurant to the green (#3) buoy on the starboard side of the channel. There is a surface layer of poor visibility (2-3 feet) that clears to about 60 feet deeper down. The site is a labyrinth of channels, with walls that run from 25 feet, to within 3 feet of the surface. They are 12 to 15 feet across, and separated by a silt bottom, with the offshore end tapering to a width of one diver. This site is best dived when working in towards the shore. The matrix of pukas is filled with tiny lobster and a number of tiger cowries. Though inaccessible during the day, everything comes out at night for good photography, making this an excellent night dive site. As such, this is an advanced dive site that should be led by a guide.

Nai'a is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Big Island which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Slowly sloping coral reef to 50 feet of depth, sea turtles and tropical fish. Moderate shore break. Beach entry, park off road off coast route. Pray for Sex Beach is also known as Yokohama Bay.

Eels, Hawksbill turtles and somethime Mantas.

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.

Site placement is not accurate. Any local help? Seaplane Wreck is also known as Airplane Canyons, Airplane Ledge.

You guys are missing a very good dive site from your repertoire of Oahu sites. May I suggest Kaena Point on the extreme West side of the island? There is a real entry point that is easy and on a calm day can make this site a beginner to intermediate site, but on rough days or days that have a strong current an advanced site. At the end of Farrington Hwy. there is a small cove in the Kaena Point Beach Park that makes an easy entry point. Navigation in the site is super easy since you follow a trough that loops around making it a ledge dive that lasts about 60min at a slow pace and ends where you began with 500psi. and Max. depth will be around 36ft. with average depth being about 20-30ft. I can almost guarantee a white tipped reef shark to be sleeping under one of the ledges at around 34ft every time you dive this site. I took my dive club here last weekend and we had a blast. Make sure to put this one on your sites list.

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

Haleiwa Trench has two sections. The first reef goes out from ankle deep to 30' then drops off to about 60'. Heading to the right side of the reef following the wall gets to about 90'. There is a turtle cleaning station on the top of the reef in 30' of water just past the entry, its a good idea to come back on the top of the reef so you can see it toward the end of your dive. To the left is shallower heading toward the beach. This is a wall so there are plenty of nooks to look into. Turtles also are very abundant. The second reef which is straight out is pretty much the same just a longer swim but the top is about 30' and a little more interesting. This is not the place to see anything other than turtles, sea life is sparse but navigation is easy even though the visibility is limited by silting from the nearby river and marina. Boat traffic does occasionally pass, and small water craft tend to play over the reef. Bringing a dive flag is mandatory and recommended even though it is rarely enforced. The site is also a generally ok place to night dive, but the parking lot closes at 10pm. The neighbouring town of Haleiwa is a great place to go for a deco stop with a variety of restaurants and shops to visit, they close early and are naturally full of tourists. Easily accessible from the parking lot next to the restrooms and community centre, past the left side of the building. Enter on the reef until it drops off.