Things to do / Travel Guide
Oahu offers a large variety of diving sites and experiences for people of all skill levels. You can choose from either shore-access dives or boat dives. Unique to diving in Oahu is the opportunity to explore many ship and plane wrecks, some of them sunk purposely. There are good diving conditions all year round, except for on the North Shore during the winter months.
In addition to the wrecks, divers can see a tremendous variety of beautiful sea life, including giant sea turtles, eels, rays, dozens of species of colorful fish, and coral. At some diving spots, you can also catch a glimpse of underwater lava tubes and arches. Dozens of shops where you can rent equipment are located by the prime diving spots.
While there are plenty of dive sites on Oahu, the most popular ones are listed below along with brief descriptions.
Along the North Shore
- Three Tables - (Intermediate level) Accessible from the shore, octopuses, eels, parrotfish, and lava tubes can be seen here.
- Shark's Cove - (Beginner level) Accessible by boat, it is a very popular site by Sunset Beach. There aren't actually sharks here, but there are rays, turtles, parrotfish, and shellfish.
- Kahuna Canyon - (Intermediate level) Accessible by boat, the site features a spectacular underwater canyon and an abundance of sea life.
Along the Waianae Coast
- Makaha Caverns - (Beginner level) Accessible by shore or boat, this is a very popular site located by Kepuhi Point. Octopuses, eels, turtles, reef sharks, coral, and lava tubes that form the caverns can be seen here.
- Mahi Shipwreck - (Intermediate level) Accessible by boat, this is considered by many to be the most popular dive site in Oahu. It features a large ship that was purposely sunk in 1982 to create an artificial reef. A large variety of sea life frequents the area, taking advantage of the man-made “home.”
Along the South Shore (by Honolulu and Waikiki)
- YO-257 Shipwreck - (Intermediate level) Accessible by boat, this is another ship that was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. More recently, a second ship was also sunk nearby, increasing the appeal of the diving site. Large schools of fish as well as eels and turtles frequent the area.
Maunalua Bay Area
- Hanauma Bay - (Intermediate level) Accessible by shore, this is also a very popular (and thus very crowded) site for water activities. The bay was formed by the remains of a volcano cone that has become a protected environment for the over 100 species of fish and sea life that make their homes there.
- Corsair Airplane Wreck - (Advanced level) Accessible by boat, this deep-water diving site features the wreck of a Corsair WWII fighter plane, which was abandoned by the pilot as it ran out of fuel. The wreck is home to many undersea creatures like rays, turtles, reef sharks, and sponges.
There is also a local website available that can provide you with additional diving information.
Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu, Hawaii
Scuba-Diving
Sandy Beach - Oahu, Hawaii
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