Hawaii Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is one of the most popular attractions on the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii scuba diving is an experience like no other and one that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The crystalline waters of the area combined with the immense hospitality, combine to make Hawaii an ideal tourist and diving location.

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Where to Go?

In Hawaii, each one of the eight big islands has ideal scuba diving locations. Each one provides a different view of the surrounding waters and marine life and suit a different type of diver. While diving can take place from any shore of the islands, it is generally done from the leeward coast, as divers are able to have visibility there up to 100 feet out. There are an ample amount of dive shops on each island that offer Hawaii scuba diving rentals, lessons and gear.

How to Experience Hawaii Scuba Diving?

There are five main types of habitats underwater in Hawaii that makes this a treasure trove of sites for divers. Sand bottoms, lava tubes, drop offs, coral reefs, caves and basalt boulders each offer a unique view of the underwater world and provide an endless amount of exploration and entertainment for those who choose to dive here.

Because Hawaii is known to receive big waves and intense surf conditions, it can often be difficult to choose the right time to dive from the shore. Therefore, boat diving that can take you out past the turbulence to more tranquil conditions is the primary option for Hawaii scuba diving.

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Best Locations for Hawaii Scuba Diving

There are an endless amount of options when it comes to choosing a dive spot in Hawaii, but not all locations are created equal. If you have a limited amount of dive time and want more bang for your buck, then it may be a good idea to stick to some of the most popular dive spots.

On the Big Island, the leeward coast near the Kona side is the only location where diving is done. Kailua Pier, Place of Refuge and Red Hill are some of the local favorites, but there are many more available and few are ever truly crowded. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, you can enjoy these locations with depths that range from only 10 feet to nearly 130.

Maui and Lana’ i also offer some of the most sought after dive spots. Lana’ i itself has six major dive spots that are accessible only to those who wish to boat dive. Maui has most of their dive spots on the western shore, and Honolua Bay and Five Caves are two of their most popular locations. Oahu offers a good amount of shore diving, with Waimea Bay Maunalua Bay being its main hot spots. Hanauma Bay offers some of the best views in the area on Oahu as well and this island offers diving from beginner to advanced divers as well.

Hawaii scuba diving is one of the most popular activities to do when visiting the islands. With a wide range of location options and experiences available, there is something available to meet each divers needs.