The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

The second largest island, known as the ‘Magic Island’ because of its inspiring beauty, Maui is also host to vast beaches and seemingly endless underwater reefs and exotic sea-life. A diver’s paradise!

Here is a good curated list with <a href="https://www.lovebigisland.com/maui/snorkeling/">beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Maui.</a>

Check out this list for recommendations on the <a href="https://goingawesomeplaces.com/best-area-to-stay-in-maui/" target="_blank">best areas to stay in Maui</a>

Maui

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

Another fairly wide sandy beach, the Maui Banyan sits on the end of this beach. While they like to tout it as “one of the finest beaches on Maui”, that claim is a bit exaggerated. What they don’t share in the glossy literature is that after large Kona storms, the sand can temporarily be removed by the ocean leaving rounded lava rock (resembling river rocks, except black.) In fact, the old-time Hawai’ian name for this beach (you know, from the folks that weren’t trying to sell you a condo) is “Ili’iliholo”, which literally means “running pebbles.” (Salesman bashing aside, most days of the year this is still a pretty nice beach!)

Kamaole 2