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 ‘Gathering Place’ is the most developed and populous island of Hawai’i. Aside from world-renowned landmarks such as Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor, Oahu offers magnificent beaches affording a multitude of snorkeling and diving opportunities.

You can also find <a href="https://loveoahu.org/activities-things-to-do/snorkeling/">a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Oahu</a> or <a href="https://tridentadventures.com">Scuba diving adventures in Oahu</a>

Oahu

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

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.

Mole Heaven