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 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

Point Panic