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



Located just towards shore between the islands lies a Japanese Zero

Waimanalo Beach

Rabbit Island

This is the beach where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr got hot and heavy, making out in a wicked beach break in the movie "From Here to Eternity". (I think I would've found the waves a little distracting. Seriously, they're getting their backsides handed to them big time and I doubt they enjoyed filming that scene at all.) It's also called Cockroach Cove by more recent generations, not sure why.
It's a very nice dive site. Use caution for the current and waves which can be treacherous. Only go when it's very docile. Rocks may be slippery as well.
After swimming out shallow cove, turn a little north and find the big crack that leads into the actual blow hole. If there's any waves at all, stay away from blow hole. Seriously, people have died in there (usually by getting sucked in from above, though) and you don't want to get stuck inside. Just use your head. If wave action is okay, it's pretty cool dropping down into this itty-bitty canyon.
Pretty good chance to see green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, octopus and maybe a white-tip shark.

At first glance, Halona Blow Hole appears to be an easy, protected site for both snorkelers and divers.  However, a list of SCUBA fatalities since 1971 shows that more fatalities by far occur at Halona Blow Hole than any other dive site in the state.   First off, the sea cliffs that make this stretch of shoreline so great for diving also precludes any easy exit sites.  This, coupled with the strong current, slippery rocks, waves on the ledges, and lack of lifeguards makes this coast one of the most hazardous on the island.  Be especially careful on this stretch of coast!  The nearest facilities are at Sandy Beach to the North, so take plenty of water.

Halona Blow Hole, on the South Eastern shore,  can be found at a large touristy turn out between Hanauma  Bay and Sandy Beach Park.

Halona Blow Hole

Lana'i Lookout is not for the faint of heart.  It is for 'extreme divers' only.   Fortunately, not too many novices find their way to this extremely challenging spot.  You will make your entry by giant stride to the left of the lookout, and exit to a small rocky patch to the right.   Again, an experienced guide is a must!   Ask your local dive shop to talk you out of it, and if they can't, ask them to guide you through it.  The sights are well worth it.  For further discussion on diving this coast, see the Halona Blow Hole description.

Lana'i Lookout, on the South Eastern shore,  is at the only parking lot South of the Halona Blow Hole and North of Hanauma Bay.

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout)

What is there that hasn't already been said about Hanauma Bay?  Divers' paradise, excellent diving, friendly marine life, etc.  Unfortunately, the
overcrowding of this popular site has caused major environmental impact and has necessitated the implementation of many conservation measures.  As crowded as this place is, it now has only one-third the attendance it used to have before restrictions were passed in 1990.  Parking, and access to the beach is controlled, and volunteer docents try to educate the visitors so additional damage is avoided.  One of our greatest concerns is the trampling of the reef.  Although numerous signs are posted, it still constantly occurs.  Although there's not too much live coral inside of the reef, other living organisms inhabit the zone, and it is basic diver etiquette to avoid touching any reef.

Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East to Koko Head.  At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay

Koke'e Park is a great public access to a magnificent shelf.  This is sometimes used as an exit point from the next dive site, Koko Kai Park.

Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East toward Koko Head.  Before heading up the side of Koko Head, turn right on Nawiliwili Street.  After .3 miles turn left onto Poipu Drive.  Bear right.  After .6 miles turn right onto Hanapepe Loop.  Take your first right into the public access.

Koke'e Park

Spitting Cave  is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in USA, Hawaii, Oahu which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

Spitting Cave 

Koko Kai Park is mostly used as an entry for the previous site, Koke'e  Park.  It has a natural ledge that you may step on -- to do your giant stride on the next incoming swell.  Exit is not easy at this site, which is why most will wait until the incoming tide, and then drift/swim to Koke'e  Park beach.  We recommend a guide to assist you with the first dive at this site.

Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East toward Koko Head.  Before heading up the side of Koko Head, turn right on Nawiliwili Street.  After .3 miles turn left onto Poipu Drive.  Bear right.  After .6 miles turn right onto Hanapepe Loop.  Bear Left.  After .25 miles turn right into the park area.

Koko Kai Park

Not a remarkable wreck but the reef surrounding it is great; plus a cave at 26m deep.



Baby Barge

The WWII Corsair fighter is an airplane wreck that sunk in 1946 during training (reason: out of fuel!). The pilot escaped and is still alive.

A large ships anchor on the bottom holds a sub-surface buoy that lies just below the surface providing a tie in point as well as a descent line.

An interesting wreck due of large schools of fish, and a field of garden eels.  

Huge Moray eel living amongst a school of Big Eyes within the wreck. The Moray tends to spend time in the cockpit or left side of the plane. octopus can be found hiding in the wings of the plane. 

South-East coast of Oahu; off Maunalua bay.

Corsair Wreck

Big turtles can be found here.

Fairly close to Baby Barge.

Fantasy Reef

 This dive site features the wreck of a barge that was sunk for use as an artificial reef in roughly 90 feet of water, 250 yards off the Kahala Hilton. The wreck, a 200 foot Matson Barge, lies upright and intact with a pilothouse one can penetrate, this makes for amazing photos. Visibility is great due to the currents cleaning the water, but one should take care not to get swept up in them. Overall, one should have some underwater experience before attempting this dive.

Rabbit Island

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Rabbit Island

Recommended dive shops