With 132 islands, numerous reefs, shipwrecks and beaches, Hawaii offers a variety of scuba trips for the novice and experienced diver. Consider a night dive to observe manta rays, a swim-with-the-dolphins dive, a shipwreck exploration dive or deep sea dive. Dive companies offer dives from both shore and boat, and the use of equipment is typically included in the price. No certification is needed for introductory dives, but advanced dives do require it.
San Pedro Shipwreck
This Oahu dive, located off of Waikiki, offers an opportunity to explore the San Pedro shipwreck. This ship was intentionally sunk in 1996 to provide an exploration site for divers. Best suited to intermediate and advanced divers, it is possible to explore the interior of the San Pedro. At 60 to 80 feet deep, the San Pedro attracts numerous turtles, eels, colorful fish and white tip reef sharks. It is possible to check out another nearby shipwreck -- the 1940's YO-257 -- on this dive. You might even spot the Atlantis submarine underwater as it makes its rounds.
First Cathedral
Get ready to be wowed by this dive into a 100 foot lava tube off of the south side of Lanai. At approximately two stories in height, this underground site is called the Cathedral due to the stained-glass window effect which occurs when the sun hits the chamber walls. At 60 to 70 feet in depth, this dives provides visibility of about 100 feet. Divers with a skill level of beginner to intermediate can observe crabs, spinner dolphins, lobsters, white tip reef sharks and shell life. This dive requires a boat for access.
Molokai Fish Bowl
Located off of the east side of Molokai, the Fish Bowl is a site for intermediate to advanced divers. At a depth of 40 to 60 feet, divers have a chance to interact with octopus, reef fish in a variety of colors, eagle rays and reef sharks. Huge coral-covered boulders are visible over the edge toward Maui and hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted in the Fish Bowl as well.
Mauna Lani Caves/Haunted Cavern
This dive site, north of Kona, is reached by boat off the the coast of Hawaii. With a depth of 50 to 75 feet, this is a dive for novice through advanced divers. A variety of large and small caves are situated on a shelf and clear waters allow visibility of 50 to 100 feet. Night dives are available at this site to allow divers to observe the manta rays who come to feed on the abundant plankton.
Hidden Pinnacle
Advanced divers are the only ones who should attempt this dive off of the north shore of Maui. This 120 foot deep dive can only be reached by boat. True to its name, a hidden pinnacle is revealed when the conditions are right which is the only time diving is possible at this location. Attempt it only with an experienced guide. This coral and sponge covered pinnacle is worth the time and effort to maneuver the strong currents at the pinnacle. Schools of pyramid butterfly fish are a breathtaking site for those up for this adventure.
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