Oahu’s underwater world is a kaleidoscope of colors with rich coral reefs alive with a diverse array of interesting fish and other marine life. Here is a description of some of Oahu’s very best diving sites where you can see Oahu’s abundant sea creatures.
Hanauma Bay
Located not far from Waikiki and is one of Oahu’s most popular snorkeling and scuba diving spots. While the snorkelers tend to stay within the bay, experienced divers venture through “the slot” that takes them through the passage in the reef and to the turbulent cove known as Witch’s Brew and the thriving outer reef area.
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China Wall
A thirty-five to fifty-foot wall that is pleasant for diving with numerous undersea ledges and caves. In addition to eagle rays, eels, sea turtles and various fish, white-tipped reef sharks are often seen at China Wall. The site is part of Koko Head near Maunalua Bay. China Wall is also called Spitting Caves due to the smashing waves above the surface.
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The Corsair
A World War II era airplane is one of Oahu’s deepest dive sites with regular visitors. A field of garden eels is one of this east side dive site’s unique features.
The Mahi
A 185-foot coral-encrusted wreck that once was a minesweeper ship and is now a popular Oahu dive site. Located just to the south of Waianae, the wreck of the Mahi features lots of fish and other sea life including green sea turtles, eels, eagle rays, manta rays, and white-tipped sharks. The excellent visibility at the Mahi wreck often exceeds 90 feet. The main deck of the ship sits at about 65 feet deep.
Makaha Caverns
Features ledges, archways, and interconnected lava tubes on Oahu’s west shore. The site provides exciting swim-throughs in relatively shallow waters with plenty of light. Amongst all of the interesting marine life are a multitude of green sea turtles that feed and rest in the area.
Shark’s Cove
A great north shore dive site located between Pupukea and Haleiwa off the Kamehameha Hwy. The site is a large pool rimmed with lava with naturally cascading waterfalls over the rocks and plenty of fish to see.
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On the right side of the cove are some caverns and sea caves that make for fun exploring and swim-throughs. Shark’s Cove is one of Oahu’s best dive sites, particularly during the summer months.
Three Tables
located about one-half mile from Shark’s Cove and is named after three rocks near the shore. Spanish dancers are often seen here amongst all of the other marine life. One of the main attractions at this dive site is an interesting swim-through.
The Trench
A dive spot located near Haleiwa and reaches depths of about 65 feet. A wall dive, the Trench features some interesting rock formations including lobster caves.
Kahuna Canyon
Located near Mokuleia about five miles west of Haleiwa Harbor and is known to be one of Oahu’s finest dive spots during the summer months. The site features steep walls that rise up from the seafloor creating a miniature Grand Canyon feeling. The Kahuna Canyon dive starts at about 90 feet and tops out around 35 feet. Within the walls are lobsters, crabs, parrotfish, unicorn tangs, giant trevally and, after winter storms, lots of shells such as augers and cowries.
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Haleiwa Wall and Turtle Cleaning Station
Just outside of Haleiwa Harbor is a one of the most exciting plunges into deep water diving. From the shallow reef area the dive quickly descends to about 90 feet. The wall has lots of caves and caverns to explore with plenty of marine life Nearby is a the Turtle Cleaning Station where fish often feed on the algae on the shells of sea turtles. The dive finishes in a channel over the reef where eels, cuttlefish, and scorpionfish are often seen.