Depth: 70 feet
Bottom Time: 30 Minutes based on dive plan
Visibility: 100 feet
Level: Intermediate
Sea Life: Shells, Dolphins, Lobster, Whales (*December - May)
At the east end of the Dillingham Airfield, 15 minutes from Haleiwa Harbor, a finger of the Waialua Wall extends seawards. A large wash rock rests on that plateau in 20 feet, approximately a half-mile offshore. Devil's Rock rises four to five feet above the surface marking the position for diving in varied topography. The inshore rock is a sheer drop to a sand bottom at 70 feet. The frequent turtle sightings are indicative of all the sites along the North Shore area. A couple of vertical cracks, five to ten feet wide, on each side of the wall, hide lobster - but are good for shelling, including tiger cowries. Excellent snorkeling is available around the washrock, which is nicely encrusted with healthy corals. The seaward side drops to over 90 feet, and is an active area for dolphins during the summer months, and whale sightings during the spring.
Water Temperature:
70/75 F, 21/24 C from November to April
75/80 F, 24/27 C from May to October

Dive Site: Waialua Wall

Waialua Wall (20/70ft, 6/25m) Drop off on the entrance of harbor, big variety of eels.

West of Haleiwa Trench is a three mile long ledge called Waialua Wall. The drop ranges from 10 to 80 feet. Corals cover the wall. At deeper levels there are cracks and caves which cut into it. At the bottom of the drop are boulders. Reef fish, turtles, lobster, eels and shells in holes are found along the wal.l.

Dive Site: Mokupaoa

Mokupaoa sticks up about five feet out of the water about a half mile off the east end of Dillingham Airfield. The shoreward side drops to sand at 70 feet and the seaward side is on a 20 foot deep plateau before dropping to 90 feet. The rock is covered with coral and is home to reef fish, lobster and cowries with frequent visits by turtles.

Dive Site: Police Beach

Police Beach (40/50ft, 12/15m) turtles, textile cones, shrimp, tropicals
Dive Site: Police Beach
Depth: 15-85 feet
Bottom Time: 20-45 Minutes
Visibility: 50 feet
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Sea Life: turtles, textile cones, shrimp, and a wide variety of tropical fish
Further north on Kamehameha Highway is a site that is best done from a boat. A series of lava fingers, worn smooth by the heavy wave action, but with beautiful rock outcroppings, run seaward from Police Beach. Small fish and shrimp hang out in the sand bottom channels that separate the fingers. Though the depth does range from 15 to 85 feet, the best diving is in 40 to 70 feet. During the daytime, two small caves house the largest turtles at the site, and at night, textile cones forage the bottom in search of food.

Dive Site: Kahuna Canyon

Kahuna Canyon (35/100ft, 10/33m) Parrotfish, Unicorn Surgeonfish, Ulua, Amberjacks

Kahuna Canyon is five miles west of Haleiwa Boat Harbor. A large bowl formation with a base at 100 feet and a top near 35 feet with a 200 yard long underwater canyon. As with all North Shore sites, heavy surf from October through April can make diving impossible.

Dive Site: Blowhole

Blow Hole (20/60ft, 6/20m) green sea turtles, goatfish, Spanish dancers, and a large assortment of Butterflyfish, whales (during the winter months)

The waves at blowhole sends fountains of spray skyward like the spouting of a whale, hence the name. The surge makes the dive dangerous in anything but flat calm conditions. The shore entry / exit point is the beach used in "From Here To Eternity." You can also access the area by boat.
The dive is along a ledge which drops to 35 feet. Rocks are covered in coral with good quantities of reef fish in the area. Holes in the ledge hide eels and lobster.
Be extra careful of the current, it can be too strong to swim against and could move you along the coast or out to sea. Start against the current and abort the dive if it is strong.

Dive Site: Lanai Lookout

Lanai Lookout (40ft, 13m) Whitetip Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Octopus, Turtles

On a clear day you can see the island of Lanai from Lanai Lookout but we're here to dive. The dive is midway along the wall that runs from Blowhole to Hanauma Bay.
Like Blowhole, conditions can make this dive too rough. The entry can be reached by a long hike, a giant stride from a ledge about five feet above to 30 to 40 feet of water. The exit is a quarter mile toward Hanauma Bay. It can also be done as a boat drift dive.
The ledge drops to 90 feet or more in spots. Just past the entry is a large underwater cave that cuts deep into the cliff.

Dive Site: Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay (20/100 ft, 13/33m) See a wide variety of reefs, huge schools of reef fish.

Hanauma Bay is a flooded volcano crater and it's beach is visited by thousands of tourists each day. It is a very popular diving and snorkeling site. The bay has been declared a conservation district, all of the marine life in the bay is fully protected.
Fish feeding has been banned within the bay.
The crater is now open to the sea, the beautiful white sand beach is protected by a reef just off shore. The bay is normally protected from waves and swell. Depths reach 70 feet in the outer areas with walls and reefs to explore. At the exit of the bay the walls continue but current in the area can sweep you along the wall or out to sea.

Dive Site: Dominiques Wall

Dominique's Wall (35/95ft, 12/30m) Mahi-mahi, Ahi, octopus, whitetip reef sharks

Dive Site: Dominiques Wall
Depth: 35-95 feet
Bottom Time: 30 Minutes
Visibility: 80 feet
Level: Advanced
Sea Life: Large resident eels, Spotted Eagle Rays, Octopus, Green Sea Turtles, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Ulua (Jack Fish)
Located along the outside of Hanauma Bay, is Dominique's Wall, and this is preferably preformed as a drift dive. As a rule, the current runs west, so entries should always be done from a boat - no anchor. The moving waters slowly carry divers along the wall, starting at 95 feet then gradually ascending to 35 feet at the Portlock area. This dive is a great sightseeing dive with ledges that house lobster, large game fish as well as the rarely seen mahi-mahi (dorado). This is recommended for experienced divers due to the strong currents.

Dive Site: Portlock Wall

(The Wall)Portlock Wall runs from the end of Hanauma Bay toward Maunalua Bay. The current normally runs to the West and the area is normally a boat drift dive. However, there are places to enter and exit along the cliffs, but this is not recommended without an experienced guide. The wall runs down to 90 to 100 feet near Hanauma Bay, rising to 30 to 40 feet by Portlock. There are ledges that house eels and lobster and plentiful fish all around. Large caves cut into the wall in spots.

Dive Site: Sea Cave

Sea Cave (60 ft, 20 m) Large cavern, occasional sharks, octopus.

Dive Site: Sea Cave
Depth: 50-60 feet
Bottom Time: 30 - 40 minutes
Visibility: 40-80 feet
Level: Intermediate
Sea Life: Whitetip reef sharks, Eagle rays, reef fish
The Sea Cave is an exciting cave dive located between Portlock Wall and Paliea Point. The mouth of the cave is located in 55 feet of water and the cave extends inward approximately 150 feet. You can expect to see white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles as well as many different types of shells and reef fish. After exploring the large cave divers drift along the wall with the current.

Dive Site: Turtle Canyon

Turtle Canyon/Koko Craters (40 ft, 13 m) See reef, lots of turtles.

Turtle Canyon and Koko Crater are two shallow dive sites off Hawaii Kai. Eels, octopus, reef fish and numerous turtles frequent the area. Depth is only 30 to 40 feet and the area is usually protected from heavy swells, so it is usually diveable even when other areas may be rough. These dives are excellent for new or rusty divers. This dive is sometimes a second dive site on our daily boat dives going to the south shore.

Corsair Plane (100 ft, 33 m) Airplane wreck, large schools of fish.

The pilot of this Corsair ran out of fuel on a training mission in 1946 and ditched his plane off Hawaii Kai. He got out but the plane settled on the sand bottom at about 105 feet. It is the only wreck in Hawaii visited by divers that was not sunk intentionally. Reef fish swarm around and in the fuselage. A large octopus has been spotted in the cave formed by the root of the port wing, most of which is buried in sand. There is often a strong current in the area. Access to Corsair is by boat in the late fall to early spring when South shore sites are likely to be calmer than North or West shores. Boats moor to a buoy fastened to the hub of the propeller and the line aids descent. Visibility of 100 to 200 feet is common. The depth makes this an advanced dive. Check out Aaron's Advanced Open Water and Deep Diver Specialty courses. Or call Aaron's to schedule a charter dive at the corsair.

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Dive Site: Six Fingers

Six FingersSix Fingers is a shallow site near Hawaii Kai. It is named for the six fingers of the reef that rise from the bottom. Reef fish, eels and octopus are found in depths from 30 to 50 feet.

Dive Site: Fantasy Reef

Fantasy Reef (40/60ft, 13/20m) Lava formations, barracuda, eels, crabs

Depth: 40ft-60ft
Visibility: 60ft-80ft
Level: Intermediate
Sea Life: Lava Formations, Moray eels, crabs, crustaceans
Several lava ridges are undercut to form ledges and archways that are inhabited by a variety of crabs and other crustaceans. This is also a good site to encounter larger life including barracudas, large turtles and several big moray eels.

Dive Site: Kahala Barge

Kahala Barge (60/80 ft, 20/27 m) Wreck, eels and occasional dolphins.

The Kahala Barge is a retired 200 foot Matson barge sunk in 90 feet of water about a mile seaward of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental hotel. It rests upright, intact and has a pilothouse that may be entered. Large turtles, manta and eagle rays and even sharks may be spotted along with many smaller fish. Two other barges, in poorer condition are at 70 and 50 feet. There can be strong current in the area which may create a hazard around jagged edges on the barge.

Dive Site: YO-257

YO 257 (80/105 ft, 27/35 m) Shipwreck, eels, turtles and huge schools of reef fish.

The YO-257 was a Navy yard oiler built in the 1940's. It was bought by Atlantis Submarines Hawaii and sunk as an artificial reef off Waikiki in 1989. The ship rests upright in 100 feet of water with the main deck about 85 feet. It has been prepared for diving with many large access holes cut through the structure. It is the home of many colorful fish. Moray eels may be found around the wreck. Wave to the Atlantis submarine as it passes by on its tour.

Dive Site: Sea Tiger

Sea Tiger (80/125ft, 24/37m) Shipwreck, Reef fish, eels, Occasional Reef Shark

Dive Site: Sea Tiger
Depth: 80-120 Feet
Bottom Time: 15-20 Minutes depending on depth
Visibility: 50 - 100 feet
Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Sea Life: Shipwreck, Reef fish, eels, Occasional Reef SharkThis 168-foot vessel was sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef. Marine life and growth is still in the early stages. This wreck offers penetration through its cargo holds, passageways and stairwells surrounding the outer portion of the ship. Exploration of the inner cabins and passageways is restricted by means of welded barriers. The Sea Tiger is visited daily by Atlantis Submarines. For added safety, it is highly recommended that divers stay clear of the submarine and pay particular attention when transiting between the surface and the wreck. Although this wreck is relatively new, it has already attracted numerous species of fish including, squirrelfish and filefish, along with visits from morays and occasional reef sharks.

Dive Site: 100ft Hole

100 Foot Hole (95ft/ 32m) See crustaceans and occasional white tip shark.

Dive Site: 100ft hole
Depth: 70-90 Feet
Bottom Time: 20-30 Minutes
Visibility: 100 feet
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Sea Life: Crabs, Nocturnal Fish, Lobster, Octopus, Moray Eels, Turtles, Manta Rays, White Tip Reef Sharks, Tuna, Amberjacks
Located near Diamond Head, 100 Foot Hole is an ancient Hawaiian Fishing Ground that was accessible only to the Ali'i. Although this hole is only 70-90 feet deep, it got its name from fishermen, who, after being asked how deep it was, answered, "it's about a hundred feet" and the name has stuck. The site is constructed from a cluster of volcanic rocks tumbled together to form ledges, caves and one large open-ended cavern. One formation, encrusted with cauliflower coral, houses the main tunnel. Within that tube there is an obstructing rock that can easily be traversed. Boats tie off to a naturally formed lava anchorage in 75 feet, just south of the focal boat of the dive. Bring a light to view the bountiful marine life inside the cave.

Dive Site: Rainbow Reef

Rainbow Reef (30/40 ft, 10/13 m) See Reef, turtles and butterfly fish.

Dive Site: Rainbow Reef and Magic Island
Depth: 30ft
Visibility: 20 - 60ft
Level: Beginner
Sea Life: Spotted Puffer fish, morays, Moorish idols, turtles, colorful invertebrates
Both of these dive spots are located near Ala Moana Beach Park, which offers easy and convenient shore entry. There is an abundance of marine life and due to the lack of currents this is a perfect spot for beginners. The fish here have been hand feed for years so prepare to be approached by all sorts of colorful tropicals. Expect to see porcupine fish, spotted puffer fish, morays, Moorish idols, triggerfish, and fantail filefish. You might also see the odd manta ray and turtle or two. * Due to possible boat traffic this site is not recommended for snorkelers.

Dive Site: Kewalo Pipe

Kewalo Pipe (30/60ft, 10/20m) Reef, eels.

Depth: 40ft
Visibility: 40 - 70ft
Level: Beginner
Sea Life: Angelfish, Wrasses, Lizardfish, Coral, Scorpion fish
This artificial reef is named after an underwater steel pipeline that is now broken up into pieces. There are several finger reefs to be found here interspersed with sand patches. Keep an eye out for the variety of juvenile wrasses to be found on this dive. This is a great spot to find octopus, leaf

Dive Site: Pearl Harbor Wall

Pearl Harbor Wall (30/50 ft, 10/17 m) reef dive, turtles and puffer fish.

Dive Site: Pearl Harbor Wall
Depth: 5 - 30 ftVisibility: 40 - 60ft
: Beginner - Intermediate
Sea Life: reef dive, turtles, tropicals, Whitetip reef sharks and puffer fish
This site can be a shore or boat dive, the later being the most popular. The wall is covered with coral, crustaceans and juvenile reef fish are plentiful. Lookout for the odd Whitetip reef shark and watch the sandy bottom for hidden critters.

Dive Site: Ewa Pinnacles

Ewa Pinnacles (50/80ft, 17/27m) see tall coral formations, yellow-margin eels.

Dive Site: Ewa Pinnacles
Depth: 50-80 Feet
Bottom Time: 20-25 Minutes
Visibility: 50 - 100 feet
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Sea Life: coral formations, yellow-margin eels, turtles, reef fish
This reef dive on the Oahu's south shore boasts beautiful lava formations and incredible overhangs. The max depth is about 80 feet. The dive depth varies and bottom time is usually about 25 minutes. There is an abundance of fish and a 6-foot turtle sometimes makes an appearance, lots of eels, often rays show up and the occasional white tip reef shark. Visibility here is often 100 feet of more.Waikiki Canyon Shore

Dive Site: Waikiki Canyon (Waikiki Turtles)

Waikiki Canyon is the normal second dive for boats visiting the YO-257. Lava ridges run seaward in 30 to 40 feet of water, rising to about 15 feet on top of the ridges. Hard coral crusts the lava with a sand bottom between the lava reef formations. There is rarely current but you may feel surge if the surf is up on the South coast. This is a good site to see turtles. You may spot them swimming or sleeping under a ledge or overhanging rock. Morey eels may be found hiding in the cracks. Reef fish abound and octopus may be uncovered if you can spot their hiding places. Check our Dive Schedule for the days we dive Waikiki Turtles

Koko Craters -- These ledges of these volcanic craters are home to several species of tropical fish, eels, and octopus. There is also almost always a photographic opportunity with the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle . 40 feet.

Anglers' Reef -- Here you will find a long ledge between 2 to 4 feet high. Many fish congregate along the ledge and Spotted Eagle Rays frequent this sight. 45 feet

Sea Cave -- This is a double layer cave. As you approach you see a large cave above the water. 40 feet below lies a connecting cave. Here you can see many different nudibranchs and possibly a resident white-tip reef shark. After exiting the cave you will drift along a beautiful wall. In one direction there are many rare beautiful fish. In the other direction you will see large coral gardens. Weather conditional.

Mini Barge -- This small barge was sunk in the right spot for a dive. Just below the barge is a cave. LARGE Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles can be seen resting at the mouth of the cave. If conditions are right you may get a chance to visit a large undercut where a few white-tip reef sharks are known to sleep . 65-85 feet

Palea Point -- Due to ocean conditions this sight is a rarity (winter season only). When you can dive here you can see schooling surgeonfish, lush coral gardens, and an eyeful of fish. This is considered one of the best dive sites on the island of Oahu. Average 60 feet . (This sight is just outside Hanauma Bay)

The Corsair -- In 1946 this WW2 fighter plane run out fuel on a training mission and was ditched into the ocean. The only regularly visited wreck on Oahu that was not intentionally sunk, this plane sits in 107 feet of water and is home to the majestic Hawaiian Garden Eels.

Spitting Cave -- This drift along a wall is one of our favorites. Here you can see a very large diversity of marine life! From the red cup coral and frogfish, to the turtles, this dive is a winner. Average dive depth 50 feet.

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West shore of Oahu, Hawaii

Dive Site: The Mahi, Oahu, Hawaii.
Depth: 94 feet (Majority of dive spent 70-85 ft)
Bottom Time: 20 Minutes
Visibility: 50-100 feet with light to heavy surge
Level: IntermediateSealife: Spotted Eagle Rays, White tip Reef Sharks ("George" and "Martha"), Large Yellow Head Moray ("Howser"), Snowflake Coral, Red and Yellow encrusting sponge, Hydroids Spiny Puffer fish, schools of milletseed butterfly fish, Trumpetfish, Humpback and Whale sharks (in season)
The Mahi is Oahu's most popular dive site and originally sunk in 1982 as an artificial reef project, it is located 1/2 mile offshore and a 15-minute boat ride from Waianae Boat Harbor. It is believed that the Mahi was originally built as a minesweeper, but the Navy instead used the 800-ton ship in the Bahamas for laying cable. The Dillingham Corporation purchased the vessel in March 1968, and leased it to the University of Hawaii as a research vessel. Although originally sunk facing shoreward, it now lies upright on a sand bottom, facing seaward. In 1982, Hurricane Iwa repositioned the ship 180 degrees to its present bearing. Conditions vary from 50 to 100 feet of visibility, with light to seasonally heavy surge. There are moorings on the bow, amidships, and stern to protect it from anchor damage. It is immediately apparent how successful it has been in attracting marine life. Schools of 20 spiny puffer fish have been spotted in mid water, facing into the current beside the ship's mast. At 60 feet, the wheelhouse provides a great photographic set-up, with a large porthole ringed with snowflake coral, red and yellow encrusting sponge, and hydroids. On the Main Deck, the most insistent of the resident fish are the large school of milletseed Butterflyfish, and ta'ape waiting for handouts. If you don't feed them, they swarm you until either you relent, or another diver enters the scene. (Photo Tip: To keep them out of the setup, take a small mesh bag with fish food and tie it off on the main deck, then do your shoot somewhere else) A couple of Whitetips, named "George" and "Martha" are sometimes spotted here, as well as up to four eagle rays. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might encounter a whale shark here. Check out the log to see if one has been spotted recently!Water Temperature: 70/75 F, 21/24 C from November to April 75/80 F, 24/27 C from May to October

Dive Site: Black Rock, Oahu, Hawaii.
Depth: 40-90 feet
Bottom Time: 20 Minutes
Visibility: 40-80 feet
Level: Beginner - AdvanceSea Life: Large resident eels, squirrel fish, snapper, octopus, tubastra (cop) coral
Black Rock is a wall dive 40-90 feet deep with a large cavernous room approximately 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. The mooring buoy at this site takes the diver down to 55ft and the top of the rock extension. One side of the room is completely eroded allowing easy multiple entry and exit points. The free drop over the adjacent wall to 90' takes you to a huge underwater cavern open on three sides. Very often white-tip reef sharks and/or turtles will be resting under this large overhang. Beautiful hard coral polyps live on the ceiling as well as the occasionally spiny lobster or Kona crab. Be careful not to kick up sand in the cave so the visibility stays good. Traveling towards shore from the cave to the dive proceeds along the bottom of the wall until the turnaround air limits are reached, at which point divers return along the other side of the "Black Rock". Water Temperature: 70/75 F, 21/24 C from November to April

Dive Site: Makaha Caverns, Oahu, Hawaii.
Depth: 45 feet (Majority of dive spent 35 ft)
Bottom Time: 45 Minutes
Visibility: 50-100 feet with light to reasonable heavy surge
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Sea Life: Large school of ta'ape cluster near main entrance, octopus, several species of eels, White Tip Reef Sharks, five resident Green Sea Turtles, transiting dolphins, occasional manta rays
This is Oahu's second most popular dive site and is a superb shallow water dive located 100 yards of Kepuhi Point. The V-Shaped verging of two open-ended lava tubes forms Makaha Caverns. The topography is very flat, giving the spacious room a more geometric, man-made look. Outside the cavern, the site spreads over a large area. Working seaward, the coral thins out - but the pockets are home to octopus, and several species of eels.
The site also has five resident turtles and this adds to the already abundant photographic opportunities. These are, in turn, accentuated by transiting dolphins and an occasional manta ray. This dive site is a great spot for a night dive and the look of this site changes dramatically with artificial light.Water Temperature: 70/75 F, 21/24 C from November to April 75/80 F, 24/27 C from May to October

Stars--- At this incredible site you will swim through the remains of a large old lava tube that has taken on the look of lacework as you look up. Absolutely stunning. Depth: 50 feet

Airplane Canyon---Here you will find the remains of an old twin engine airplane in a semi-circular depression. Large numbers of fish can be found here. A white-tip reef shark is also known to spend some time here! Depth: 90 feet.

 

OAHU BOAT DIVING