This shallow reef in Maunalua Bay attracts as many as
10 friendly green sea turtles a day along with octopuses and eels, butterflyfish,
Moorish idols and other tropicals.
Twin Caves: 45-100 feet - Advanced
The site is named for two vertical lava tubes that accompany
a dramatic drop-off covered with colorful nudibranchs. Be mindful of depth
and strong current.
Makaha Caves: 20-40 feet - Novice to intermediate
Lava caves, volcanic ledges, overhangs and grottoes make
an interesting playground for marine life and divers. Squirrelfish, triggerfish,
hawkfish and a variety of reef critters skitter about. The green turtles
here welcome up-close and personal encounters with divers.
Ke'eau Corner: 30-75 feet - Novice to intermediate
Dive along the reef in about 30 feet of water or explore
the intriguing lava formations on the wall that drops 70 feet to a sandy
bottom. A variety of tropicals, sea turtles, blue-striped snappers and
scrawled filefish liven the reef with bright colors.
Three Tables: 20-60 feet - Novice to intermediate
Named for three flat pieces of lava rock located about
20 yards from shore, the site offers shallow diving around the tables and
tubes, ledges and overhangs in about 60 feet. A healthy population of nudibranchs
and crustaceans make this an excellent spot for macrophotography.
Hanauma Bay: 10-100 feet - Novice to intermediate
Hanauma Bay is Oahu's most popular snorkeling site. Beginning
divers can explore the inner reef, while intermediate and advanced divers
venture to the outer reef and the points. The entire bay is a reserve so
the fish are plentiful and friendly.
Moku Manu: 15-70 feet - Intermediate to advanced
National bird sanctuary, Moku Manu is located off Oahu's
Kaneohe Bay. If you can tolerate a somewhat bumpy boat ride you'll see
butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish and big jacks patrolling the reef
(including orange cup corals). It's a little off the beaten track but well
worth the trip.
Ship Wreck
M/V Mahi: 60-90 feet - Intermediate to advanced
A Navy ship sunk in 1983. A number of holes cut in the
hull serve as exit points, making it safe to explore the wreck's interior.
VO-257: 100 feet - Intermediate to advanced
This 175-foot former U.S. Navy ship lies just off Waikiki
Beach.
Oahu Dive Sites
