Widely recognized as one of the world’s best destinations for scuba divers and snorkelers, Hawaii has something to offer for divers of all levels of interest and experience.

Scuba Diving in Hawaii

Although Hawaii is technically made up of 132 different islands, generally visitors see only eight main islands: Ni’ihau, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. Of these eight, the most popular (and populous) islands are Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting diving sites off the four main islands.

Kauai: Nicknamed the “Garden Island”, Kauai is rugged and pristine. During the winter months, fierce Pacific swells make the island inaccessible to divers, but during the the summer, scuba divers can find some excellent diving sites. The two best diving sites for beginners at Kauai are Tunnels Reef and Ke’e Lagoon, but there are also diving sites ideal for experienced divers looking for a challenge.

Oahu: Oahu’s scuba diving sites include sunken planes, shipwrecks, and lava formations. Although the majority of scuba diving sites off Oahu are better suited for intermediate and advanced divers, some sites, such as Rainbow Reef and Pearl Harbor Wall off Oahu’s south shore, are also great for new divers.

Maui: One of the best sites off of Maui is Molokini Crater, which is a State Marine Life Conservation District. The Conservation district offers divers a look at some of the Pacific’s most exotic fish and is suitable for both beginning divers and more advanced scuba divers.

Hawaii: Hawaii, the “Big Island”, has an innumerable amount of dive sites. The large size of the island protects the surrounding ocean from strong trade winds, giving the water high visibility down to nearly 100 feet. Scuba divers and snorkelers shouldn’t be surprised to see schools of bottlenose dolphins, whales, and whale sharks in their dives off the Big Island.

Snorkeling in Hawaii

For those who prefer to stick closer to the ocean’s surface, Hawaii also has plenty of great places for snorkeling. Snorkeling is safer and easier than scuba diving, making it a perfect activity for the whole family. Snorkeling is also significantly less expensive than scuba diving, which requires more advanced equipment.

Of the four main islands, there are loads of snorkeling sites that can be reached from the shore, and more adventurous snorkelers can take a boat or even a kayak further into the Pacific for a more interesting dive.

Start planning your oceanic adventure to Hawaii today – seeing the Pacific Ocean’s exotic marine life in an aquarium doesn’t even come close to seeing them up close and personal in their natural environment.

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)