Hawaii is comprised of eight major islands: O’ahu, Hawai’i (the Big Island), Maui, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. The Hawaiian islands are actually the tops of the largest mountain range in the world, having only recently emerged from the ocean after millions of years of volcanic accumulation.
Each of Hawaii’s eight main islands is surrounded by fantastic dive sites, which are listed below.
Fast Facts: Water Temperature:
from Nov. to April: 70/75 F, 21/24 C
from May to October: 75/80 F, 24/27 C
a 3 mm. full suit will be fine for most divers year-round.
Nowhere in the world will you find more beauty in diversity than the island of Hawaii, more commonly known as the “Big Island”. The island has desert lavascapes, tropical rain forests, beaches and snow-capped mountains. At the heart of the Big Island rise two volcanic peaks, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea rises 13,796 ft. above sea level, and is home to the world-famous astronomical observatory.
Excellent dive spots can be found on the leeward Kona and Kohala shores, ranging from beginner to advanced with depths of 10 to 140 feet.
Most dive spots are located on the Western Shore. There are great reefs off the western shore of the island
The Molokini Crater is located 2.5 miles from Maui’s south coast. The crater is the remnant of an extinct volcano, whose eroded mouth emerges as a large crescent-shaped atoll. Its natural enclosing shape acts as a protective barrier from waves and currents.
The world’s “pineapple island” has many dive sites along its south coast.
Oahu is surrounded by dozens of fantastic dive sites.
Kaho’olawe is completely uninhabited and is off-limits to visitors. For many years Kaho’olawe was used by the US Navy for target practice, and is now contaminated with dangerous, unexploded weapons materials. It is currently being cleaned up by the US Government. Diving near Kaho’olawe is not recommended.
Ni’ihau’s dry climate and lack of fresh water ensure that it doesn’t get too “touristy”. In fact, the population of the island is less then 300, consisting mostly of Hawaiian-speaking ranchers. The island does not support convenient shore diving points, yet it is surrounded by lovely dive spots accessible by boat from Kaua’i.
You will find many dive spots along the north and south shores of this island, featuring an underwater landscape of coral reefs, lava tubes, caves and basalt boulders
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