Comfortable water temperatures, extremely high visibility and gorgeous marine life found only in the waters surrounding Hawaii have carved out a niche in scuba diving that you will not find replicated anywhere else. Year round the water temperature varies from 74-80°F, the lower end being in the winter. Depending on water conditions and your location, visibility can be more than 100 feet, compared to areas like San Diego, where 30 feet of visibility is considered amazing diving conditions. Beautiful tropical fish are in abundance here, along with turtles, octopus, coral reefs and so much more. Depending on the company, and where you go, you might even see some sharks! Oahu has also been the location of many ship wrecks. These wrecks essentially create artificial reefs with their own ecosystem and marine life, and offer a window to another world. In addition to ships, you can also tour sunken airplanes. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite scuba diving spots on Oahu.
Mahi Shipwreck
This is one of the most popular dives on Oahu. The Mahi was sunk in 1982 as part of an artificial reef program, which has been very successful. You can find groups of 15-20 spotted eagle rays, along with huge schools of pufferfish and other tropical marine life. The bridge of the boat was destroyed a few years ago in a hurricane, so it is recommended to stay outside of the ship. This wreck is located on the west side of Oahu.
Turtle Canyon
Located in Maunalua Bay, this is the spot on Oahu to see turtles. In Hawaii, the green sea turtle, called Honu in Hawaiian, is considered a symbol of good luck and longevity. The Honu have become used to scuba divers and will allow you to get close enough to take pictures, making Turtle Canyon a premier scuba spot. This activity is easily considered a beginner dive spot and should definitely be on your list!
Kahuna Canyon
This is one of the best dives on the North Shore. It is located a few miles west of Haleiwa Harbor and has been called Hawaii’s Grand Canyon. You can expect to see parrotfish, amberjacks, unicorn surgeonfish and so many other tropical sea dwellers. The beauty of this spot is the sheer awe you feel the first time you see it, so I don’t want to go too deep into description. This is considered a beginner dive spot but has plenty in store for divers of all skill level.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is considered a beginner dive, but offers plenty of aquatic life to keep even the most experienced divers interested. In 1967, to protect the natural splendor of the bay, it was declared a marine life conservation area. It is easy to guess, just by looking at the shape, that Hanauma Bay used to be a volcanic crater, and it is believed to have been flooded due to wave erosion. If you don’t like crowded beaches you will definitely want to get here before 10 AM.
Staying at any of the Moana Blu vacation rentals? You’re in luck! We have teamed up with some of the best providers of rental equipment and fun activities on Oahu. Each company provides a one-of-a-kind experience specifically for the Moana Blu Collection. Save time and book your activities through Moana Blu.
