Diving in Hawaii best island and what dive company

Question

I’m looking to go to Hawaii to do some diving. Heard things are minimal there is this true?

Which island is best and what is being seen?

Answer

Hawaii offers some of the most stunning dive sites in the world, with clear waters, rich marine life, and unique underwater landscapes. However, the idea that diving is "minimal" is a bit of a misunderstanding. While it’s true that Hawaii’s coral reefs aren’t as extensive or densely packed as some other tropical locations, there’s still a wide variety of marine life and fascinating dive sites to explore. The islands each offer something different in terms of diving experiences, so the best island for you depends on the type of diving you're interested in.

Here's a breakdown of the best islands for diving and what you can expect to see:

Big Island (Island of Hawaii): The Big Island is known for its diverse dive sites, including lava tube tunnels, black sand beaches, and dramatic underwater landscapes. Some of the top dive sites here include:

Pelagic diving: The Big Island offers the opportunity to dive with larger marine life, including manta rays (night dives at places like Garden Eel Cove) and sharks.
Wall diving: Areas like Kailua-Kona offer incredible wall dives where you can see vibrant reef life, moray eels, and schools of fish.
Lava tubes: Dive into unique lava tubes and caves around Kona, where the topography creates interesting and adventurous dive sites.
Night dives: Manta ray night dives are famous here, especially around Kona, where divers can see manta rays feeding in the light of the dive’s spotlights.

Maui: Maui has some of the most famous dive sites in Hawaii, particularly around Molokini Crater and Lanai. You can expect to see:

Molokini Crater: One of the most famous dive sites in Hawaii, it’s a crescent-shaped volcanic caldera that offers great visibility and abundant marine life. Expect to see colorful coral, tropical fish, and possibly even white-tip reef sharks.
Lanai: The island of Lanai, particularly around the Cathedrals dive site, is well known for its underwater volcanic formations and the chance to encounter larger species, like rays and sharks.
Reef fish: Maui offers clear water and healthy reefs with abundant fish life, including butterflyfish, triggerfish, and moray eels.

Kauai: Kauai is less developed for diving than the Big Island or Maui, but still offers excellent diving around the Na Pali Coast and off the southern shore. Expect to see:

Na Pali Coast: This is a more remote and rugged area, offering beautiful underwater landscapes and dramatic cliffs. It's less crowded, making for a more peaceful diving experience.
Garden Isle reefs: Kauai has lovely coral reefs with a range of marine life, though it’s less frequented by divers than Maui or the Big Island.

Oahu: Oahu is generally more popular for its beaches and cultural attractions, but it also has some good diving, especially around Waikiki and off the North Shore. Expect to see:

Shark diving: The North Shore is known for its cage diving with sharks, an exhilarating experience for those looking to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Wreck dives: There are a few wreck dives, such as the YO-257 wreck off the coast of Honolulu, which is home to schools of fish, sea turtles, and moray eels.

Best Dive Companies: Hawaii has a number of top-rated dive companies that cater to all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced:

Big Island:
- Kona Diving Company: Offers great trips, including the popular manta ray night dive.
- Jack's Diving Locker: One of the oldest dive companies in Kona, known for its expertise and well-organized dives.
Maui:
- Extended Horizons: A highly rated dive company known for its Molokini Crater dives and Lanai trips.
- Maui Dive Shop: Another great option for Molokini Crater and shore dives around Maui.
Kauai:
- Kauai Dive Company: Offers small-group dives, focusing on eco-friendly practices and providing an excellent personal experience.
Oahu:
- Island Divers Hawaii: A well-known company offering everything from wreck diving to shark cage diving.
- Hawaiian Diving Adventures: Another popular option for those wanting to explore Oahu’s wrecks and reefs.

Conclusion: The best island for diving depends on the experience you’re seeking. If you want to dive with manta rays and enjoy some of the most exciting underwater topography, the Big Island is a great choice. If you’re interested in beautiful reefs and clear water with a chance for larger marine encounters, Maui and Molokini are top contenders. Kauai and Oahu offer quieter experiences with opportunities for exploring more unique dive sites, including shark diving and wreck dives. Either way, you’ll find plenty to explore with a variety of dive companies offering professional services and guided tours.