Kauai: The beautiful “Garden Isle” is the oldest of Hawaii’s main islands. With fantastic tropical forests that have often been the site of film sets, like Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark, plus sandy beaches and outstanding resorts, this is a wonderful destination for everyone. Non-divers are missing out on something special, though; as the vistas below the blue water’s surface are even more spectacular than those above! Even better, a few of Kauai’s best dive sites can be accessed from shore. Let’s suit up and take a peek at the peaceful paradise that awaits below the waves.
Koloa Landing
A fantastic site for all divers, Koloa Landing offers a very easy entry and exit, as well as a maximum depth at just about 40 feet. You might think that there would not be much to see on an easy dive like this, but once you step off the beach, and make your way beyond the entry point, you will enjoy visibility that averages well over twenty feet, and only improves as you make your way around the horseshoe-shaped reef that awaits.
On the west side of the reef, you’ll find coral and lava formations, while the reef’s east side features more boulders and a lot less coral. Unless you’re diving with a group and need to follow the DM, just pick a direction, and start exploring!
Here, you’ll find yourself swimming with turtles, trumpet fish, humu-humu, butterfly fish and angel fish, parrotfish, and more. Search the rocky reef for moray eels, including the rare Dragon Moray, and keep an eye out for well-disguised octopus.
Tunnels
Experienced divers will enjoy their time below the shallow lava shelf and in the lava tubes at Tunnels, while newer divers will want to stick to a simple snorkel in the shallower areas. No worries – there are amazing sights to see, whether you stay shallow or head for deeper waters.
After negotiating the lava shelf and making your way over the edge, you’ll find yourself facing a maze of lava tubes. There are actually 28 interconnected tubes here, and during the day, it is quite common to encounter white tip reef sharks resting inside. There are also turtles, plenty of fish, and moray eels to see, plus a cleaning station visited by sharks, turtles, and larger fish.
Try to arrive by 8 a.m. to get a parking space, and go with a guide the first time you visit, as it is very easy to make a navigational error and get lost. Maximum depth is 50 feet.
Ahukini Landing
This site was used as a temporary harbor during the Second World War, and there is lots of unexploded ammunition on the bottom. Don’t touch it, and do not try to bring it up to the surface. It’s still live, and could go off. Besides the heaps of ammo, you’ll find beautiful brain coral formations here, as well as an amazing array of invertebrates and colorful reef fish.
This dive is best for those with some experience, as you’ll need to walk over some small rocks with your gear on, then swim out to the tip of the jetty, go around that tip, swim about 20 more yards, and you’ll be on top of the most active area. Watch for sea turtles, and look for moray eels in the rocks. Hammerheads have been sighted here on occasion, as have other sharks, dolphins, and plenty of larger pelagic fish like wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Visibility varies depending on environmental factors – sometimes it is low, and other times, you’ll be able to see for fifty feet or more. Maximum depth is 50 feet. There is no defined reef profile here, other than the jetty, so be sure to use a compass or keep the jetty in sight. It is very easy to get lost here, and if you leave the sheltered area, you could find yourself being sucked out to sea.
These are some fantastic sites, so be sure to take the time to explore them in between boat dives. Kauai is home to some excellent dive operators, many of which do offer guided tours of these sites, as well as others. So, brush up on your navigational and photography skills and hit the beach – you’re certain to enjoy your vacation more than those folks who choose to stay on shore!