Hawaii, or The Big Island, is both the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands. With Mount Kilauea’s constant eruptions, the island continues to grow each day. With plenty of fun pastimes to enjoy while you’re not diving, the Orchid Isle is one of the most perfect places to dive in the world. While there are plenty of simple, scenic reefs to explore, and while all of these are special in their own way, Hawaii is also home to some truly incredible sites that are out of reach for all but the most adventurous diver. Whether you want to watch the island continue to grow from a vantage point beneath the waves, or if you’re looking for something just a little bit less exciting than that, you’ll find it here. Let’s take a look at three of Hawaii’s best dives ever.
Haunted Caves
Also known as Mauna Lani Caves, the Haunted Caves are located a short distance north of Kona. The caves are located all along the extensive reef system, at depths between 15 and 30 feet. Though you can access them from shore, as they’re only about 200 yards out, they can be hard to access as the nearby beach is very popular and parking can be tough. The best way to enjoy a fun dive here is to take a charter, as you can also benefit from the aid of an expert guide.
While some of the caves are barely large enough for a single diver to enter, others are massive rooms which are large enough for several divers to explore at once. They are beautifully decorated with coral and sponge growth, and are home to a wide array of marine life, including lots of resident green sea turtles. You’ll also find unicornfish, surgeon fish, and a colorful parade of all sorts of other reef fish. Watch for moray eels, rays, and sharks, too! Visibility is usually between 50 and 100 feet, and maximum depth at the bottom of the reef is 50 feet. There are more caves than can be explored on a single dive here, so plan to go more than once!
Lava Flow
You’ll be dropped off just offshore of Kilauea’s active lava flow, and once below the surface, you’ll witness the formation of volcanic rock. In a spectacular display of the earth’s power, massive swathes of molten lava make their way into the sea, releasing boiling gases that make their way to the surface.
As the lava cools, it stretches and forms the same shapes that you may have seen on Hawaii’s reefs. The water around you absorbs the heat of the burning minerals. This is a truly mesmerizing experience; but you’ll need to be very careful to keep your distance from the flow, and understand that diving an active lava flow is very dangerous. There are not many companies that provide tours, so if you want to experience this once in a lifetime thrill, you will need to plan well in advance. Excellent buoyancy control is a must!
Chimney
The Chimney dive site features a massive lava tube that certainly must have featured a massive explosion when it was formed! This vertical tube is long, dark, and a little scary. The entrance is at 21 meters, and as you make your way toward the light far above you, be sure to pause for a photo if you can. On the outside, watch for sharks and rays, and an entire circus of reef fish and invertebrates, as well. Visibility here is usually 50 feet or better, and the site is off limits to anyone who is not certified to dive in overhead environments.
Whether you’re able to enjoy all these adventure dives on the Big Island, or take advantage of just one of them, you’re certain to come away with a great story. Tours book quickly, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance!