Best snorkeling, SCUBA and freediving spots on Oahu’s West Coast

First off… How to Respect Hawaii’s Marine Life  –  we hold a deep respect for these habitats, please recognize that you are on sovereign indigenous lands and encountering species that are sacred to Hawaiians and others today.

FIND NEW ADVENTURES…

Sure, you can vacation in Hawaii for the spectacular beaches, but stop there and you’ll miss the fascinating world beyond the sand. Hawaii ‘s waters are home to an extraordinary array of marine life, from the vibrant fish to the graceful and mysterious spotted eagle rays – the playful spinner dolphins to the mighty humpback whale. Being underwater in Hawaii is like visiting a national park, but more. In the park you may see birds, bears or other wildlife, but snorkeling or diving (or even boating!) on the coral reefs, the diversity and magnitude of marine wildlife encountered is many times that of its terrestrial counterparts.

Many of Oahu’s premier dive or snorkel sites are located off the Waianae coast, where light winds, minimal rainfall, and limited development keep the water calm and clear.

Snorkel alongside our marine biologist crew (nothing beats a guided tour with gear fitting and instruction), and then head out yourself to see what you can discover!

The following coral reefs, great for snorkeling, and free diving on the Leeward Coast of Oahu, Hawaii, put tourist-heavy areas like Hanauma Bay to shame for the serenity and natural beauty of healthy reef ecosystems. Here’s some of the sites we visit:

Pukano Point (South end of Keawa’ula “Yokohama” Beach)

Excellent coast line to explore, shallow with beautiful lava and rock formations to swim and peer into. Many small nursery type fish and mature adults in this protected habitat. Nice Pics and Descriptions of Yok’s.

Makua Beach

This is one of those dives that must be explored like a one would do when moving into a new neighborhood. The depth can be from 15 – 50ft. and houses a ledge abundant in fish and invertebrates. The protected Spinner dolphins can be in this area (stay 50 yards away), and lots of white goat fish, moorish idol schools, giant parrot fish, large yellow tang schools, and the famous Hawaiian checker cowries.

The area is also marked with many small caves and overhangs, all great hiding spots for eels, turtles, lobsters, crabs, and small reef fishes. During the winter months and when surf conditions permit, you might hear the sound of Humpback Whales communicating in the distance. The sound at times becomes so clear you get the feeling that the whales are right next to you.

One more fact worthy of noting; the water temperature here is usually 2-3 degrees warmer than anywhere else on the island, with the exception of the outfall @ Electric Beach. Water visibility is normally greater than 80+ feet

At Kea’au Corners

From a boat (shore entry is quite difficult) about 50 yards right of and ~200 yards straight out from the shower area at Kee’au beach park, you’ll find you find a lava tube that goes straight down and is surrounded by tons of reef fish (about 35-40 feet deep) It will turn into a very heart stimulating deep overhang/cavern that regularly houses Jacks, Bigeye soldierfish, and peacock grouper amongst other creatures. The cavern will reopen at a depth of about 50-65ft. Swim to the left and after you have reached the second big archway (which reminds me of a miniature version of Palau’s famous Blue Hole), you’ll get back to the lava tube.

Or, near the drop-off there is a large Canyon that leads back into the reef.  If you find the big arch, go out to the tip of the right wall and head right (when looking out to sea) and explore each canyon you get to. They just get cooler and cooler, although the initial dark/huge archway is pretty amazing, too.

Makaha Beach Park

Oahu’s second most popular dive site overall. This superb SNUBA or snorkel area supports water with a wonderful aqua blue tint. Underwater formations resemble caverns, arches and tunnels at depths of 20 to 40 feet. Visibility is normally excellent, with little current. Sealife includes large schools of ta’ape, octopus, several species of eels, resident (tame) white tip reef sharks, tons of green sea turtles, transiting dolphins, and occasional manta and eagle rays. You can even visit a unique turtle feeding ground and with its own natural underwater Turtle Cleaning Station – Hale O Honu or “Turtle Town”. Abundant photographic opportunities exist at this (and all) our sites.

Electric Beach at Kahe Point

Everyone’s favorite dive spot. The key feature is the power plant outflow which discharges in about 30 feet of water. The rocks around the twin pipes form an artificial reef spurred by the thermal outfall which is at optimal temperature for coral growth. The coral supports a wonderfully abundant and diverse chain of wildlife.

Tech reef is located closer to the Ko Olina Resort area.

Getting there aboard our power catamaran through pristine waters, gives you time to relax, enjoy the view, and learn little known facts about Hawaii. Lead by a marine biologist team with an active interest in this diverse area in their “backyard” – and with an intimate 6 passenger limit, this journey is so much more than a “taxi service” shuttling you between sites. Snorkeling is included in our morning wildlife charters.

Parking areas for Oahu’s shore diving locations with links to online descriptions of the dive sites. Navigate with Google Maps or download the KML file for your GPS.