Hawaii needs no introduction because it’s known to the world due to its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, unique volcanic landscapes, and lush rainforests. This state is all a tropical adventurer is craving and then some, with plenty of fun and free adventures.The sun is the friendliest in Hawaii as it lets tourists enjoy the sand and the surf. Beyond the shore lies more adventures for sailors, paddlers, and anglers. However, what takes the cake when exploring Aloha State is by conquering its underwater world. Neptune invites travelers to check out wrecks, appreciate reefs, and meet new gilled friends. Hawaii is a gift to the world, already unwrapped and waiting for curious tourists, and features some of the world's best scuba diving destinations.
10 Garden Eel Cove
Garden Eel Cove is best explored when the moon starts to rule over the Pacific seascape of Hawaii. Though named after eels, the diving site is popular for manta rays.
The sloping reef will take divers to a depth of 35 feet until they see the rays seemingly waiting for them.
In this part of Neptune’s world, it’s natural to have these underwater flyers as photobombers.
On the other hand, for those diving just after the sun says goodbye, the eels will serve as their welcoming committee, while those journeying during the daytime are guaranteed to see spinner dolphins. The cove just keeps on giving.
9 Carthaginian II Wreck
The town of Lahaina has a former museum that still welcomes visitors, but they need to dive to get to it. Carthaginian II is the name of the said attraction, a replica of a whaler that was purposely sunk to serve as an artificial reef.
It’s one of Hawaii’s most visited diving spots, as it can be explored even by beginners. Tourists will enjoy passing through some parts of this wreck and taking a peek at its engine room, meeting schools of fish along the way.
8 South Shore Of Molokai
Thirty miles of pristine reefs? The island of Molokai offers just that and then some. Its southern shore is unspoiled and has Hawaii's “longest continuous fringing reef,” an exciting treat for lovers of the deep, blue ocean.
One famous activity in the area is drift diving Fish Rain, a place where the panoramic coral system “rains down” fish, hence its name. From Galápagos sharks to parrotfish, this dive site is a kaleidoscope world of marine wonders.
If tourists can’t get enough of Molokai’s magic, they might as well visit its other 39 diving spots.
7 Corsair Wreck
Not all wrecks are ships because, in Honolulu, a plane rests 113 feet under the waves of the Pacific. The Corsair airplane is one of the state's popular diving sites because it's just near a marina in Oahu.
It has been in the area since 1948 when its engine failed, and the pilot managed to have a smooth water landing. Its crash was not dramatic but seeing it up close is majestic.
Garden eels are now headquartered in the plane, and it's guaranteed to see them alongside other gilled friends.
6 Angler's Fish Reef
Angler’s Fish Reef is another popular diving destination, thanks to its location near a marina in Oahu. With a depth of up to 45 feet, this linear ledge is home to many marine species as eager as tourists who want to meet them.
The dive starts steep until explorers reach the imposing rock formations. Divers should not fret, however, as the currents are gentle. Those exploring the oceanside of the ledge will encounter a massive plain while the shoreside has a sand flat.
Beginners and experts will enjoy the simple beauty of Angler's Fish Reef.
5 YO-257 Wreck
Described by Hawaii Magazine as one of the best in Oahu, the USS YO-257 was purposely sunk in 1989 to serve as an artificial reef and tourist spot for a company’s submarine tours.
Built during the 1940s, this yard oiler served during three wars: World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Now resting 120 feet below the waves, this 75-feet ship serves as home to many creatures, an enticing prospect for underwater explorers. If they can't get enough of wreck diving, tourists can also visit the nearby sunken hospital ship of San Pedro. Hawaii is a place of healing, after all.
4 West Maui
West Maui is the place to be for those who want to have a guaranteed meetup with creatures of Neptune’s diverse world. Thanks to the lush coral reefs, tropical fish abound in the area, some of which are endemic.
Among those that often pass by the waters of West Maui are turtles, sharks, eels, rays, shrimps, and octopuses.
One of the most popular sites is Airport Beach because it’s ideal for beginners who want to learn scuba diving or just have a tour. Maui’s magical waters won’t disappoint, whatever the reason and the season.
3 MV Mahi Wreck
The MV Mahi served during World War II and scuttled to serve as an artificial reef. It is now a thriving home to pufferfish, butterflyfish, snappers, whitetip sharks, and spotted eagle rays, the area’s dominant residents.
Though only nestled 78 feet underwater, the dive is a bit challenging but worthwhile because it is one of the most visible wrecks in Oahu.
The ship is positioned at a 180-degree angle, a stunning sight for divers who want to have breathtaking moments – but not literally, as they are underwater.
2 Kahuna Canyon
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) recommends a wall dive of Kahuna if tourists want an “almost Grand Canyon-esque feel” but underwater.
The canyon hosts lots of marine species, from passing sharks to lobsters. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this destination was a former volcanic crater teeming with caves.
There are no more lava flows in this magical place, but anyone will easily fall in love with it. Oahu really knows how to wow – without effort at that.
1 Sea Tiger Wreck
The photos look stunning, more so when divers are facing the mesmerizing Sea Tiger in Honolulu, dubbed as the island’s deepest recreational wreck. With a depth of 80 to 110 feet, the former trading vessel is a favorite spot for advanced divers who want incredible moments.
Aside from its teeming wildlife, explorers can also pass through the ship’s bridge and cargo holds. The dive is challenging, but it’s a rewarding experience as it will inspire travelers to see more spots that make Hawaii a place of awe.