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Boat Dive Sites
Honolulu Wrecks....
Generally all wreck dives are for the more intermediate to advanced diver.
Sea Tiger, Depth: 80 - 120 feet
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Sitting within a 10 minute boat ride outside Kewalo Basin, and resting upright in 120 ft of water, is the wreck of the Sea Tiger. This 168-foot vessel was originally built in Japan for fishing. Originally named Yun Fong Seong No. 303, it was confiscated in February of 1992 for transporting illegal Chinese immigrants into Hawaii. After being renamed the Sea Tiger, it was then sold at auction for a dollar. It was sunk in 1999 as an artificial reef and tourist attraction for Voyager Submarine tours. The company discontinued the tours a year later, and this wreck is now a haven for scuba divers. The main deck has a depth ranging from 75 ft to 95 ft and offers penetration through its cargo holds, passageways, and stairwells, which surround the outer portion of the ship. Exploration of the inner cabins and passageways is restricted by means of welded barriers. Now that this wreck is an established reef, it attracts numerous species of fish, including: squirrelfish, frogfish, butterfly fish, and filefish. Green Sea Turtles, occasional reef sharks, and eagle rays often visit the wreck.
YO-257/ Sanpedro, Depth: 80 - 100 feet
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Within a 25 minute boat ride of Kewalo Basin sits the wreck of the YO-257. A Navy yard oilier built in the 1940's used by the coast guard during its heyday. It was bought by Atlantis Submarines and sunk as an artificial reef off Waikiki in 1989. The ship rests upright in 100 feet of water, with the main deck at about 85 feet large access holes were cut through this unique structure preparing it for divers. Numerous Green sea turtles and the occasional Hawksbill turtle call this wreck home. You may even be able to wave to the Atlantis submarine as it passes by on its tour. Just remember no touching or mooning the submarine. Visibility is normally 100+ feet with a strong current on most days.
The San Pedro was originally built and used as a fishing vessel in the Hawaiian waters, but accidentally caught fire off the Big Island of Hawaii in 1975. After 14 years of being moved from one port to another, it was finally purchased and sunk in 1996 for the Atlantis Submarine tour. Now lying approximately 100 ft from the YO-257 and resting in 85 ft of water with the main deck around 60 ft, this new wreck has given a home to the white tip reef sharks that are most likely seen just below the main deck.
Hawaii Kai Wrecks....
Generally all wreck dives are for the more intermediate to advanced diver.
Corsair, Depth: 110 feet
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In 1945 the pilot had to ditch this piece of history in the deep water off Hawaii Kai, after endless searching and accounts from the pilot and the official document filed by the Navy it was determined that mechanical failure caused the crash. This is the only true wreck in recreation dive depths on the island. With decent water visibility, sitting alone in sand, and void of any reef structure makes this a great habitat for schools of blue striped jack. Rough seas and strong currents make this an advanced dive.
Baby Barge, Depth: 60 -100 feet
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This barge was intentionally sunk in 1995 as a growing artificial reef system on the south side of the Island. With the bottom of this wreck sitting in 65 ft of water and the main deck around 45 ft, it can be visited by all levels of divers. Resting on a ledge with a large cavern next to it make it the perfect habitat for green sea turtles. Following the ledge towards diamond head will bring you to other caverns where white tip reef sharks call them home. Antler coral is the largest in this area with all types of marine life as inhabitants, including the Harlequin shrimp.
Waianae Wrecks....
Generally all wreck dives are for the more intermediate to advanced diver.
Mahi, Depth: 65 - 95 feet
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The Mahi, originally the USS Scrimmage
Hull Number AM 297
Built and used as an admirable class minesweeper, the Scrimmage received 6 battle stars for her World War II service in the Philippines Campaigns during 1944-45.
After being sold in April 1960 she subsequently became the British merchantman, Giant 11 and used as a cable laying ship. Sold in March 1968 to the Dillingham Corp. and leased to the University of Hawaii as a research vessel being renamed M/S Mahi.
In 1982 Dacor Scuba Diving purchased the ship to be sunk as an artificial reef approximately 1 mile off the Waianae coast in 90 feet of water. After hurricane Iniki passed on Sept 11, 1992, the most powerful hurricane to hit the Hawaiian Islands, the ship was moved over 100 yards from its original position and its main superstructure was severally damaged. Access to any passageways is off limits as the possibility of collapse is imminent. The up side is that squadrons of eagle rays regularly visit the site as do whales and other large pelagic mammals in the winter months.
Airplane Canyon, Depth: 65 - 110 feet
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On December 10, 1953, the prototype of the Super 18, the last version of the Beech 18, made its first flight. The last three production aircraft were delivered in November 1969. More than 9,000 Model 18’s were produced since 1937, and in 1970, more than 2,000 were still being flown in the United States alone. This twin engine passenger aircraft was sunk as an artificial reef at this location in the early 90's. It was originally one of three sunk at this location, before Hurricane Iwa moved them. This twin engine beech craft now resting in 105 feet of water is an attraction for divers, with its schools of reef fish and the occasional eagle ray to greet you, don't forget to look in the tall antler corals for harlequin shrimp.
Shallow LCU / Flight 29 down, Depth: 60 - 80 feet
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The Landing Craft Utility (LCU-1466 Class) these craft are enlarged versions of the WWII LCT Mk-5s. Constructed during the early 1950s, the mission of the LCU is to land and/or retrieve personnel and equipment during amphibious operations. They are capable of transporting tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. Sunk as an artificial reef in 1998 this wreck is resting in the clear water off the Waianae coast giving a new home to skittish white tip reef sharks and occasional frog fish. Penetration of this wreck can be done from the main deck aft leading in to the old crew and kitchen quarters.
"Flight 29 Down", the latest sunken artificial reef on the Island is a 50 foot long 1950's Dehavill and Heron aircraft originally used by the "Hawaii Air Transport Service (HAT'S)" and then later in the television series flight 29down filmed in Oahu. Sunk in early 2007 and resting within 100yds of the (LCU) most of the structure was demolished when Hurricane Flossie’s storm surge came within 400miles of the Island.
Honolulu Shallow Dive Sites...
Generally all shallow dives will have an average depth range between 25 - 40 feet with a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Turtle Canyon's, Depth: 25 - 45 feet
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Just outside of Waikiki's surf break this site not only delivers turtles, but also the views of Diamond Head and Waikiki are breathtaking. There are 5 different mooring balls at this site, so waiting is never a problem. Underwater the scene of turtles flying past and schools of reef fish will bring you back again and again. The finger reef structure at this site brings in all of Hawaii's marine life from sharks to octopus, and yes Turtles as the name implies.
Horseshoe Reef, Depth: 35 - 60 feet
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Not going to Turtles today, Horseshoe reef is the best alternative for seeing Turtles, Sharks and the occasional eagle ray. The reef itself holds numerous schools of trigger fish, Hawaiian Sergeants and rare eels, such as the Dragon Moray. Frog fish are also commonly spotted in the area.
Kewalo Pipe, Depth: 35 - 65 feet
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Just outside of Kewalo Basin lies a 1950s poop pipe, starting in the shallows at 22 ft and continuing out to 63 ft at the deep end all of which is coral encrusted. On either side of the pipe you can find numerous other pockets of fringing reefs home to all sorts of marine life. Octopus, spinney puffer and eels are just a few of the inhabitants of the area.
Waianae Shallow Dive Sites...
Generally all shallow dives will have an average depth range between 25 - 40 feet with a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Makaha Caverns, Depth: 35 - 55 feet
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Superb shallow water dive located 100 yards from Kepuhi Point-Makaha Beach. Numerous open-ended lava tubes form Makaha Caverns, which is a home for turtles and white tip reef sharks. Outside the cavern, the site spreads over a large area. Working seaward, the coral thins out, but the pockets are home to octopus, and several species of eels. You will also find this site in the shore dive area - for advanced divers only because of the extended surface swim.
Land of OZ, Depth: 20 - 65 feet
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Given its name because of the previous land owner who decided it would be a good idea to smack golf balls at the charter boats in the area, who was nicknamed OZ. The site offers numerous lava tubes with large octopus and the occasional white tip reef shark.
Starz, Depth: 35 - 65 feet
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The site was given its name because of the topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub. The area is connected by a string of honey comb tubes with many inlets and walls to explore. Please remember don’t touch!!! Turtles love visiting the area, and if you’re lucky, you may even see turtle love; also home to white tip reef sharks, eagle rays and a very large abundance of eels.
Hawaii Kai Shallow Dive Sites...
Generally all shallow dives will have an average depth range between 25 - 40 feet with a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Portlock Wall, Depth: 35 - 55 feet
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Also can be dove from shore, this site sees the most action from a boat; the current in this area is known to be hazardous at times making this an excellent drift dive location. Divers are brought in close to the wall by boat then dropped off like a group of paratroopers, descending automatically and drifting along with the currents. Spitting caves can be along the way as we drift by; watching above and out into the blue water is recommended as Hawaiian Monk Seals visit this area often.
Koko Craters, Depth: 35 - 65 feet
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Three large craters make up the underwater topography of this location, with overhangs along the edges perfect for napping turtles. There is a Buddha with coral grown on the right side of the head giving the area a Zen like feel. Openwater students will enjoy the shallower depths here.
