With over 40 named sites, Oahu diving definitely delivers — so much so that it can be a challenge to know where to begin.
On the south shore of this tropical island, you’ll find Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, as well as some of the nation’s most popular wreck dives — like the YO-257, Navy Tug, and Sea Tiger. The North Shore is a surfing paradise in winter, but the calmer summer months allow for some of the best scuba diving in Oahu, from exploring the Pupukea Marine Sanctuary to discovering unique underwater lava rock formations.
Sound like a lot? Start with these twelve must-see sites for a well-rounded flavor of Oahu diving.
1. YO-257
One of the most popular Oahu dive sites, you’ll find this upright ship just off the city of Waikiki. It was purposely sunk in 1989 by Atlantis Submarines Hawaii to give its passengers an underwater attraction. Now, more than 30 years later, it’s covered in corals and sponges, regularly attracting green sea turtles. Advanced Open Water Divers favor the site, not only for the depth (30 meters/100 feet) but also for the easy penetration. Cutouts exist on both sides of the ship, allowing wreck divers to easily pass through it.
2. Shark’s Cove
On the island’s north shore, Shark’s Cove is undoubtedly a must if you’re planning to dive Oahu in the summer. This shore dive is part of the Pupukea Marine Sanctuary and is characterized by impressive volcanic topography featuring both caves and swim-throughs. This is a relatively shallow site with a depth range of 5 to 20 meters/15 to 65 feet, making it popular with snorkelers as well as scuba divers.
It’s not only the topography that impresses here, the site is packed with an abundance of tropical sea life. Sharks don’t actually congregate here any more than at other sites, however, look out for nudibranchs, eels, rays, and octopuses. The site is also well known for its diversity of colorful reef fish – many of which are endemic to Hawaii.
3. Sea Tiger
This 51 meter/168 foot former Chinese merchant vessel, once called the Yun Fong Seong No. 303, is considered the deepest wreck in Oahu. The now-named Sea Tiger came to rest on the sand at between 24-37 meters/80-120 feet. She became the property of the U.S. Coast Guard before being sunk off the south side of the island in 1999. Drop in to swim with resident whitetip reef sharks, green sea turtles, eagle rays, and schools of blueline snapper.
4. Turtle Canyon
This is home to one of Oahu’s most famous turtle cleaning stations and, therefore, one of the best places to see these reptilian favorites. You’ll need to travel by boat to reach this popular Honolulu diving destination, but at 5-15 meters/50 feet, it’s shallow enough for snorkelers to enjoy too. Pack a dive light to explore the many nooks and crannies along the reef. Keep your eyes out for octopus, eels, whitetip reef sharks, dolphins, and of course, turtles aplenty.
5. Makaha Caverns
The highlight when diving in this series of lava-formed tunnels is the chance to be surrounded by whitetip reef sharks inside the larger chambers. The collapsed lava tubes also shelter green sea turtles, therefore the odds of seeing large marine species are high. Observe carefully to find the octopuses and all five species of eel that nestle among the cracks. In addition, with a depth of 9 meters/30 feet inside and roughly 13 meters/45 feet outside the caverns, this Oahu diving site suits all levels of divers.
6. U.S.S. Nashua
Nicknamed the Navy Tug because of its naval history and ongoing participation in Navy training exercises, this 33 meter/109 foot long vessel sits outside Hickam Harbor. It was purposely sunk in 2012 to a depth of 19 meters/65 feet and is now a popular wreck stop on Oahu diving tours. It’s also an established habitat for octopuses and eels, with the occasional manta ray and reef shark passing by.
7. Electric Beach, AKA Kahe Point
So named for its proximity to the local power plant, Electric Beach diving dials up when it comes to wildlife. You’ll find a mix of Hawaii’s endemic oddities, including psychedelic wrasses, and several green sea turtles. Plus, the water clarity here is surprisingly unreal – expect at least 18 meters/60 feet of visibility.
8. Vought F4U Corsair
Downed in 1945, this fighter aircraft is Hawaii’s only true wreck that’s open to divers. It’s also one of the best Oahu diving sites. Drop in to check out the cockpit’s gauges, control stick, seat, and rudder pedals. Sitting in 35 meters/115 feet of water, this is one of the more advanced dives on the island. Besides the plane, the site is home to hundreds of garden eels that lay claim to the surrounding sand – territory they share with Galapagos sharks.
9. Kahuna Canyon
Another magical site if you’re diving Oahu’s north shore is Kahuna Canyon. Dip beneath the surface and you’ll soon see why it has the nickname the ‘Underwater Hawaiian Grand Canyon‘. Dotted with caves and crevices, giant walls rise up from the 30 meter/100 foot deep seabed and rival its topside Arizonan namesake. Inside the Canyon are sightings of crabs, lobsters, and vibrant Oahu reef fish such as parrotfish and surgeonfish. Outside, peer into the blue to spot passing sharks and dolphins.
10. Spitting Caves
For anyone with a love of drift diving, this Oahu diving site is for you! Located along China Walls, the highlight here is the chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. Other notable marine life that can be spotted here includes whitetip reef sharks, a variety of frogfish, spotted eagle rays, giant moray eels, and huge sea turtles.
If you are diving here during the winter months, keep your ears open! Divers often report hearing whale songs echoing off the wall. From time to time there are even sightings of a mother whale swimming with her calf – this is Oahu diving at its best!
11. The LCU (Landing Craft Utility) Wreck
The Landing Craft Utility vessel was a military vessel used to drop troops during beach landings. The wreck now lies upside down in 26 meters/85 feet of water on the sandy bottom. Surrounding the wreck is a huge field of artificial reef Z-blocks that attract marine life. Take a look at the shaded interior of the wreck, there are often whitetip reef sharks resting there, you can also check out the “bottom” of the boat, where you’ll often find fish swimming upside down!
It is possible to make a short penetration swim into the wheelhouse but it is extremely tight. The majority of the wheelhouse can be viewed by simply shining your light inside and peering in.
Note: Only certified and experienced wreck divers should attempt penetration here.
After completing your inspection of the wreck, take a look around the field of concrete reef blocks. There is now a surprising abundance of diverse and interesting marine life residing in this area.
12. Koko Craters
Koko Craters is a great Oahu diving site that is suitable for all levels from Open Water Divers upward. Visibility is usually excellent and there are regular sightings of the resident population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Reef life is vibrant, varied, and abundant – it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot. There are at least three different dives here and whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
It’s not only the underwater world here that impresses, the boat ride to the site offers stunning views of the Koko Crater and Diamond Head. Be sure to pack your camera!
Jump into Oahu diving today
If you can’t wait to go diving on Oahu and explore these iconic wrecks and reefs, start planning your Hawaiian scuba vacation today. Download the PADI Adventures App for more inspiration, or visit PADI Travel for the latest Oahu diving and snorkeling resort and liveaboard deals.
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