Favorite Hawaii Dives

[paperdesk]

We're considering a vacation to Hawaii next winter, and I'd like to make a list of great dive sites. We are favoring Kauai, but I don't know if there is good diving there. Which dive sites in Kauai or other islands did you really enjoy?

[chilly willy]

If you are going in the winter the north shore is pretty much out due to large swells, there are quite a few spots on the south side. A good place to go to when your on Kauai is Ni'ihau, there are charter boats that take you to a few south side spots that see very little human traffic so the diving is fairly pristine. One of my favorite dives in Hawaii is on the big island in Kona where they do the night manta dive, in addition, there are a lot of dive spots along the Kona coast that are very accessible by boat or beach.

[Zenagirl]

We're partial to Maui, where not only is there good shore diving, but you can take a boat and dive 4 islands (Maui, Molokini, Molokai, and Lanai). IMO diving the Cathedrals of Lanai is a "must" for anyone going to Maui. I'm very partial to the inner crater of Molokini (not a fan of the backwall) and S. Maui sites, as well as Mala Wharf in the north. There's simply a lot of diving on and around Maui, and we look forward to spending 2 weeks every year exploring all the different sites.

[paperdesk]

Originally Posted by chilly willy

If you are going in the winter the north shore is pretty much out due to large swells, there are quite a few spots on the south side. A good place to go to when your on Kauai is Ni'ihau, there are charter boats that take you to a few south side spots that see very little human traffic so the diving is fairly pristine. One of my favorite dives in Hawaii is on the big island in Kona where they do the night manta dive, in addition, there are a lot of dive spots along the Kona coast that are very accessible by boat or beach.

Thanks for the tip about surface ocnditions in the North. I'll put Ni'ihau on the list.

[paperdesk]

Originally Posted by Zenagirl

We're partial to Maui, where not only is there good shore diving, but you can take a boat and dive 4 islands (Maui, Molokini, Molokai, and Lanai). IMO diving the Cathedrals of Lanai is a "must" for anyone going to Maui. I'm very partial to the inner crater of Molokini (not a fan of the backwall) and S. Maui sites, as well as Mala Wharf in the north. There's simply a lot of diving on and around Maui, and we look forward to spending 2 weeks every year exploring all the different sites.

Maui does sound nice! I'll have to lobby the rest of the group to spend some time there.

Is there shore diving in Kauai?

[Travelnsj]

I have been to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island many times. My favorite is the Big Island hands down. The Big Island has the Manta dive which is in my top 5 dives anywhere, if you go there book that dive twice. Otherwise you see some nice lava swim throughs, great vis....but for marine life not a lot. Actually I have always found snorkeling to be better for the marine life....I plan on trying Kauai this summer.

[chinacat46]

I agree with Travelnsj that the Manta dive is worth doing but it wouldn't be in my top 10. Maybe top 20.

[Travelnsj]

Well it is number 5 in my top 5 with Kri & Sardines reefs along with Blue Corner and Ulong Channel beating it for action packed dives

[chinacat46]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

Well it is number 5 in my top 5 with Kri & Sardines reefs along with Blue Corner and Ulong Channel beating it for action packed dives

you need to do some night dives when you are in Lembeh this year. If you do 5 I'm willing bet at least two of them will be better then that manta dive. The night dives in Lembeh ROCK!

[chilly willy]

Originally Posted by paperdesk

Maui does sound nice! I'll have to lobby the rest of the group to spend some time there.

Is there shore diving in Kauai?

Here is a link to a list of good shore diving spots in Kauai, Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: Kauai, Hawaiian Islands
The south side is usually has pretty light current and swell conditions during winter months.