Isolated by more than 2,000 miles of ocean, the Hawaiian Islands were one of the last island groups to be discovered as the northern tip of the Polynesian Triangle in the vast Pacific Ocean. Oahu means "gathering place" and is appropriate as Honolulu is the state's capital and home to more than a million residents and the largest international airport in the state. This is likely where you'll begin your Hawaiian adventure, so be sure to stroll Waikiki beach and see the sights on shore before diving off into the blue Pacific to explore Oahu's underwater realm. There are many good dive shops operating on all the islands that offer beginning and advanced instruction, boat and shore dives, and specialty courses. Gear rental is available and dive packages are a good way to stretch your recreation dollars. Here's a few favorite Oahu dive sites:
Hanauma Bay
You've probably snorkeled here and thought it was just a snorkel park-but this sheltered coastal bay offers some easy diving with a proliferation of schooling reef fish. There are two diving areas within the bay, the inner and outer reefs. The shallow inner reef is best in the morning before crowds arrive. See tame butterflyfish, parrotfish, tangs, and many juveniles all fluttering around for your attention and a handout! The outer reef slopes from about 15 feet to 70 feet near the mouth of the bay. Here you will see coral gardens full of fish, turtles, and other sea life. The passage through the reef is known as "the slot" and contains a large cable running through the channel, a convenient guide. Witch's Brew is on the right side of the crater wall. Waves and currents merge here at this rocky point of land, so watch for turbulent water and surge in the shallows. Don't go out here if the winds are coming straight into the bay, it will be too rough. There is a pinnacle just outside the mouth of Hanauma Bay that is an advanced boat dive. A flat top slopes to a dramatic drop-off extending to 100 feet. A shallower bridge connects the pinnacle to the nearby coastline. Ledges and caves surround the pinnacle at varying depths and are encrusted with sponges and corals. Abundant marine life is found here including Moorish idols, butterflyfish, turtles, and every so often, sharks. This dive needs to be timed so the tides and currents are favorable, so check with local dive shops to schedule a trip to the pinnacle.
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