Best dive sites, water quality, and safety across all Hawaiian islands
Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific with some of the world's clearest and most biodiverse waters. With over 680 endemic marine species found nowhere else on Earth, 100+ foot visibility on good days, manta ray night dives, and ancient lava formations, Hawaii ranks among the top scuba destinations globally. Each island offers a distinctly different diving experience.
Hawaii's most famous dive. Giant Pacific manta rays (up to 16-foot wingspan) feed on plankton attracted by dive lights. One of the top 10 dives in the world. Kneeling on the sandy bottom at 30-40 feet watching mantas overhead is unforgettable.
Marine Life Conservation District with extraordinary visibility and coral. Spinner dolphins resident in the bay. Best reached by boat or kayak. Shallow enough for snorkel or OW scuba, with deeper areas for advanced divers.
Multiple green sea turtle cleaning stations where turtles hover motionlessly while reef fish clean parasites from their shells. Consistent and magical encounters.
The inside of Molokini is great for snorkel, but the back wall drops 300+ feet in crystal clear water teeming with pelagics. Advanced dive. Hammerhead sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and wahoo cruise the wall. Boat only.
Massive lava caverns where sunlight filters through cracks, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. Spinner dolphins frequently rest nearby. Considered one of the top dive sites in the Pacific. Dive operators run trips from Maui.
Multiple green turtle cleaning stations and abundant reef fish. Shallow and great for beginners. Located near Big Beach on Maui's south shore.
Two intentionally sunk wrecks off Oʻahu's west coast. The Mahi (a former minesweeper) sits at 60-90 feet and is covered with hard and soft corals, resident sea turtles, and enormous schools of fish. One of Hawaii's best wreck dives.
Just 2 miles offshore from Waikiki Beach, this reef dive offers reliable green sea turtle encounters at 30-50 feet. Great for beginners. Numerous Waikiki dive operators offer morning and afternoon boat trips.
One of Kauaʻi's best shore dives in the Poʻipū area. Easy entry, 20-60 foot depths, resident sea turtles, and diverse reef fish. Great for all levels. Calm water most of the year.
Summer-only boat dives along the Nā Pali cliffs offer dramatic lava arches, sea caves, and abundant marine life. Advanced conditions with currents and surge. Some of the most dramatic underwater scenery in Hawaii.
Scuba divers are submerged in ocean water for extended periods. After heavy rain, shallow reef dives near shore can have elevated bacteria levels and significantly reduced visibility. Wait 48–72 hours after heavy rain for conditions to improve. Open-ocean and leeward dive sites are much less affected. Always check local conditions with your dive operator before booking.
Free water quality alerts before your dives.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is independent, not affiliated with the Hawaii DOH. Always dive with a certified operator and check current conditions. Water quality ratings are not real-time measurements.
Verify water quality with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch.
When in doubt, don't go out. 🤙