Get a glimpse of Hawaii's underwater world.
With its year-round warm waters, Hawaii makes an excellent destination for SCUBA lovers. Each island offers its own treats. Many of these locations require a boat, so you may need to set out with a tour company rather than going off on your own. Look for sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and colorful fish. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see Hawaii's state fish--the humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
Rainbow Reef
At the Rainbow Reef in Oahu, you can see many tropical fish and turtles. It features shore entrance in the Ala Moana Beach Park, across from the shopping mall. The relatively calm waters on this side of the island make it a good place for beginners to get their feet wet. It's such a popular dive spot that the fish are fairly comfortable with people.
Molokini Island
You'll find Molokini Island by taking a 25 minute boat ride off the southern coast of Maui. It's a volcanic crater and the state of Hawaii has designated it as a nature preserve. Visibility is often around 150 feet and you can see many different types of marine life. Tom Barefoot Tours states that the Molokini dive trip is by far the most popular Hawaiian tour that the company offers. Boat tours leave daily from Kihei.
Fish Rock
Fish Rock is off of Lanai, which is not usually a popular destination for tourists. Fortunately, this means that the dive spots are not as crowded and you'll be able to have a great time. In addition to the usual tropical fish, you may be able to see Hawaii's playful spinner dolphins. If you book your tour in the winter months (December through April), you may even get to see whales.
Manta Ray Night Dive
The Kona Manta Ray Night Dive is one of the top dives in the world. You go out at night when the dive lights will attract plankton, which attracts manta rays. A charter boat will take you out to the location where you can enjoy the sights with other divers.
Tunnels Reef
Tunnels Reef is on the north shore of Kauai and is a good location for advanced divers. You can swim through lava tubes to get to the best locations. Though you can access the reef from the shore by yourself, it's smart to take a guide with you the first time to show you the quickest way to get to the marine life. The area is closed during the winter months due to the surf.
Tags: able Hawaii, Fish Rock, Manta Night, Manta Night Dive, manta rays