Scuba Diving at Hanauma Bay, Honolulu should be an item on every serious diver’s bucket list. The bay has been named the number one beach in America, and has also been called one of the safest places in the world to go scuba diving, because of its unique shape and protection from the rough currents of the open ocean. Not only is it safe, and an excellent place to try diving, but it is also incredibly beautiful—with crystal clear water, amazing undersea creatures, and gorgeous white sandy beaches it truly is paradise. The weather is almost always in the high 70s, meaning that the water is refreshingly cool, which is great for diving. There are always plenty of divers in the area, which can be great for those solo divers that want to get out with a group of people and make some new friends, as well as stay safe in the ocean.
It’s a good idea to arrive at the Bay early in the morning, in order to make sure that you are one of the 3,000 people allowed in for that day. The whole area is a gorgeous place, so why not pack a picnic and make a day of it? When you’ve finished diving, there is plenty of beach space to relax and soak up the rays. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch and the rest of the beautiful sights of the bay. In fact, if you are really adventurous, there are a few lookout points that you can hike to that give you an amazing view of humpback whales breaking the surface of the water while the islands of Molokai and Lanai greet you in the distance.
Because the walk from the parking lot to the water’s edge can be a bit of a trek, it’s a good idea to wait to put your gear on until you actually reach the shore of the Bay. Once you get suited up and into the water, take a swim a ways out from the shore, and get ready to be astounded by all of the things you’ll see. Sea turtles were recently seen there, as well as spotted eagle rays, humuhumunukunukuapua’a (the state fish of Hawaii), and over 450 species of tropical fish. Truly, diving in Hanauma Bay is one of the most incredible experiences you can have as a diver. Don’t let an opportunity to take part in this wonderful event pass you by.
This is not a photo from Hanauma Bay. And the dive itself is sometimes quite perilous, depending on the tide and visibility, since there is a very small slot that divers use to get into the outer reef. I’ve snorkeled it about 50 times, and dove it about 15. I don’t label this a beginners dive.
I’ve been diving / snorkeling in the shore almost every summer in the last years. The water may not be as clear as in the picture but I can assure you the photo is from there. You just have to go far east where the water is deeper.