Surrounded by warm, clear sub-tropical water, Hawaii attracts travelers from all parts of the globe who come to dive, snorkel and enjoy the shear beauty of this volcanic paradise. The Hawaiian islands offer great diversity above and below the clear Pacific Ocean and are a world-favorite vacation destination due to their extraordinary beauty and ease of travel. Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures wrapped up in a common theme of the Aloha spirit. Here you will find a friendly atmosphere and numerous activities. Whether it be climbing an active volcano or seeking a deserted beach for the day, or just about anything in-between, Hawaii has it all.

Divers and snorkelers will find that due to Hawaii’s geographical isolation, geological youth and subtropical location, the bottom topography and marine life are very unique and different from most other dive destinations in the world. While you won’t find the lush soft coral growth common in other tropical destinations such as Micronesia, Fiji, or the Red Sea, Hawaii offers dramatic lava formations, fantastic visibility, and a chance to encounter larger marine life such as manta rays, turtles, and sharks. Travelers who visit in the winter months will also have a great opportunity to see humpback whales, along with dolphins and other cetaceans. Divers who slow down, take the time to learn about the marine life and look beyond the obvious will be able to identify an incredible abundance of endemic tropical fish species and colorful invertebrates that are found nowhere else in the world. Combine all this with Hawaii’s generally accommodating dive conditions and easily accessible dive sites and savvy divers agree that Hawaiian diving is truly world class. Since the last edition of this guide there have been changes in conservation efforts and the development of some new artificial reefs such as purposely sunken ships.

Organizations such as Hawaiian Islands Recreational Scuba Association (HIRSA), Malama Kai, Big Island Reef Fund, Maui Reef Fund and other industry groups have greatly improved the way Hawaii reefs are managed. In order to preserve this unique marine environment, general guidelines for anchoring and the use of boat moorings have been set. These efforts along with public awareness will allow the coral reefs to continue to be healthy and thrive. Additionally, Midway Island and Kahoolawe have been closed to the public and are no longer accessible.

This book is designed to provide divers and snorkelers with an overview of Hawaii’s unique underwater world. Throughout this diverse island chain, you’ll find many conveniently located dive sites that are easy enough for newcomers to the sport, but still hold the interest of experienced dive enthusiasts. Many dive sites are remote and pristine, while others are current-swept and thrilling, often only suitable for advanced divers.

This guidebook covers four principal dive regions within the island chain: Oahu, Big Island (Hawaii), Maui County (including Maui, Molokini Crater, Lanai and Molokai), Kauai and Niihau. The dive sites described in this guide do not constitute a comprehensive list of all dive sites in Hawaii, but were selected as some of the best and most popular dives in their regions, and represent typical diving conditions in each area. Dive site descriptions include information to help you select dives suitable for your interests and abilities and to help establish a dive plan. Information on night diving, safe diving practices and underwater photography tips are interspersed throughout the text.

Reproduced with permission from D & S Bonaire 2, 2006, Lonely Planet Publications.

Note: This text contains standard British spelling.