Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands and the most densely populated. Over 85% of Hawaii’s residents live on Oahu, e-learning it the nickname of ‘The Gathering Place’. The island is also very popular with tourists, especially those passionate about scuba diving. Let’s take a closer look at why Oahu is a scuba diver’s paradise!
Why Consider Scuba Diving in Oahu?
Oahu is not one of the first destinies that comes to mind when people think about scuba diving; however, it is surely a must-dive site for anyone enthusiastic about the sport. Hawaii, in general, is home to a vast array of tropical marine fish species – more than any other region apart from the Red Sea! Oahu features three separate Marine Life Conservation Districts created to preserve and replenish local marine life. These MLCDs are Hanauma Bay, Waikki and Pupukea. Since these areas are so heavily protected, divers cannot remove anything from the sites without express permission.
Popular Dive Sites in Oahu
There are many popular scuba diving sites on Oahu, another reason why the island has become a Mecca for scuba divers. Each of the sites has its features, meaning that there is a dive fitted to every ability.
Hanauma Bay offers depths up to 30 feet in the inner and excellent visibility. The outer bay is only fitted for advanced divers with depths reaching 70 feet. One of the key sites is a large finger coral reef.
Pupukea is on the island’s north shore and has three popular dive sites. These are known as Shark’s Cove, Firehouse and Three Tables. The key features of this area are ledges, arches, and lava tubes, which contribute to dangerous waters in the winter months, so aim to visit from May through October!
Kahe Point Beach is a great spot for beginners, with beach entry to the site and depths ranging from just 5 feet to 35 feet if you head out a little further. The water here is a little warmer thanks to the offshore pipes for the electricity generating plant close by, which has also earned this spot the nickname of Electric Beach.
Trench Dive was originally built to hide submarines! It starts with beach access and 2-foot-deep water. However, this drops to 10 feet and then finally 90 feet. This makes for a very dramatic dive for the more experienced.
Wreck diving is also very popular on Oahu, with no less than seven wrecks around the island to explore. One of the most well-known is the Sea Tiger wreck lying just off Waikiki.