Kauai Scuba Diving
Kauai is well known for its magnificent beaches, balmy weather, and tropical lushness, but when it comes to diving, it isn’t thought of like the Kona coast or Lana’i on the big island. But don’t let this stop you from enjoying a memorable Kauai scuba diving experience.
If you’re an experienced diver, you’ll find more thrilling spots on the east and west shores. Beginning and novice scuba divers should start on the north or south shores at Hanalei, Kee Beach, or Poipu Beach.
As you begin thinking about your Kauai scuba diving experience, give careful consideration to planning your diving time, because of the differing ocean patterns on the north and south shores.
The north shore experiences small surf conditions in the summer with the south shore having the larger surf. These conditions switch in the winter months. Also, the south shore diving tours run year round, unlike the north where the local government prohibits boat mooring.
Now the best-known diving site on the south shore is Caverns, off Poipu Beach. Caverns is a succession of lava tubes interconnected by archways. Fish swim by regularly and you might even spot a lionfish lying in wait in the numerous crevices. The colorful Hawaiian lobsters can be seen, along with sea turtles, and other abundant underwater life.
On the north shore you can enjoy Kauai scuba diving at a area locally known as the Oceanarium, northwest of Hanalei Bay. Here you'll find an intriguing marine world housed in a cove shaped like a horseshoe. You can expect to see everything from spiny lobsters, to bluestripe snappers, conger eels, and even nudibranches, because of the resident diversity of the underwater population.
The landscape, featuring pinnacles, ridges, and archways, is home to corals, black-coral trees, and enough area to keep you busy for numerous dives.
Lehua Rock off privately owned Ni’ihau (located roughly 18 miles west of Kauai), offers more advanced Kauai scuba diving opportunities. The diving here is for experienced divers only, because of the depth and currents involved, as well as the 75+ minute ride each way from Kauai. And if you’re prone to seasickness – stay on the north and shore shores.
 With that said, the diving off Ni’ihau does offer crystal clear water and undersea wildlife of every type. Sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and even Hawaiian monk seals, so prepare for the sharks and enjoy the rest!
The West side of Kauai also has scuba diving opportunities at Mana Crack, with its pristine waters making it a remarkable Kauai scuba diving experience. The area is a massive submarine ridge roughly 10 miles long and will likely remind you of a sunken barrier reef. There are unique coral formations and abundant underwater life to enjoy.
Whether its north, south, east or west your Kauai scuba diving experience will be one you’ll long remember.
So what are you waiting for?
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