Adventurers Dive Log:Scuba Diving in Hawaii off Oahu

Adventurers Dive Log

presents
Diving at Haunama Bay


By Ocean Concepts

Depth: less than 15 inside the barrier, 40-70 feet outside

Bottom Time: 40 Minutes

Visibility: 40-80 feet

Sealife: Large resident eels, Spotted Eagle Rays, Octopus, Green Sea Turtles, Ulua (Jack Fish) together with over 100 species of fish


Hanauma Bay regularly has over 10,000 visitors daily. Although the State started charging visitors entering the area back in June, this has now been stopped and the most important natural beach site in the state is once again free to enter. This site is also the third most popular dive site in O'ahu, its attraction centers around the protected swimming, snorkeling and other amenities offered here.

Originally formed as the cone of a volcano, it was eventually breached by the ocean, and formed a natural cove protecting the area from high winds and rough seas. The area was declared a State Marine Life Conservation District in 1967 since the protected waters host over 100 species of fish. Though conditionally dependent, it is usually calm throughout the year.

Depths can reach 70 feet at the outer point, with bottom reefs and wall formations offering fantastic and varied exploration points. Rip currents can build seaward, which requires the judgement of a professional guide. If you plan to dive here, make sure that you bring proof of certification, or you will be restricted to a sand patch inside the barrier - in less than 15 feet of water ! The entry to the deeper stuff is off the right side of the beach, and swim through a channel in the reef.

Palea Point, on the northern tip of the Bay is a wall dive that starts in 5 feet and drops to 150 feet. Many caves and archways are host to crustaceans and mollusks, and accentuated with colourful corals. Large schools of tropicals and several eels inhabit the site. Keep looking in the blue, transiting rays and turtles are frequently spotted here.

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