Beautiful and unique dives in world renown Pupukea Marine Life Preserve, known locally as “Sharks Cove” Here we encounter amazing underwater topography such as lava tubes and tunnels, trenches, arches and an abundance of protected marine life such as turtles, monk seals, octopi, rays, and a plethora of native fish. With max depths of around 45ft, this site is perfect for all experience levels!
WHAT IS A LAVA TUBE?
A lava tube is a lava cave that can form when lava, or pele in Hawaiian, flows beneath the surface of hardened rock. As the underground flow slows and cools, tunnels can form as it creates a crust around itself. Underwater, this creates a truly spectacular seascape few people see.
Includes:
- Instructor
- Equipment
- Snacks & Drinks
Schedule:
- Availability: Daily (seasonal April – September)
- Tour Times: 1:30 PM
- Duration: 3 Hours
Recommendations:
- Swimwear
- Towels
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
Restrictions/Requirements:
- Participant must be 10 years and older
- Dive is for Certified Divers (must present Certification)
- Participant must be in good overall health to participate.
- Participant must not be pregnant.
- Participant must have good circulation and healthy, unblocked breathing.
- Participant must be in good physical condition. If you have asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or have suffered a stroke, you will need a medical release form signed by your doctor to take part.
- If you are taking antidepressants, or other potential contraindicated medications, you will need a medical release form signed by your doctor to take part.
- If you have problems equalizing your ears, you should not take part.
- All participants must complete electronic waivers prior to participation.
Location:
Address: 54-59 Waikulama St, Hauula, HI 96717
Google Maps: https://g.page/banzai-divers?share
Special Notes:
- Dive sites are chosen each day based on weather and water conditions, requests for specific sites will be noted.
- Please allow for adequate travel times
Dive Sites:
Atlantis – 20 to 40 ft (6-18m)
This site is like an underwater playground for divers. Everywhere you turn, unique lava topography shelters a new discovery. Weave in and out of the trenches, tubes, and overhangs that act as a series of underwater funnels that create the world-class surf the North Shore is known for in the winter months. Famous for Nudibranchs!
Cathedrals 25 to 60 ft (8-18m)
This is a religious dive experience! Located just behind the fire department, you’ll find this dive temple. Skylights over a large lava tube create a Hawaiian light show not to be missed. Like Sharks Cove this dive is also in the marine sanctuary, so there is lots of marine life to see as well.
Makaha Caverns – 25 to 60 ft (8 -18m)
A staff favorite. This site boasts some of the best examples of Hawaii’s unique lava topography with trenches, lava tubes, and caverns every way you look. Stick close and follow our guide as they point out huge sleeping turtles, several species of lobster, resting white tip reef sharks, and more. Take time to appreciate the ambient light show through the skylights in the tops of the caverns.
Sharks Cove Arches – 20 to 50 ft (6-15m)
Located in Pupukea Marine Life Sanctuary, This site is perhaps the best example of not only Oahu diving but Hawaii in general. The uniqueness of this site has attracted the attention of divers across the globe. Everything from lava tubes and caverns, green sea turtles, endemic fish, dolphins, and monk seals are found to take advantage of this protected marine reserve.
Stars – 25 to 60 ft (8 -18m)
Another west side must dive! Known locally as Keau Corners, this is another great topography dive. Here you can drop through a vertical lava tube down to the bottom where you make your way to one of the most spacious caverns on the island. Everything from rare nudibranchs to the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal can be found here.
Three Tables – 15 to 60 ft (5-18m)
Named after the 3 flat reef slabs that just breach the surface. In between world-famous Waimea Bay and Sharks Cove, this dive will leave you in awe. Lava rock walls and pillars create another unique Hawaiian seascape. Plenty of turtles and endemic fish can be found here. Swim alongside rainbow parrotfish and schools of convict tang. If your good on-air, you might make it to Carwash, one of our North Shore boat dives.
Waimea Wall – 30 to 60 ft (10-18m)
Turtle cleaning stations are common here. Watch the green sea turtles get picked clean by endemic Saddle Wrasse. Weave in and under overhangs and arches. Keep an eye out to the big blue for big game fish and spotted eagle rays.
Tour Reviews
I have been diving all over the world but nothing quite compares to the sea life here. Going out to some of these underwater landscapes is like being on a different planet. This is the best tour for lava tube diving.
We have had the pleasure diving in many coral reefs around the world but this was our first time we have ever died near lava tubes. If you have never been diving in these areas before, this is an experience that you have got to try. I was amazed at the life here!
Amazing seascape everyone should see!
It’s just amazing to see how nature created wonders like this! This is the best dive I’ve ever had!
This was more than what I was expecting! The lava dive site is just amazingly beautiful and rich with nature! I highly recommend this tour!
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