Best Scuba Diving in Kauai

I’m a PADI Divemaster and have been coming to Hawaii for over 30 years. With some of Hawai‘i’s largest and oldest coral reefs, fascinating underwater topography, and abundant (and colorful) marine life, Kaua‘i may be one of the better destinations for scuba diving in Hawai‘i, even if it doesn’t get the same hype as Maui and Big Island. Here you can choose from shore dives to underwater rock gardens and lively reefs, boat dives to hidden gems on Kaua‘i’s southern shore, and even day-trips to the private island marine sanctuary of Ni‘ihau. With multiple dive operators to choose from, Kaua‘i is perfect for those looking to get certified and participate in Kauai scuba diving, beginning divers and veterans alike.

Kauai Scuba Diving Charters

The best way to experience the beautiful waters around Kaua‘i is with a boat charter. Most dive shops offer two daily boat charters (each with 2 dives), with an early morning (~7am) departure and an afternoon trip that tends to cater more to beginning divers and certification courses. Either way, you can count on a beautiful day on the water as you race dolphins to your dive sites. Keep an eye out for whales (in season) frolicking in the deep blue waters, then gear up and explore popular dive sites like Brennecke’s Ledge, Ice Box, Fast Lanes, the General Store, and Sheraton Caverns (dives range from 60-100’).

Spend your surface intervals swapping fish stories with other divers and learning about Hawaiians’ cultural ties to the sea and the natural history of the islands from your guides. Once you are back underwater, make sure to pose for the underwater videographers who capture your dive in HD video for viewing back at the dive shop. Top-shelf rental gear from ScubaPro and Mares are included with your charter when you scuba Kauai, as well as dive computers and optional underwater cameras.

Shore Dives and Ni‘ihau Excursions

Kaua‘i is home to the one of the best scuba diving Kauai shore dives in the Pacific: Koloa Landing, or Whaler’s Cove,  only minutes from our Vacation Rental in Poipu. After slipping into the aquamarine waters of the lagoon you quickly submerge into a garden of coral formations populated with playful and vibrantly colored reef fish including surgeon fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, and moray eels. Hang out with green sea turtles that are frequent guests here, and explore stunning underwater features like lava tubes and sea caves in these remarkable dive sites.

For a special treat, inquire with your dive operator about day excursions to Ni‘ihau Island and Lehua Rock. Spacious dive boats will be your home for the day as you visit the stunning sea arches and vertical underwater cliffs of this secluded spot, home to incredible marine mammals like spinner dolphins and humpback whales. Most trips include 3 dives, so you can be sure to spot and hang out with Oscar the resident monk seal while exploring the underwater rock gardens, arches, and coral gardens. A delicious lunch and refreshments are included, and this is a special treat for any visiting diver (access to Ni‘ihau is highly restricted).

It is not only the nearest dive shop to our Kauai Vacation Rental in Poipu but the one we suggest visiting if you need dive gear or to schedule a dive trip with, Sea Sport Divers in Poipu. All of Kaua‘i’s dive shops are highly certified and accredited, and all offer premium services with friendly and knowledgeable guides. You might be interested in other Water Sports in Kauai

Sea Sport Divers in Poipu – 2827 Poipu Road Koloa, HI 96756 808-742-9303 or their Kapaa Dive Shop – 4-976 Kuhio Hwy Kapaa, HI 96746 808-823-9222

Featured Image at Header Credit – Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeden