Oahu – both underwater and topside – is an exercise in stimulation overload. From the bustling big-city vibe of world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu to the sleepy North Shore where some of the biggest surf on the planet occurs during the winter months, and the bevy of purpose-sunk and historic artificial reefs scattered around the island, there’s more to experience on the Gathering Isle than visiting divers can likely complete on a single trip. Not that anyone would complain about making a return visit.

It’s a short ride out of Ala Wai Harbor aboard Dive Oahu’s 46-foot Newton dive boat to one of the best wreck dives in all of Hawaii. Scuttled in the 1990s to provide habitat for marine life and underwater attractions for divers and submarine-riding tourists, the YO-257 and the San Pedro offer a rare two-for-one iron extravaganza when conditions are right. The YO-257, a 175-foot monster sitting upright in 97 feet of water, offers an amazing swim-through that bisects the stern and is adorned with beautiful blue octocoral, along with a resting turtle or two. And the San Pedro boasts a similarly exciting swim-through where whitetip reef sharks are frequently encountered.

“The dive is a slightly more advanced dive, as we come across strong currents in the area often,” says Brian Benton of Dive Oahu. “They are unique in that they sit parallel to each other, allowing you to dive two wrecks in one dive. One of the sites the Atlantis Submarine company visits, so on special occasions you can hear the hum of the sub and wave to the passengers of the submarine as it passes between the wrecks.”

Another one of Benton’s favorite sites is Makaha Beach Park, on the quiet west side of the island. “This is a popular destination for surfers, divers and snorkel tours,” says the Oahu veteran of 25 years. “It is a little swim out from the shore, but you descend upon a beautiful, healthy reef full of life, including eels, large schools of fish, octopuses, cuttlefish and so many green sea turtles. And once you get to the end of the reef, the caverns wind through arches and overhangs where you’ll find more turtles and the occasional whitetip reef shark.”

When you’re waterlogged from all the great diving, Oahu offers culture-rich luaus where you can learn about Hawaiian mythology, hiking through thick jungle to ancient heiau temples, and more world-class shopping in Honolulu than your wallet can withstand. For divers with a taste for urban excitement, Oahu is a best bet.

diveoahu.com

Signature Topside Experience

Waimea Valley has been a highly sacred place to native Hawaiians for more than 700 years. Today, there’s a beautiful botanical garden, waterfalls to jump from and living cultural exhibits that showcase the rich traditions of the Hawaiian people. And during the winter months, adjacent Waimea Bay is the epicenter for big-wave surfing on the North Shore, called the “Seven Mile Miracle,” where brave surfers challenge 30-foot waves for the pure thrill of it. (Being a spectator is pretty exhilarating as well.)

waimeavalley.net

More Hawaii Diving

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