Kauai is considered one of the most breathtaking places for its splendor, vast wildlife, and picturesque landscape. These attributes and more earned it the nickname “the Garden Isle“. However, what you see on the surface is nothing close to the magnificent wonder and breathtaking sight of its underwater world. No wonder many Kauai-bound tourists often fancy a dive in the Pacific.
From giant whales and nesting sea turtles to sharks of multiple sizes and shapes, the rich marine life in Kauai is probably next to none in that part of the world. But as far as diving in Kauai is concerned, not all spots offer the same value. Therefore, you must visit the best spots considered to conceal the most amazing underwater sights in all of Kauai. In this post, we’ve selected the 3 best spots for diving in Kauai during your next vacation.
1. Na Pali Coast
Na Pali coast is simply an adventurer’s dream come to pass from cascading waterfalls, streams, and very narrow valleys. The North-western part of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai is home to this fantastic coastline that runs from Kee Beach down to Polihale State Park- right during excellent tropical greens. When we talk about scuba diving or snorkeling in Hawaii, this is one spot that is certainly mentioned.
Although challenging to access by car or foot, using a helicopter or boat will give you access to the entire view as you experience the thrill of the castle-like walls of the cliffs and surrounding mountains. But if you’re looking for some adventure, hiking is way more fun, and you can use the Kalalau trail, which the locals call Kuhio Highway.
2. Niihau
Niihau is Hawaii’s seventh-largest Island and holds a lot of unseen magic. For many years, this destination was Forbidden, and no visitors were allowed. But that is slowly changing in recent times as helicopters are now allowed to fly over and experience some of its wonders. Be warned, though; interaction with the locals is still forbidden, and no dive tourism activity is allowed in the area’s mysterious reefs.
By taking a boat ride to the Island, you’ll experience the thrill of a lifetime and see the true magic that lies underneath the Niihau’s waters. Sea giants like dolphins, whales, sharks and even the big tuna are some of the creatures you should expect to see here. While the Niihau Island itself is still off-limits to tourists and divers, the rich surrounding waters are a perfect spot for the thrill of a lifetime. It’ll take about 2 hours by boat to travel from Poipu through Kauai to Niihau, and be sure you’ll enjoy every bit of it.
3. Sheraton Caverns
This is, perhaps, one of the most challenging dive spots in Kauai, but the thrill and experience make it all worth it. Just off Poipu Beach, you’d need a flashlight and camera to see and capture every sight and the beauty that the magnificent underwater caverns offer. The spot is great for experienced divers and beginners alike and is rich in marine life who have no worries despite the harsh ocean swells. If you’re itching for a challenging swim, this is the place to go.
You’d need to go by and dive from a boat because a kick-out is not just tricky but almost impossible- especially for novice divers. There are severe Kauai scuba diving charters to book a boat a dive with. It is also not recommended for shore diving because of the vast potential for exhaustion. The rocky beach west provides entry and exit routes, which can be extremely difficult because of ocean swells.