Dive Tour
Lava Tube Dives
Dive Tour
Lava Tube Dives
Beautiful and unique dives in world-renowned Pupukea Marine Life Preserve, known locally as “Sharks Cove”. Here we encounter 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!
What is a Lava Tube?
A lava tube is a lava cavern that can form when lava 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. Tunnels, caverns, arches, pillars and trenches resulting from this geological process are spread throughout some of the dives we offer at Banzai Divers Hawaii.
| What To Bring | Swimwear, Towels, Reef Safe Sunscreen |
|---|---|
| What's Included | Instructor, Equipment, Snacks & Drinks |
| Additional Notes | Please allow adequate travel time. Check GPS and maps. |
From the Pros
A Banzai Divers Signature Tour
Great For All Experience Levels!
Dive sites are chosen each day based on weather and water conditions, requests for specific sites will be noted.
Click the flags to view the location.
Atlantis
20 to 40ft (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 in 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 50ft (6-15m)
Located in Pupukea Marine Life Sancturary, This site is perhaps the best example not only Oahu diving, but Hawaii in general. The uniqueness of this site has attracted attention of divers across the globe. Everything from lava tubes and caverns, green sea turtles, endemic fish, dolphin, and monk seals are found to take advantage of this protected marine reserve.
Sharks Cove Tunnels
20 to 50ft (6-15m)
Located in Pupukea Marine Life Sancturary, This site is perhaps the best example not only Oahu diving, but Hawaii in general. The uniqueness of this site has attracted attention of divers across the globe. Everything from lava tubes and caverns, green sea turtles, endemic fish, dolphin, 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 60ft (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 gamefish and spotted eagle rays.
Tour Details
Beautiful and unique dives in world-renowned Pupukea Marine Life Preserve, known locally as “Sharks Cove”. Here we encounter 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!
What is a Lava Tube?
A lava tube is a lava cavern that can form when lava 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. Tunnels, caverns, arches, pillars and trenches resulting from this geological process are spread throughout some of the dives we offer at Banzai Divers Hawaii.
| What To Bring | Swimwear, Towels, Reef Safe Sunscreen |
|---|---|
| What's Included | Instructor, Equipment, Snacks & Drinks |
| Additional Notes | Please allow adequate travel time. Check GPS and maps. |
From the Pros
A Banzai Divers Signature Tour
Great For All Experience Levels!
Dive sites are chosen each day based on weather and water conditions, requests for specific sites will be noted.
Dive Locations
Click the flags to view the location.
Atlantis
20 to 40ft (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 in 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 50ft (6-15m)
Located in Pupukea Marine Life Sancturary, This site is perhaps the best example not only Oahu diving, but Hawaii in general. The uniqueness of this site has attracted attention of divers across the globe. Everything from lava tubes and caverns, green sea turtles, endemic fish, dolphin, and monk seals are found to take advantage of this protected marine reserve.
Sharks Cove Tunnels
20 to 50ft (6-15m)
Located in Pupukea Marine Life Sancturary, This site is perhaps the best example not only Oahu diving, but Hawaii in general. The uniqueness of this site has attracted attention of divers across the globe. Everything from lava tubes and caverns, green sea turtles, endemic fish, dolphin, 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 60ft (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 gamefish and spotted eagle rays.
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About Us
Banzai Divers Hawaii is a small diving company that focuses on small, personable groups where divers are treated like old friends. Our goal is to share our love for Hawaiian diving and creating unforgettable memories for you.
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