Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest May–Sep · Moderate current · 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Current
- Moderate
- Water temperature
- 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Visibility
- 12–35m: Local Kauaʻi visibility is variable.
- Experience
- Kauaʻi local reefs include Open Water options.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Green turtles are resident around Kauaʻi reefs.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Niʻihau is one of the better-known scuba areas for chance encounters, but no monthly probability is defensible and sightings are not assured.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Galapagos sharks may patrol Niʻihau and Lehua sites.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Eagle rays may pass walls and sand channels without a supported monthly peak.
See all 8 species
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
Koloa Landing
A commonly used south-shore entry and training site.
2–18m · Mild current
Sheraton Caverns
A south-Kauaʻi lava formation with broad openings and turtle resting areas.
8–18m · Mild current
Keyhole at Lehua
A lava formation near Lehua reached on the Niʻihau crossing.
10–30m · Moderate current
See all 4 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsModerate. Fly to LIH. Typical trip $–$$.
Route overview
Moderate
Reachable but with some friction: a 2h boat crossing.
Airport options
LIH
Līhuʻe Airport
Poʻipū and south-shore operators are roughly 20–35 minutes by road
Typical trip cost
$–$$
under $2,000 to $2,000–4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Local two-tank trips commonly cost about $180–250 USD.
- Seasonal three-tank Niʻihau days are commonly about $400–650 before equipment, tax and tips.