Diving Ni'ihau Island

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

SCUBA Diving off of the Island of Ni'ihau is probably the premier dive site near Kauai.  Dive boats depart southern Kauai Ports for the 40-mile (approximately 2 hour) trip over to the Island of Ni'ihau.  Most of the diving is done at sites just off of Lehua Rock - a rock outcrop just off the coast of Ni'ihau.  Because of the blue-sea boat ride, this dive is only offered in calmer summer months (dependent on sea state and winds).  Even in the middle of the summer, the boat ride back at the end of the day can be very rough.

Your dive operator will take you over to the very beautiful Ni'ihau island and three dive locations around Lehua Rock - which is in itself very pretty with stark cliffs, a natural bridge, and many caves.  You will likely see pods of Spinner Dolphins at the surface in between dives.

Underwater, the dives here are deep - going past 120 feet.  Steep walls plunge into the depths and the underwater terrain is diverse including an area with numerous swim-throughs, arches, lava tubes, and underwater caverns.  Kauai is situated a latitude more northern than the other Hawaiian Islands and at the edge of the "coral belt".  Thus, the coral life is not as plentiful or vibrant as say the Big Island.  Nor is the underwater visibility as stunning as the Kona Coast.  However, the underwater animal life is remarkable.  You will likely see sharks (we saw Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Reef Sharks).  Also, you have the very rare opportunity to see the Hawaiian Monk Seal which is endemic to Hawaiian waters and is endangered with only about 1400 in existence.  Check out our Hawaiian Monk Seal page with additional photos and video.  At the end of our dive we came across a 25' Whale Shark and were able to swim with this beautiful giant - this was the highlight of our trip and the best diving experience I have ever had!  View map.

Prices for the three-tank dive are not cheap, ranging about $225-$250, but if you plan on doing one dive on your Kauai trip - this should be it.  The incredible wall dives, soaring lava pillars, and enormous caves, combined with bountiful fish, numerous pelagics, and good visibility, dazzle even the most discriminating divers.  The day incorporates three dives, two deep and one shallow and includes sites like Vertical Awareness or Keyhole, a 280-foot wall, Super Highway, Drive Through Cave and Lehua Rock.  This tour only operates during May - September.

Na Pali Coast Tour & Niihau
Na Pali Coast is a "must see" on Kauai. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kaua'i is an awe-inspiring sight from the sea. After sightseeing and hearing the history of the Na Pali Coast, you will head across the channel to the Ni'ihau.  Ni'ihau is called the 'Forbidden Isle' because only those of true Hawaiian ancestry may live there. Visiting this part of the island chain is a very special experience. Relax, float and watch the comings and goings of the aquatic world. You may even see one of the curious Hawaiian Monk Seals that inhabit these waters. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious lunch

Dive Kauai with Sea Sport Divers
Seasport Divers is a full service PADI certification center and specialize in boat charters of the South Shore and Ni'ihauand have been named by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine "top 5 boat operators in the Pacific and Indian Oceans"!  There are numerous dive sites to choose from on the South Shore, and Seasport Divers will make certain you have a quality experience.  The 43-Foot Anela Kai (Sea Angel) is Kauai's most luxurious and spacious dive boat. It is a custom-fitted Pro48 and certified for 42 passengers or 30 divers however to ensure your comfort.  She is equipped with a camera station and rinse bucket, television, stereo, two ladders for exiting the water, two hot water showers, washer/dryer for warm towels, and a large cab offering shade from the sun.

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