Four of the Top Dive Sites in Oahu

After joining the Marine Corps on his 18th birthday, Adam Schwarze worked for 10 years before joining the Navy in 2012. Commissioned as a Naval Special Warfare Officer, he serves with the Navy SEALs based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Adam Schwarze enjoys taking advantage of the island’s scuba diving opportunities.

Its warm water and rich naval history make Oahu home to numerous stunning dive sites, including the following:

1. YO-257 — This upright ship was intentionally sunken in 1996 to create an underwater attraction. In the past 20 years, it has grown sponges and corals, and cutouts on both sides that allow divers to penetrate safely. Located at 100 feet deep, it often attracts green sea turtles.

2. Makaha Caverns — Formed by collapsed lava tubes, the tunnels are home to marine life, including octopus, turtles, and eels. Because they sit at a depth from 30 to 45 feet, the site is appropriate for certified divers of all levels.

3. Sea Tiger — The deepest of Oahu wrecks at 80 to 124 feet, this Chinese merchant ship sunk in 1999 and is now the property of the U.S. Coast Guard. Divers can regularly see whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and green sea turtles.

4. Vought F4U Corsair — At a depth of 115 feet, this fighter aircraft is accessible to advanced divers, who can observe the cockpit’s gauges, control stick, and rudder pedals. In the sand surrounding the downed plane, divers can find hundreds of garden eels.