Cathedral II - Hawaii

The FV Maritime Reefer is less a wreck, more a scattering of interesting metal shards. Sunk in '81, it’s taken a beating over the decades, storms have really spread it out, so don’t come expecting a ship you can swim through. What you get instead is a proper habitat, and we love that. Those scattered plates and beams are home to some chunky moray eels, and we’ve seen countless lionfish lurking in the shadows. Visibility often hovers around 5 meters, which adds a spooky, intimate feel as you glide over the debris. It’s shallow, only down to 18m, making it a good wreck experience for divers not looking for extreme depths. Keep an eye out for the big parrotfish, Schlegel's often cruise by, and we’ve spotted humphead wrasse here too. If you’re into the idea of a wreck becoming a natural reef over time, the Reefer is our pick.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.730300, -156.921600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District

Best Time to Dive in Hawaii

The warmest water temperatures in Hawaii occur in September, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 25.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.2°C
  • February: 25.7°C
  • March: 25.6°C
  • April: 26.0°C
  • May: 26.8°C
  • June: 27.6°C
  • July: 27.9°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 28.6°C
  • November: 27.9°C
  • December: 27.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hawaii

Nearest Dive Centres to Cathedral II

Marine Life in Hawaii

Home to 23 recorded species including 17 reef fish, 3 other, 2 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cathedral II

Based on average water temperature of 27.2°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Cathedral II in Lanai?
The maximum depth for diving at Cathedral II in Lanai is 20 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certified divers looking to explore this desired site.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Cathedral II?
At Cathedral II, divers can expect to explore the largest of the two impressive cathedral formations, which is a significant underwater reef structure. You will also have the unique opportunity to see Black Coral during your dive, adding to the site's allure.
How difficult is the Cathedral II dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Cathedral II dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is a highly desired site, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers due to its characteristics and the hour-long boat ride across the channel.
What is the best time of year to dive Cathedral II in Lanai for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Cathedral II for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Hawaii, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Cathedral II?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving Cathedral II. However, as it is rated an intermediate dive site, divers should ensure they have the appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Cathedral II dive site?
Divers at Cathedral II can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 24 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site is not available in the provided data.