reef

Log This Dive

First Cathedral

We’ve made the crossing from Maui to Lanai’s First Cathedral more times than we can count, and it never gets old. What makes it special isn’t just the cavern itself, though that’s certainly a draw, it’s the light. Sunlight streams through the cracks in the lava rock ceiling, illuminating the interior in a way that truly feels like stained glass. We love finding a perch inside and just watching the light shift and play, especially around midday for the best effect. Inside, look for the small “altar” rock formation and keep an eye out for slipper lobsters tucked into crevices. The outside walls of the cathedral are often patrolled by schools of yellow tang, and we’ve often spotted green sea turtles gliding by the entrance. It’s a pretty easy dive, maxing out at 20 meters, so it’s a good one for newer divers looking for a mellow cavern experience without strong currents. Just be aware it can get a bit busy with other charters, so try to go early if you can.