First Cathedral - Hawaii

Kinondo, just south of Diani, is one of our favourites for a relaxed, shallow dive. Forget the deeper sites; this spot consistently delivers a vibrant coral garden experience. We’re talking about a gently sloping reef, never pushing much past 20 metres, where the light plays beautifully on the hard corals. On a good day, and we'd always suggest an early morning dive before the winds pick up, the visibility stretches to a comfortable 15 metres. What you'll definitely see are the resident Maori wrasse, big inquisitive characters that often come right up to say hello. Keep an eye out for marbled spinefoot grazing along the reef, and those speedy agujon needlefish zipping through the upper water column. It's a fantastic site for photographers and anyone who just wants to soak in the colours without battling a current. The reef structure itself is interesting, with lots of small nooks and crannies that hide undulated morays and those charming little bar-eyed gobies. We’ve also had some lovely encounters with common coral trout here, just patrolling their patch. For a gentle, colourful dive where you can take your time, Kinondo is a standout.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.737300, -156.868600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Island, Pu'upehe

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 First Cathedral

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 First Cathedral

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 typical depth range for diving at First Cathedral?
The maximum depth for diving at First Cathedral is 20 meters. While the exact typical depth range isn't specified, divers can expect to explore this stunning two-story underwater cavern within that limit. This makes it accessible for many certified divers looking to experience its unique features.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at First Cathedral?
Divers at First Cathedral will be captivated by its unique underwater formations, including a breathtaking two-story cavern and fascinating lava tube openings. Beyond the geology, you can expect to encounter diverse marine life such as turtles, sharks, and lobsters. Keep an eye out for an array of fish, including the endemic Bandit Angel.
How challenging is the First Cathedral dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The First Cathedral dive site is rated as **intermediate** in difficulty. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers who may lack the experience for cavern diving. Divers should have appropriate certification and comfort with similar conditions to fully enjoy this unique site.
What is the best time of year or day to dive First Cathedral for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive First Cathedral for optimal conditions and visibility. However, you can generally expect an average visibility of 24 meters when diving here. For more general information on dive planning, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at First Cathedral?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the **intermediate** difficulty and the maximum depth of 20 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended for First Cathedral. This will ensure you are adequately prepared for exploring the two-story underwater cavern and lava tubes. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the First Cathedral dive site?
Divers at First Cathedral can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 24 meters, offering clear views of the stunning formations and marine life. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators for real-time current information.