Kahekili Beach Park - Hawaii

We love a good wreck, and the Memories wreck, despite its shallow depth, delivers character. This isn't a deep, dramatic hulk for technical divers, but a cozy fishing vessel – about 25 metres long – that’s become a nursery for an incredible amount of juvenile fish. Dropping down, you’ll find yourself in just 13 metres of water, often with visibility hovering around four metres, which, we think, just adds to the atmospheric charm. It’s too small to penetrate properly, but poke your head into the cabin and you’ll still make out the captain’s chair, often surrounded by a swirling cloud of juvenile spot-tail, Latin, and Cortez grunts. We’ve spent whole dives just watching them flicker in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye on the hull for nudibranchs – the red-tipped sea goddess is a regular – and we’ve often spotted a well-camouflaged speckled scorpionfish or two resting on the metal. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture macro life and swarming fish, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed exploration of a wreck turned artificial reef.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.938300, -156.693600
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Honolua-Mokuleia Bay 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 Kahekili Beach Park

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 Kahekili Beach Park

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 are the typical diving depths at Kahekili Beach Park?
Divers at Kahekili Beach Park can expect a maximum depth of 12 meters (approximately 40 feet), making it accessible for a wide range of experience levels. This beautiful site offers a highly customizable dive experience within this depth, allowing divers to explore its extensive coral reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Kahekili Beach Park?
Kahekili Beach Park boasts a massive coral reef stretching for miles, with coral islands waiting to be explored. Divers commonly encounter Eels, Colorful Reef Fish, Nudibranchs & Slugs, and Green Turtles. Keep an eye out for occasional sightings of Hawksbill Turtles, Barracuda, Octopus, and Spotted Eagle Rays.
How challenging is diving at Kahekili Beach Park, and is it suitable for beginners?
Kahekili Beach Park is considered an easy dive site, making it suitable and popular with divers of all experience levels, including beginners. With a maximum depth of 12 meters, it offers a safe and enjoyable environment for those new to scuba diving. Its customizable experience ensures a pleasant dive for everyone.
What is the best time of day or year to scuba dive at Kahekili Beach Park for optimal conditions?
Kahekili Beach Park is an excellent dive destination year-round, offering consistent conditions for optimal diving. Divers can expect an impressive average visibility of 18 meters, ensuring clear views of the vibrant marine life and extensive coral reef. For more details on dive seasons, visit DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Kahekili Beach Park, or can beginners do introductory dives?
As an easy dive site popular with all levels, Kahekili Beach Park is highly suitable for beginners and certified divers alike. While specific certification requirements aren't detailed, its accessibility suggests that introductory dives may be available through local operators for uncertified individuals. We recommend checking with local dive shops for their specific policies and equipment needs.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like for scuba diving at Kahekili Beach Park?
While specific details on water temperature and currents are not provided, Kahekili Beach Park boasts an excellent average visibility of 18 meters, indicating generally clear underwater conditions. As an easy dive site popular with all levels, it is typically known for calm and manageable conditions suitable for a relaxing dive experience. Always consult local dive operators for real-time conditions.