Makena Landing - Hawaii

Paradise Reef, for us, is a perfect antidote to Grand Cayman's deeper, more famous walls. It's a shallower dive, topping out around 16m, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's less interesting. We love it for its unexpected finds and the way the light plays on the coral. You're dropping onto a mix of robust hard corals and the softer, more delicate stuff. Look closely and you'll spot some real characters: we’ve found Mimic Blennies peeking from their holes and Mushroom Scorpionfish blending in perfectly. The highlight for many is the chance to spot a sleeping nurse shark tucked away, or a turtle gliding past. We also often see large schools of French Grunts moving like a silver curtain. The true insider tip here is to time your dive to catch the last hour of afternoon sun; the colours really pop. What makes Paradise Reef truly shine is its proximity to the Oro Verde wreck. It’s a comfortable 10-minute swim between the two, meaning you can easily combine a drift over the reef with a wreck exploration in a single dive. This site suits divers who appreciate a relaxed pace, keen eyes for macro life, and those looking for a bonus wreck without the commitment of a dedicated deep dive.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.653600, -156.442000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: 'Ahihi Kina'u

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 Makena Landing

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 Makena Landing

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