Hawaii, United States
    Waialea Bay Marine Life Conservation District

    Puako

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Waialea Bay Marine Life Conservation District

    Why dive here

    Puako is a reef dive where divers can encounter blue sharks, sea turtles and sperm whales. Water ranges 25-28°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales
    Water25-28°C · warmest August, September, October
    CharacterReef dive

    Puako feels like our secret spot, even though it's hardly a secret to locals. We love the easy beach entry here, especially when the morning sun hits the water just right. It’s got that relaxed, unhurried vibe, perfect for a couple of long, easy dives. Down to 17 metres, the reef structure is a series of ledges and small caves, home to so many of Hawaii’s endemic fish. You’ll spot plenty of Sandwich Isle Filefish and the striking Big long-nosed Butterflyfish, flitting between the corals. Dive Puako early, and we mean early. The water is usually glass-calm before 10 am, offering consistent 20-metre visibility. By late morning, the wind kicks up, and things get choppy, making the entry and exit a bit more of a workout. Keep an ear out for humpback whale songs in the winter months; the sounds really carry through the water here, a truly immersive experience. This site is great for anyone wanting a chill dive with plenty of unique Hawaiian marine life, minus the crowds.

    Today06:1718:0511h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:35

    Nearest Dive Centres to Puako

    Dive shops near Puako

    View all dive centres in Hawaii

    Reviews for Puako

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Puako

    Puako Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Puako, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (20.73, -156.95) (9km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 26.7–28.4°C

    Current Speed

    11.31 cm/s

    Direction: NW (315°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.035 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.58 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Hawaii, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Hawaii

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Hawaii.

    Search stays in Hawaii

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Puako

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Hawaii