Puako - Hawaii

Smith Cove, for us, is a perfect shore dive when you’re looking for something easy and rewarding. We love the feeling of strolling in from the beach, fins on, and almost immediately being surrounded by the reef. There’s a distinct mini-wall structure here, dropping down to about 19 metres, but it’s the colossal coral heads scattered on the sandy bottom that really catch our eye. Keep an eye out for the Orange-spotted Blennies bobbing their heads in the crevices; they’re often overlooked but a real treat to find. The visibility averages a decent 19 metres, so you get clear views of those busy French Grunts schooling, and the parrotfish making their incessant crunching sounds as they graze. Our favourite moment is always finning through the small archway near the mooring line – it’s a simple thrill, but really adds to the charm. If you’re into macro life, slow down and scan the sandy patches for Sand Gobies or even a shy Sand Stargazer. This site is brilliant for a relaxed afternoon dive, no pressure, just good, honest Caribbean reef diving.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
19.974200, -155.844700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Waialea 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 Puako

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 Puako

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 depths for scuba diving at Puako?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Puako is 17 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with various certification levels, offering a comfortable depth range for exploration of the reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Puako?
Divers at Puako can explore a vibrant reef environment. Expect to encounter diverse marine life such as schools of fish, pufferfish, garden eels, and moray eels. Keep an ear out for the enchanting whale songs and chatter that can often be heard underwater, adding a unique dimension to your dive experience. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is shore diving at Puako, especially the entry and exit?
Shore diving at Puako features an easy beach entry, making access straightforward for divers. However, the overall dive difficulty is rated as intermediate, suggesting that while entry is simple, divers should be prepared for other potential conditions or navigation challenges.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Puako for optimal conditions?
For optimal conditions at Puako, it is best to dive early in the day. Winds typically start to pick up around 11 am, which can lead to rougher water and reduced visibility. Planning your dive for the morning will ensure a more enjoyable experience with an average visibility of 20 meters. Learn more about when to dive for best conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Puako?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 17 meters at Puako, an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended. This certification ensures you have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely navigate the site's conditions and depths within recreational limits.
What are the typical current and swell conditions divers might encounter at Puako?
Divers at Puako should be aware that conditions can change throughout the day. Winds typically pick up around 11 am, which can lead to rougher water and potentially stronger swells. Planning an early morning dive is advisable to experience calmer conditions and better visibility.