The Back Side - Hawaii

The Back Side, for us, is one of those sites you return to, not just for the fish count, but for the sheer energy. It's an endless parade of butterflyfish, and we especially love watching the big long-nosed ones flit by, alongside their limespot cousins. We’ve had some cracking encounters with whitetip reef sharks here, often just cruising in the deeper sections, completely unbothered. What makes The Back Side a standout is the way the reef drops, creating little ledges and overhangs that are perfect for spotting blotcheye and epaulette soldierfish tucked away. Keep an eye out for the granulated drupe, often clinging to the rocks, and those surprisingly colourful scarlet wrasse zipping between coral heads. For the macro enthusiasts, the crevices hold a lot of secrets; we always find something new. Conditions can vary, so we always check the reports for surge, especially on a south swell. It's a dive that rewards a slow pace and a keen eye. If you're into just soaking up the busy reef vibe, this is your spot.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.630003, -156.495990

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Island, Molokini Seabird Sanctuary, Light

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 The Back Side

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 The Back Side

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