Hawaii, United States
    Offshore Island, Molokini Seabird Sanctuary, Light

    The Back Side

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Offshore Island, Molokini Seabird Sanctuary, Light

    Why dive here

    The Back Side is a 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

    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.

    Today06:2018:0711h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:37

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Back Side

    The Back Side Ocean Conditions

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

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    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)

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