Turtle Pinnacle - Hawaii

Kuabs, about 20 minutes from Gizo, is a proper wall dive. It’s a sloping reef, really, dropping to about 22m. We’ve found the hard corals here are genuinely impressive, with some surprising pops of colour amongst the usual reef fish. Keep an eye out for reef sharks gliding by, and we’ve even heard whispers of dugong sightings, though we haven’t been lucky enough to spot one ourselves. Visibility averages a good 30m, making it a relaxed dive for anyone comfortable with a gentle descent.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
19.981400, -155.860600
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 Turtle Pinnacle

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 Turtle Pinnacle

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Turtle Pinnacle?
The maximum depth for diving at Turtle Pinnacle is 17 meters. This makes it a great site for divers of various experience levels to enjoy the vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Turtle Pinnacle?
Divers at Turtle Pinnacle can expect to encounter a thriving reef ecosystem, most notably a famous turtle cleaning station. You'll see TONS of turtles being cleaned by schools of surgeonfish, and manta rays also frequent the site, particularly at night when they are drawn to the hotel lights.
Is Turtle Pinnacle considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
Turtle Pinnacle is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it's not typically recommended for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding and manageable dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Turtle Pinnacle for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving at Turtle Pinnacle. However, the site consistently offers incredible encounters with turtles and surgeonfish, and manta rays are often present, especially at night. For general information on optimal diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Turtle Pinnacle?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated, given that Turtle Pinnacle is an intermediate dive site, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. This ensures divers are comfortable with the maximum depth of 17 meters and any potential conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Turtle Pinnacle dive site?
Divers at Turtle Pinnacle can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 21 meters. The provided information does not detail the typical current conditions at this site.