Wailea - Hawaii

The Akka Wreck, nestled on Scotland's west coast, isn't just another sunken ship. It’s a proper expedition, a real journey through history submerged. We love how the Akka just *feels* Scottish – rugged, a bit moody, and utterly compelling. Drop down and you’re instantly in its world; the bow points west, the stern to the east, broken but still retaining its shape. What really gets us about the Akka is the scale and the surprises. As you move along the main deck, there are these huge, gaping holds where the light pushes through. It’s dark inside but not claustrophobic, and you can duck into some of the more open sections. Keep an eye out for the resident wrasse; they're bold here, darting between the metalwork. Our favourite detail has to be the mast, still mostly intact and reaching up, covered in hydroids that sway with the gentle surge. It’s not a shallow dive, so you’ll want decent air consumption and maybe a twinset to really take your time. This is for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, not just a structure, and don’t mind a bit of a current to earn their views.

Location
Hawaii, United States, North America
Coordinates
20.683400, -156.444100
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Wailea

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
5,409 GRT

The SS Akka was a Swedish steamship carrying a vital cargo of iron ore from Narvik, Norway, destined for the war effort in Britain. On the night of April 2, 1940, while navigating the often-treacherous Sound of Mull in a convoy, she found herself in the midst of a fierce storm. In the poor visibility and churning seas, she collided with the SS Maple, another vessel in the convoy. The damage was catastrophic. The Akka sank within minutes, taking her entire crew with her, a tragic loss in the early days of the war.

Resting in approximately 40 meters of water, the Akka is now one of the classic deep wreck dives on Scotland's west coast. The wreck is broken into two main sections, the bow and the stern, lying about 100 meters apart. Strong tidal currents sweep through the Sound of Mull, making this a dive for experienced individuals, best dived at slack water. The stern section is the more substantial of the two, where divers can explore the rudder and propeller. The surrounding hull plates are adorned with a beautiful tapestry of plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and resident conger eels, making it a spectacular sight in the deep, green waters.

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Island

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 Wailea

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 Wailea

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 Wailea dive sites, and are there options for deeper dives?
At Wailea, divers can explore multiple fingered shallow reefs with depths averaging around 15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters). For those seeking deeper adventures, venturing out to the outer reef offers opportunities to dive to 40 feet (12 meters) and beyond, though the stated maximum depth for the site is 11 meters. This makes it versatile for various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Wailea?
Divers at Wailea can expect to explore multiple fingered shallow reefs, which serve as home to a quite a variety of reef fish. Keep an eye out for the occasional Hawaiian Green Sea turtles gracefully swimming by, and be sure to look for eels hidden among the reef structures.
How challenging are the dive sites in Wailea, and are they suitable for beginner scuba divers?
Wailea is considered a great spot for intro dives, especially for beginners, due to its calm water conditions and accessible shallow reefs. While the site is generally suitable for new divers, its overall difficulty is rated as intermediate, offering more challenging options for those who venture to the outer reef or deeper sections.
What is the best time of year or day to go scuba diving in Wailea for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for Wailea does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. However, the water is generally calm, making it suitable for diving. For general information on optimal diving times, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at various Wailea dive sites, especially for shore dives versus boat dives?
The provided information for Wailea does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for different areas or distinguish between shore versus boat dives. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for most recreational dives within the stated depths of 15 to 40 feet. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for scuba diving in Wailea, and how do they vary by season?
Wailea is known for its calm water conditions, making it an excellent location for introductory dives. The provided data does not offer specific details on typical current strengths or how water conditions might vary by season. Divers can generally expect good average visibility of 14 meters.