This dive is for certified divers only with at least 30 logged dives or an Advanced Open Water certification.
Dive Niihau is an advanced 3-tank Kauai scuba diving tour in the offshore waters of Ni'ihau, also known as Hawaii's “Forbidden Isle.” Located 17 miles southwest of Kauai, Ni'ihau offers dramatic underwater scenery, excellent visibility and challenging dive sites for experienced certified divers.
First, the diving adventure begins at 6:00 am with the boat trip from Kauai's south shore to Ni'ihau. Breakfast is served on board during the 2.5-hour crossing. The northern tip of Ni'ihau and the crater at nearby Lehua Rock are known for wall dives, lava formations, caves and rich marine life.
Next, the first dive of the day is usually a deeper site, such as Vertical Awareness or Keyhole. These lava shelf areas may feature reef fish, lobsters, octopus and monk seals. At about 100 feet deep with excellent visibility, this dive is usually short but memorable.
After that, the second dive may take place at Super Highways, which reaches about 60 to 80 feet. This site is known for a lava formation that resembles a highway structure. Divers may see whitetip reef sharks, yellowmargin eels, tiger cowries, small caves and swim-throughs while the captain prepares lunch on board.
Finally, the third dive is usually either Drive-Through Cave or a drift along Lehua Rock. This final dive is typically shallower and more relaxed, with a maximum depth of about 40 to 50 feet. This Kauai scuba diving experience is offered by Seasport Divers, a Kauai dive operator that leads advanced boat dives around the island.
Advanced Niihau Dive Highlights
- Enjoy a 3-tank dive in the offshore waters of Ni'ihau
- Experience wall dives, lava pillars, large caves and excellent visibility
- Explore dive sites near Ni'ihau and Lehua Rock when conditions allow
- Look for spinner dolphins, butterflyfish, angelfish, spotted eagle rays and monk seals
- Watch for lobster, octopus, tiger cowries and possible manta rays or sharks
Tour Inclusions
- Light breakfast, large lunch, snacks, water and juice
- 3 tanks, dive computer, weights, wetsuit, mask and fins
- Tour led by a PADI, SSI or NAUI diving instructor
- Thorough dive briefing before entering the water
Nitrox, BCD and regulator are available for an extra fee.
Please download and fill out this required medical questionnaire and bring it with you to the dive.
Special Instructions
Where & When
Tour returns to the Seasport Divers dive shop around 6:00 pm.
Restrictions
Due to its remote location and the type of diving conducted, this dive is for experienced divers only with at least 30 logged dives or an Advanced Open Water certification.
Minimum age to scuba dive is 15 years. Minimum age for non-diving observers (ridealongs) is 15 years.
There is a Medical Questionnaire that needs to be filled out and passed to participate in this scuba dive. If participant fails the Medical Questionnaire, a doctor must give a written statement (faxes are OK) that scuba activities are safe and allowed for this participant prior to going scuba diving.