

Best for advanced divers, 8-21m, boat entry, strong current.
Rabbit Island features a combination of reef, drop-off, and wall topography located 1200 metres off the windward coast of Oahu. Divers encounter depths between 8 and 21 metres, with visibility ranging from 10 to 24 metres. The site is defined by strong currents that require advanced skills and precise buoyancy control. Marine life includes very common crabs and snails, common hermit crabs and Pacific white-spotted sea cucumbers, and uncommon sightings of yellow-edged moray, wrasses, Hawaiian convict surgeonfish, wedgetail triggerfish, sergeants, and sea cucumbers. Due to hazardous surf and shore break, boat access is mandatory. Divers must remain alert for sharks and manage air consumption carefully against the current.
21.32198, -157.65880
If you are using standard aluminum tanks, snorkel at least part of the way to the island to save air.
Entry at Makapu'u Beach involves a walk from the parking lot down the hill. A second entry is the small beach to the right of the Makai Research Pier.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-21m
Visibility
10-24m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
23-26°C
Current
Strong
Divers regularly encounter crabs and snails, along with hermit crabs and Pacific white-spotted sea cucumbers. Less frequently, you may spot yellow-edged moray, wrasses, Hawaiian convict surgeonfish, wedgetail triggerfish, sergeants, and other sea cucumbers.
No, Rabbit Island is intended for advanced divers only due to the strong currents, hazardous surf, and the need for solid navigation skills.
The site ranges from 8 to 21 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
This is a boat-only dive. Access from the shore is prohibited due to dangerous surf and shore break conditions.
The main hazards include strong currents, unpredictable surf, and the presence of sharks. Divers should maintain high situational awareness throughout the dive.
Diving at Rabbit Island in Waimanalo requires the following certifications: Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Rabbit Island in Waimanalo. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 26°C.
Rabbit Island in Waimanalo can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Rabbit Island in Waimanalo typically ranges from 10 metres to 24 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.