Scuba Dive at Ni’Ihau (Forbidden Island)

Scuba diving enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure can explore the stunning underwater world of Ni’ihau, Hawaii’s famed "Forbidden Island." This small-group experience offers the rare opportunity to take in the island’s vibrant marine ecosystem, home to an array of captivating creatures. With expert guides leading the way, divers can expect to encounter Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, and a kaleidoscope of colorful coral and fish. But what lies beneath the waves is only the beginning of this extraordinary journey.

This experience made our article of 13 Must-Try Scuba Diving Experiences In Kauai.

Key Points

• Scuba diving at Ni’ihau is a unique and exclusive opportunity for experienced divers, offering encounters with rare marine life like Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays.
• The small-group tour with a maximum of 6 travelers ensures personalized attention and guidance from expert crew throughout the diving experience.
• The package includes all necessary scuba equipment, as well as meals and refreshments, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day for divers.
• Accessibility to Ni’ihau may be impacted during certain months, with a partial refund offered in such cases.
• Moderate physical fitness is required, and the tour is not suitable for those with serious medical conditions or accessibility needs.

Overview and Experience

Though scuba diving at Ni’ihau, also known as the "Forbidden Island," is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s limited to experienced divers only.

This exceptional tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 20 reviews.

As a badge of excellence, the experience is small-group with a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the expert crew.

The diving excursion allows explorers to observe unique marine life, including Hawaiian monk seals, sandbar sharks, manta rays, and butterfly fish, making it a must-do for avid divers visiting Hawaii.

Diving Details

What does the diving experience at Ni’ihau entail?

Explorers will dive at one of Hawaii’s premier sites, encountering unique marine life like Hawaiian monk seals, sandbar sharks, manta rays, and butterfly fish.

The excursion offers two dives with an expert crew to guide you through the underwater world.

During a break, you’ll visit Lehua Crater while searching for seabirds and dolphins on the surface.

Scuba equipment, lunch, snacks, and bottled water are provided, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions

The scuba diving package at Ni’ihau includes all the necessary equipment for a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Divers will be provided with scuba gear, including tanks, regulators, and BCs.

Lunch, snacks, and bottled water are also included, ensuring travelers stay nourished and hydrated throughout the day.

Bathroom facilities are available, making it convenient for guests.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the underwater wonders of Ni’ihau without having to worry about logistics or additional expenses.

Meeting and Logistics

The meeting point for the scuba diving experience at Ni’ihau is the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, Hawaii.

Travelers should arrive no later than 6:30 am. Parking is available in a grassy field to the right of the harbor.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Bathrooms are available on-site.

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Health and Safety Information

As mentioned earlier, this scuba diving experience at Ni’ihau isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this tour.

While every effort will be made to dive at Ni’ihau, the tour may be rerouted to local diving spots if weather conditions are poor.

Plus, accessibility to Ni’ihau may be affected during the October-April period, in which case a 45% refund will apply.

Scuba certification is mandatory for this dive at Ni’ihau.

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the start are free of charge.

Scuba Diving at Ni’ihau

Although known as the "Forbidden Island," Ni’ihau offers some of Hawaii’s most spectacular scuba diving opportunities.

Explorers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including:

1. Hawaiian monk seals, which are native to the Hawaiian Islands and are one of the rarest marine mammals in the world.
2. Sandbar sharks, which are known for their docile nature and are a popular sight for divers.
3. Manta rays and butterfly fish, which add to the island’s vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Lunch at Lehua Crater and the chance to spot seabirds and dolphins complete this unforgettable diving adventure.

Unique Marine Life

Ni’ihau’s underwater realm boasts an array of unique marine creatures that captivate divers. Among them are the elusive Hawaiian monk seal, a critically endangered species found only in the Hawaiian Islands.

Divers may also encounter majestic sandbar sharks and graceful manta rays gliding through the clear waters. A stunning array of butterfly fish, adorned in vibrant hues, dart amongst the coral formations.

During the surface interval, explorers may spot pods of dolphins and seabirds soaring overhead, adding to the overall enchantment of this remote and protected island dive site.

Lunch and Sightseeing at Lehua Crater

After an exhilarating underwater exploration, divers can look forward to a rejuvenating break at Lehua Crater.

The tour includes:

1. A chance to spot seabirds and dolphins while enjoying a tasty lunch.
2. The opportunity to rest and refuel before the second dive.
3. The stunning views of the volcanic crater, providing a unique perspective of Ni’ihau’s rugged terrain.

During this interlude, travelers can savor a well-deserved meal and keep an eye out for the diverse marine life that thrives in the area, including the iconic Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays spotted earlier.

Sum Up

Scuba diving at Ni’ihau, also known as the Forbidden Island, offers an extraordinary opportunity for experienced divers to explore Hawaii’s stunning underwater ecosystem. With exclusive access and expert guidance, divers can encounter a diverse array of marine life, including Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays, in an unforgettable adventure. This small-group experience is a must-do for avid divers visiting the islands.