Things to Do

Most Popular Underwater Activities In Hawaii

Spend this summer in Hawaii indulging in all the possible submarine activities with your family
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Underwater activities in Hawaii include submarine photography. It is a process of taking pictures of water organisms while scuba diving.

There are hundreds of water-based activities to indulge in during your Hawaii vacation. Typically, people opt for snorkelling, parasailing, wakeboarding or windsurfing.

But today we are not talking about usual water activity. In this article, we have prepared a list of submarine things to do that will give you next-level peace the second you enter the ocean.

From an undersea photoshoot to a long scooter ride, we have covered it all. Hence, scroll down below to learn about unconventional things to do underwater in Hawaii.

1. Underwater Photography

Underwater photography by Terry Flanagan from Oahu, Hawaii
Source : instagram

One of the things to do by the water, underwater photography became a serious profession when photographers took their work to a new level. These images range from aquatic life, science, and wildlife to underwater modelling.

People do this for a living, as a hobby or for their serious passion for nature. Being underwater for a long time needs a lot of preparation. First, you need to have a passion for photography and knowledge of gadgets.

That means scuba diving is the best way to take amazing submarine pictures.

But if photography is not your thing, you can always be a model and get your photoshoot done. Be it a fun vacation picture or a wedding photograph, you can choose to participate in an underwater photoshoot while in Hawaii.

2. Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is amongst the best Oahu water activities. You get to discover an unforgettable encounter with dolphins and get to swim along with them in the ocean.

But if you are not comfortable doing so, you can always watch them in the comfort of your boat. To swim with dolphins, you can take a cruise or boat along the west coast of Oahu, and swim with the smooth skin flipper dolphins in the crystal clear water.

Dolphins are sunflower of waters!! (Photo Courtesy: camgrantphotography)
Source : instagram

Where can you swim with Dolphins in Hawaii??

For safety purposes, it is urged not to go very close to the Dolphins in the ocean. But that doesn't mean you can't cuddle with your favourite animal during your vacation. 

There are different places in Hawaii that offer a chance to swim with the dolphins but in a controlled environment, and some of them are

  • SeaLife Park (Oahu)
  • Dolphin Quest at the Kahala Hotel (Oahu)
  • Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa Village (Hawaii Island)

3. Spearfishing

One of the earliest fishing techniques used by mankind, spearfishing is done using an elongated, sharp-pointed tool to impale the fish in the body. Although the technique is outdated elsewhere, people admit Hawaii to be a spearo's paradise.

Top Shot Spearfishing in Maui
Source : instagram

Among the oldest things to do on the water, spearfishing is also a massive sensation for adrenaline junkies. As they say "The beauty in this as a spearo is the ability to hunt reef and pelagic fish at the same time".

What do you need for this surprisingly sustainable sport?

For a smooth spearfishing experience, all you need is enthusiasm and the following gears

  • Speargun
  • Fins
  • Masks
  • Snorkel
  • Float, Flag
  • Float-line
  • Stringer
  • Knife
  • Wetsuits
  • Socks and Gloves

4. Finswimming

Finswimming is an underwater sport where you swim with the use of fins, either monofins or bi-fins on the water's surface using a snorkel.

Buy some fins this year for Fin swimming lessons during your Hawaii vacation
Source : bfm

Though it sounds difficult, finswimming is as easy as swimming and snorkelling. Moreover, the technique is a mixture of swimming, diving and snorkelling. So hurry up and join the finswimming team in Hawaii to experience the swimming techniques and survival skills of a sea turtle or other water animals.

5. Submarine Scooter

Uncover the majestic marine life of Hawaii by indulging in the newest form of water activity, that is submarine scooter ride. You can choose a single or twin scooter to explore the aquatic life and easy maneuverability.

Submarine Scooter will help you move faster in water without putting much effort
Source : instagram

How to get a water scooter for yourself?

To get a water scooter all you have to do is set out on your nearest beach, hire a scooter from a local company and board a power catamaran to reach your destination.

But the best part about trying this scooter is you do not need prior experience to ride this self-propelled underwater scooter that allows you to observe your favourite sea turtles, tropical fishes, dolphins and many more.

6. Shark Swim & Cage Diving

Passion, for me, is like a shark – it never stops moving (photo courtesy: Jared Butler)
Source : instagram

North Shore shark diving without Cage is a hit amongst the group of adrenaline junkies. It is because you can get very close to these animals and experience a unique adrenaline rush in your body.

Usually, people choose to stay inside the cage to protect themselves from ocean predators which is actually how it should be done.

But if you are one of the thrill seekers who thrive on these sensations, spending about 30 minutes with the sharks will be the best time of your life.

However, even if you are not in the cage. the chances of being attacked out of the blue are less as you will be surrounded by a team of guides and safety divers for your rescue.

But if you are not comfortable without the cage, it is never too late to ask for one before you dive in. 

7. Snorkelling

Snorkeling is not just about seeing the ocean, it's about feeling it
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Are you wondering what to see underwater Oahu? If yes, the answer to your question is snorkelling. Your quest to find a water activity in Hawaii is now over as we have found a perfect day sport for you in Honolulu Hawaii.

Once you enter and watch the world of marine animals, you will discover an unforgettable creature in its natural habitat. To begin the fun, you need to hire a boat or board a cruise to the west coast of Oahu or Maui.

Then, grab the snorkelling gear and jump inside the water to live the amazing life of a marine animal. From tiny colourful fish to large sharks and whales, there are different kinds of harmful and gentle animals in the ocean.

Hence, you have to choose the safest part of the ocean to swim along with the bottleneck dolphin or some colourful fishes that will make your day.

On the bright side, you do not have to worry about your safety,  as there are trained guides, lifesavers, and free divers for any emergency available on the cruise.

Highlights of the aquatics

  • Watch dolphins from your boat 
  • Enjoy stand-up paddling, kayaking, and snorkelling
  • Take part in onboard activities such as Hula dance 
  • Snorkel in pristine waters 

8. Scuba Diving

People love scuba diving to watch the diversity of aquatic animals and their habitats. Via scuba diving, not only do you get to swim along those beautiful turtles, but you also get to experience the purity and serenity of the ocean.

Scuba Diving- The cure for anything is salt water!
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Scuba Diving is one of the top water activities Oahu. You can book your scuba gear from the beach and also hire an instructor to lead you to a heavenly waterway.

So what are you waiting for?? Grab the essentials and go scuba diving with your peers to soak up the beauty of underwater land.

If you are experienced, you can go to the beach by yourself with your own gear if not there are different adventure companies to book the essentials from.

9. Feeding Manta Rays

Tough manta rays are found almost everywhere in Hawaii but Big Island is famous for it. People take their kids and family or go on their own to watch the process of feeding the mantas.

Feeding Manta Rays is one of the best things to do in Big Island, Hawaii
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Typically, there are three locations on Big Island to feed the Manta Rays-  Manta Village, Manta Heaven, and the Kawaihae Harbour. Now, if you are wondering about what these giant Manta Rays eat, you will be amazed at the list of things these fishes love devouring.

Per locals, manta rays prefer eating small-sized fish or planktonic organisms such as euphausiids, copepods, mysids, decapod larvae, and shrimp.