Place of Refuge (Honaunau Bay) – Hawaii – Big Island

15m Max

10-25m Vis

shore

Site Overview

Place of Refuge at Honaunau Bay is one of Hawaii's most accessible and beautiful shore dives located adjacent to the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. The calm protected bay features healthy coral gardens with abundant green sea turtles, diverse tropical fish, and occasional dolphin visits in crystal-clear water. The volcanic lava shelf creates a unique underwater landscape with coral growing directly on ancient lava flows. The site is renowned for its calm conditions making it perfect for training dives, photography, and extended exploration. The cultural significance of the adjacent historical park adds a unique dimension to the diving experience connecting visitors with ancient Hawaiian traditions. The cultural significance of this site extends beyond diving as the adjacent Puuhonua o Honaunau was an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge where those who broke kapu laws could seek absolution. This cultural heritage adds profound depth to the diving experience connecting visitors with centuries of Hawaiian maritime tradition. The healthy coral gardens within the bay demonstrate successful marine conservation with coral coverage exceeding eighty percent in many areas. The resident green sea turtle population includes individuals that have been documented returning to the same cleaning stations for over fifteen years. The underwater environment supports extraordinary biodiversity making every dive a rewarding exploration of marine ecosystems and geological formations unique to this location.

Dive Briefing

"Enter the water from the rocky lava shelf on the left side of the bay and swim toward the coral gardens at 5 to 15 meters depth. Green sea turtles are abundant throughout the site and frequently approach divers. The coral formations include cauliflower coral, finger coral, and plate coral supporting diverse fish communities. Explore the lava ledges where moray eels and octopus hide during the day. The bay's protection from ocean swell creates consistently calm conditions ideal for extended bottom times. Exit through the same entry point watching for surge on the lava shelf. The calm protected conditions make this site ideal for underwater photography practice with abundant subjects at every depth range. The lava shelf entry provides a unique geological setting where coral grows directly on ancient volcanic rock creating a striking contrast. The historical park offers cultural context that enriches the overall experience beyond the underwater exploration."