The Hawaiian Islands represent the perfect combination of the familiar and the exotic. With convenient air access from all around the Pacific Rim, a well developed tourism infrastructure and an intoxicating tropical splendor, this U.S. state is a magnet for travelers of all kinds. But, it’s especially popular with divers.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

The chain of volcanic islands that makes up Hawaii stretches more than 1,000 miles through the warm, crystal-clear waters of the open Pacific. Underwater offerings feature elaborate bottom formations, encrusted with corals, an abundance of colorful tropicals and the ever present possibility of big animal encounters, including Humpback Whales, sea turtles, reef sharks, Pilot Whales and dolphins.

Though excellent diving can be found throughout the chain, the sites closer to the tourism hot spots are, naturally, the most popular. A few, brief examples include the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, where exceptionally clear water meets the newest lava formations; the Cathedrals, off Lanai, where the lava chambers offer an almost religious experience; Molokini Crater, where you’ll find Black Coral and reef sharks; and the 165-foot Mahi wreck, off Oahu.

MIDWAY 

The Midway Islands (famous for the naval/air battles of WW II) are located at the northern tip of the Hawaiian chain. Administered by the U.S. Navy, they offer a unique twist on the underwater offerings in this area—a taste of atoll diving. This is the home of the rare Monk Seal, and you will also find sharks, shallow lagoons, barrier reefs and all of the endemic Hawaiian fishes.