Wai'olena Reef (Leleiwi)

The dive starts with a shoreline entry over lava rock, through a shallow spring pool, into water framed by lava formations and coral growth. Footing on the a'a lava is uneven, so divers carry their gear carefully and settle in once past the edge. Surge and swell set the plan for the day: the profile runs from 8 to 21 m (25 to 70 ft), depending on conditions and each diver's certification level.

Below the entry the reef is a maze of lava shelves, mini walls and reef outcrops, with six lava arches, small arches, sand beds and large coral heads among a good variety of hard corals. Green sea turtles (honu) graze among the coral heads and rest on the lava shelves, while octopus and eels hide in the cracks and crevices. Nudibranchs and moray eels are among the common sightings. The water there runs 24 to 27 °C (75 to 80 °F), and a 3 mm wetsuit is the usual choice in every month. The dive ends back at the lava shoreline, where the exit over rock needs the same care as the entry.