Safety · Destination Guide
Lava caverns, summer runs to Niihau, and year-round reef life on the Garden Isle
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 20 sources
Dive conservatively, watch surf forecasts, and respect Hawaii’s approach rules for whales, dolphins, turtles, and monk seals. Choose mineral-based sunscreens to protect reefs.
Use an SMB on all boat dives and a dive flag on shore entries with boat traffic. Cavern and arch dives require lights, a guide, and zero surge. For Niihau, expect longer crossings and potential current. Carry seasickness medication and hydrate well.
Call 911 for emergencies. Kauai patients with suspected DCI are typically stabilized and transported to the Hyperbaric Treatment Center on Oahu. Divers Alert Network operates a 24-hour emergency line for dive incidents.
Winter North Swells
Powerful surf and rip currents from Dec-Feb can close north shore sites to diving and snorkeling. Choose lifeguarded south shore pockets and heed flags.
Brown Water After Rain
Heavy rain creates runoff that lowers visibility and can carry debris or contaminants. Avoid river mouths and heed county brown-water advisories.
Surge and Overhead Environments
Caverns and arches are weather-limited. Avoid overhead penetration in surge and carry lights with a guide.
Keep at least 100 m from humpback whales and 50 m from spinner dolphins. Give turtles 3 m and monk seals 15 m or 45 m for moms with pups. Hawaii law restricts sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose mineral-based products and never touch or chase wildlife.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when winter north swells. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police, Fire, EMS | 911 | 24/7 |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Dive medicine consult and evacuation coordination | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7 |
| NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline | Report injured or harassed marine mammals and turtles | +1-888-256-9840 | Daily |
| Hyperbaric Treatment Center, Oahu | Recompression facility and wound care | +1-808-587-3425 | On-call via hospital coordination |