First Cathedral

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

Cave

About This Dive Spot

This popular Lanai dive site is known for a dramatic, two-story underwater cavern with large lava-tube openings that create a cathedral-like feel. Divers visit both for the cavern structure and for the chance to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks, lobsters, and reef fish such as the endemic Bandit Angel.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Overhead environmentDangerous wildlife

Safety notes

This site includes an overhead cavern environment; appropriate training, lighting, and buoyancy control are important. Sharks may be encountered.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Features a two-story underwater cavern with lava-tube openings.

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Spots Near First Cathedral

📍 2.3 km

1St Cathedral

🏖️

First Cathedral is a popular dive site located southeast of Hulopoe Bay. It features a large lava tube with multiple tunnels and passageways, reaching a maximum depth of 50 feet (15 meters) and a depth of 25 feet (8 meters) at the cavern's top. Marine life includes various species of fish, and the site has good visibility for underwater photography.

📍 5.9 km

Cathedral II

⚓

Cathedral II is a charter dive off the coast of Lanai, reached by about an hour-long boat ride across the channel. It is described as a highly sought-after site and divers are advised to bring a flashlight. The dive features the larger of the two “cathedrals” and offers opportunities to see black coral.

📍 26.0 km

Mala Wharf

🏖️

Mala Wharf is a popular dive in Maui, reachable as an easy shore entry just off Lahaina. The remains of the old wharf create an artificial reef structure that attracts marine life. Corals grow on the wharf, and divers commonly see typical Hawaiian reef fish, along with turtles and eels.

📍 28.1 km

Olowalu Reef

🏖️

This site features an easy shore entry and a reef system where coral canyons run out from the beach, creating natural corridors to explore. It is known as a popular area for turtles and typical reef-life encounters.

📍 28.4 km

Black Rock - Hawaii

🏖️

This dive is located just off the beach by Black Rock and is known for frequent green sea turtle encounters. It is described as one of the top turtle dives on Maui, with sightings commonly in the range of 5–10 turtles. The site is shallow, with a maximum depth around 35 feet, and features coral growth on the rocky area.

📍 29.5 km

Olowalu Reef / Turtle Reef

Not Set

Olowalu Reef, also known as Turtle Reef, lies off the coast of Maui a few miles south of Lahaina. It is a coral reef site with diverse hard coral, described as having around 24 coral species. The reef is known for frequent Hawaiian green turtle encounters, including an area used as a cleaning station. Divers explore from very shallow water down to about 30 ft (around 9 m) and can expect a variety of reef fish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at First Cathedral?

Entry at First Cathedral is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving First Cathedral?

Optimal conditions at First Cathedral depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at First Cathedral?

Depth and visibility information for First Cathedral can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at First Cathedral?

When diving First Cathedral, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.