dlnr.hawaii.gov · Official
Official Hawaii safety warning for the Spitting Caves / China Walls shoreline area.
Spitting Cave
Spitting Cave is a boat-only Oahu cave dive for advanced divers.
Scuba DivingFreedivingBoatAdvanced15.2m - 42.7m
CaveDeep
Local operator required
A current-aware boat crew is important; conditions decide whether the site is dived.
Plan Spitting Cave as a condition-sensitive boat drift with lava caves and strong current; it suits advanced teams that can move cleanly.
About Spitting Cave
Spitting Cave is a boat-only lava rock cave dive on Oahu's east side that is best treated as an advanced drift when the conditions line up. The site is known for its carved lava formations, cave pockets, and a deep profile that rewards careful buoyancy and good team spacing. It can be very current-sensitive, but when it comes together you may see monk seals, turtles, eels, and sharks working the rock.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
Dangerous wildlifeOverhead environmentRestricted accessStrong currentSurge
Safety Notes
Advanced drift/cave dive with strong current, overhead sections, and careful situational awareness.
Access Restrictions
Boat-only access and strong current make this a condition-gated site.
Where Is Spitting Cave?
Featured Operators
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Local Intel For Spitting Cave
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as an advanced drift/cave dive with tidy buoyancy and a ready team.
Freediving
Advanced freedive use only on very calm days; the site is primarily a boat drift/cave dive.
Snorkeling
Not a casual snorkel site; the cave mouth and current make it a poor fit for surface-only use.
Wildlife at Spitting Cave
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
