Mile Marker 4

A great dive site in the summer but a hit-or-miss proposition in the winter when NW swells drive the surf right into this little cove. In Summer 2002, a parking lot was added just north of this site by the county. You can gear up in this lot and walk down a narrow path to the entry. This is nice because parking is limited along the wall on Ali'i Drive. An added bonus is the shower & toilets @ the north end of the lot (for adjacent Magic Sands Beach Park). Once in the water, the best variety of terrain is to the left (south). There is a series of lava tubes, canyons, and caverns in this direction. Outstanding variety of tropical reef fish here. Saw 6 Green Sea Turtles on a single dive in this area. Lots of Whitemouth, Undulated, & Yellowmargin Morays. You can stay shallow & explore the reef tops or go 40 to 60' and check out the canyons. In a couple of caverns you can see uncommon Wavy Cave Sponges on the wall. This is a good place to find mollusks like Tiger Cowries, Leopard Cones, Triton's Trumpets & Day Octopi. Heading straight out can also be a good dive. In the shallows you can spot Lagoon Triggerfish and Dragon Wrasse. In around 20', my wife & I once saw 2 White-tip Reef Sharks tucked under a ledge. Further out, on the sand flats I've seen big Horned Helmet shells, Kona Crabs, and Blackside Razorfish that dive headfirst into the sand when you approach. Bluefin Trevally patrol out here also. The sand flats are also home to a couple colonies of Antler Coral each standing around 3 feet above the otherwise featureless terrain. When exiting the water, it's best to wait for any sets to pass. The bottom is really rocky and uneven and just a relatively small wave can knock you over. Likewise, the path that leads up to Ali'i Drive is strewn with loose coral rock that can easily make you lose your footing.