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The Cathedrals At Lanai, First Cathedral is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Lanai, HI. This dive site has an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 from 15 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 71-80ft/22-24m. The average visibility is 101-110ft/31-34m.

Lava tube caves at 60-75 feet. Stunning light and shadow effects reminiscent of stained glass windows.

From ScubaDivingMagazine: Location: Southeast of Hulopoe Bay, Lanai, Hawaii
Depth: 25-60 ft
Visibility: 80-100’
Who it’s for: Beginner to Intermediate Divers
What makes it special: First Cathedral features a huge, two-story tall underwater cavern – or lava tube – consisting of tunnels, ridges and passageways. A portion of the roof collapsed, leaving a large hole in the top. On a sunny day, rays of light enter the opening and create a spotlight affect inside the cavern on the fallen lava rock that’s appropriately called, the Altar. Rays of light also enter through tiny holes in the back of the cavern, creating a stained glass effect reminiscent of windows in a cathedral.



The site can be entered through an archway and tunnel leading into the cavern. Depths are 50’ at the bottom of the archway and 25’ at the top. Exiting is done through a small opening at the back of the cavern, called the shotgun or torpedo tube, but you have to time it just right to exit with the surge

Turtles, sharks, lobsters and an array of fish, including the endemic Bandit Angel Fish are seen inside the cavern and along the wall in front.

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Comments

CC - 3/13/2014 6:19 PM
I went scuba diving here on 2/25/2014. Average viz: 101-110ft/31-34m. Water temp: 76-80°F/24-27°C.