Koloa Landing

Ask the local dive operators where to go for some easily accessible shore diving on Kaua'i and you'll likely be pointed to Koloa Landing. The landing is a south coast favorite shore dive spot that lies off the beaten path. There doesn't appear to be much here when pulling up to the dirt parking lot and tiny boat ramp. A quick glimpse into the shallow water may even deter most people, as the nearby stream often dumps murky water after it has been raining. Make your way down the boat ramp for the easiest entry, though it may be disheartening for someone expecting crystal clear tropical Hawaiian waters. The closer to the river you are, the more powerful the halocline (stratification and mixing layers of fresh and salt water), which obscures any visibility, especially in the top few feet of surface water. But for those who intend to dive or snorkel, heading out along the left coastline is where the water clears and the marine life flourishes! Away from the murky mess by the entrance, the deeper and clearer waters around the rocky coast are teeming with fish life and plenty of large coral colonies. This horseshoe-shaped reef can reach approximately 50 feet in depth for those interested in diving. Turtles are a common sight as well as large schools of fish, rays, eels, and some more cryptic marine critters that survive surprisingly well by the river. During winter months, it may even be possible to hear distant songs of passing whales. Although this is rated as one of the more straightforward shore dive/snorkel sites on the island, be cautious of currents and larger swells. There are no facilities, apart from portable toilets, but there is plenty of parking space as the landing is rarely ever crowded.