Kewalo Pipe Reef
Oʻahu’s largest underwater ecosystem — an old storm drain transformed into a coral‑rich reef alive with marine life.
Intermediate reef dive at 30–60 ft with moray eels, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and more.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Off the southern coast of Oahu
🌊 Depth: 30–60 ft
🔦 Visibility: Up to 100 ft
🎯 Experience Level: Intermediate
🐠 Marine Life: Yellow margin moray eels, Heller’s barracuda, devil’s scorpionfish, leaf scorpionfish, nudibranchs, flatworms, butterflyfish, wrasse, pygmy angelfish
Kewalo Pipe is among the more unique reef dives in Oʻahu — originally a storm drain pipe, now enveloped in life and structure. The “pipe” runs outward from the shore into deeper seafloor, with finger reefs and coral edges branching along it.
By 60 ft depth, the pipe’s end often hosts residents like the yellow margin moray eel, while devil scorpionfish and leaf scorpionfish lurk along its walls. Surrounding the structure are garden coral fields, finger reefs, and macro hotspots with nudibranchs, butterflyfish, wrasse, and pygmy angelfish. Dive Oʻahu ensures you’re geared, briefed, and ready to explore both structure and reef life with confidence.
❓FAQs: Kewalo Pipe Reef
How deep is the Kewalo Pipe dive site?
📏 Kewalo Pipe ranges from 30 to 60 ft in depth. Some operators document up to ~65 ft in certain sections.
What marine life can I see at Kewalo Pipe?
🐟 You may see:
• Yellow margin moray eels, devil’s scorpionfish, leaf scorpionfish
• Nudibranchs, flatworms, butterflyfish, wrasse, and pygmy angelfish
• Occasionally: Heller’s barracuda, octopus, and other reef predators
What’s the water temperature like?
🌡️ Temperatures range from 75°F in winter to 80°F in summer.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for most divers and is included with your dive.
Is Kewalo Pipe suitable for beginners?
⚠️ This site is best for intermediate divers due to its depth, reef structure, and occasional surge.Confident beginners may dive under supervision if conditions allow.
Is scuba gear included?
✅ Yes! All standard scuba gear is included, including your BCD, regulator, fins, mask, and wetsuit.
Dive Oʻahu also provides dive computers and flashlights for this site upon request or as needed.
What’s the visibility like?
👀 Visibility often reaches up to 100 feet, especially in summer and early fall.