First Cathedrals

Cavern dive with dramatic light and unique lava formations.

Boat Access
15m Avg Depth
18m Max Depth

About this dive site

First Cathedral is a truly remarkable dive site located on Maui. Entering through a dark hole, divers are immediately transported to an expansive cavern, illuminated by skylights that cast turquoise beams upon the scene. The centerpiece of this underwater cathedral is a vividly lit central altar – a fallen lava rock from the ceiling. Exploring further reveals ‘confessionals,’ small side chambers often hosting resting sharks, pufferfish, crabs, eels, and nudibranchs. A unique exit point, known as the 'shotgun,' leads out through a lava shoot to a coral garden and other lava formations, where frogfish, reef fish, and more eels can be observed. This unforgettable dive site is accessible year-round, consistently providing a memorable underwater experience.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz

Plan Your Visit

cavernswim-throughsharkturtlecoral reeflava formationwide angleboat dive

Marine Life

AngelfishBannerfishBoxfishClown fishCrabEelFrogfishGrouperLionfishManta rayNudibranchOctopusParrotfishPipefishPuffer fishReef fishScorpionfishSharkSnapperSurgeonfishSweetlipsTriggerfishTrumpetfishTurtleWhitetip reef shark

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Cavern environment requires good buoyancy control, despite moderate depth.

Hazards:
overhead environmentcurrentmarine lifeboat traffic
Current Strength:

Variable

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