Scuba Diving Hawaii - Suckem Up Caverns

Overall Rating = 3.16 out of 5

Access - Easy; boat only and 15 minutes from Honokohau Marina Small Boat Harbor, on the Kona coast
Depth to 60+ ft
Visibility - good; although surge can can create a good bit of turbidity
Current - variable, surge can be strong
Marine Species variety - Good
Reef health - Good

Suckem Up Cavern is a very reasonable dive site. It has a good variety of marine life and if the surge is not to strong you can explore some of the lava tubes near the surface from whence this site gets its name. There is a lava tube that if you swim inside towards the end their is an opening that can literally "suck you up" through the opening and deposit you closer to the surface. If the surge is strong you should not attempt this "ride" but otherwise it can be interesting.

The hard corals are in very good shape around the site and on this side of the island in general. There is usually a good current that flows regularly along the coast providing plenty of food for the coral reef and there is usually an abundance of light since this is the dry side of the island. You can find a good variety of marine life on the site. There are many types of butterflyfhishes including the Racoon butterflyfish, the Common Longnose Butterflyfish, the Threadfin Butterflyfish and many more. You can also find Devil Scorpionfish, but you must look closely as they are well camouflaged amongst the hard corals.

You can also find Peacock Flounders, Leaf Scorpions, Giant Porcupinefish and others. Make sure you take your time as you swim across the hard corals and around the lava tubes. Make sure to look up on the ceilings as you can many times find the Giant Porcupinefish waiting patiently for their next meal

This dive site tends to be fairly shallow for a good bit of the dive which can expand your bottom time to well over an hour. Given its easy access and relaxed conditions this is a dive for everyone. If you are into underwater photography you can choose either wide angle or macro. Just remember if the surge is strong the turbidity can be a bit tough for good underwater photographs especially around the lava tubes.

Vist my blog for photos and information on scuba diving sites, or visit my website to see a variety of underwater photographs

The pool is open...