While Hawaii’s 750 miles of coastline is positively stunning, it is offshore where you will find the most magnificent natural wonders. Though it is no secret that the waters off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands are teeming with incredible sea life and reefs just waiting to be explored, there is one location that blows all others out of the water. Unfortunately, you will need to be scuba-certified to visit this spot for yourself, but even just admiring these photographs is a magical experience by itself. Ready to head underwater? Let’s dive in!
Hidden off the coast of Lanai are these underwater pinnacles formed by massive underwater lava tubes. When light shines through the holes in the lava, it looks just like sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows of an underwater church, hence the name.
Amy Truter/Flickr
This is the island’s most popular dive site, and it’s easy to see why. Scuba divers will fall in love with this unique destination site unlike any other in the world.
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
Divers will descend nearly 50 feet below the ocean’s surface to visit these stunning, otherworldly formations.
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
Here, you will find tubes, ledges, caverns, and walls all formed when molten lava flowed into the Pacific Ocean and cooled there as well as a variety of vibrant marine life.
Amy Truter/Flickr
It is not uncommon to see schools of tropical fish, including the incredibly rare reticulated butterflyfish, gold rim surgeonfish, and flame angelfish. You might even spot turtles, eels, and lobsters here.
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
These magnificent mazes of exploration are truly remarkable. Where else can you swim through archways and past unique lava formations?
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
With unique lava formations, sea life, impressive clarity, and photo opportunities, we won’t blame you if you become a scuba diver just to explore the Cathedrals.
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
To explore this underwater destination for yourself, you can book a tour through the only full-service dive operation on Lanai, Trilogy Ocean Sports Lanai, or another operation on the neighboring island of Maui.
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
Have you ever heard of these unique underwater formations? If so, have you visited the Cathedrals? Share your experience in the comments below, and then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to share your photos.
Amy Truter/Flickr
Yuxuan Wang/Flickr
Not quite ready to head underwater for yourself? Check out either this unforgettable glass-bottom boat cruise or the Maui Ocean Center’s impressive, 54-foot acrylic underwater tunnel that will expose you to sea life like never before.
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