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.
First Cathedrals
Cavern dive with dramatic light and unique lava formations.
Boat Access
15m Avg Depth
18m Max Depth
About this dive site
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Brought to you by Dive Maui
Plan Your Visit
cavernswim-throughsharkturtlecoral reeflava formationwide angleboat dive
Things to Note
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Cavern environment requires good buoyancy control, despite moderate depth.
Hazards:
overhead environmentcurrentmarine lifeboat traffic
Current Strength:
Variable
Nearby Dive Sites
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