Lanai’s Most Popular Site: First Cathedral

Location: Southeast of Hulopoe Bay, Lanai, Hawaii
Depth: 25-60 ft
Visibility: 80-100’
Who it’s for: Beginner to Intermediate Divers

What makes it special: First Cathedral features a huge, two-story tall underwater cavern – or lava tube – consisting of tunnels, ridges and passageways. A portion of the roof collapsed, leaving a large hole in the top. On a sunny day, rays of light enter the opening and create a spotlight affect inside the cavern on the fallen lava rock that’s appropriately called, the Altar. Rays of light also enter through tiny holes in the back of the cavern, creating a stained glass effect reminiscent of windows in a cathedral.

The site can be entered through an archway and tunnel leading into the cavern. Depths are 50’ at the bottom of the archway and 25’ at the top. Exiting is done through a small opening at the back of the cavern, called the shotgun or torpedo tube, but you have to time it just right to exit with the surge.

Turtles, sharks, lobsters and an array of fish, including the endemic Bandit Angel Fish are seen inside the cavern and along the wall in front.

To book a dive on First Cathedral, visit www.goscubadivemaui.com.