Au Au Crater

Au Au Crater is a submerged volcanic crater off the Kona coast featuring a dramatic bowl-shaped topography with steep, coral- and sponge-covered walls and a pinnacle that rises near the surface, offering multi-level diving from the rim into a deep crater. The site includes lava arches, overhangs and swim-throughs (including the Skylight tube) and is rewarding for underwater photography and marine-life observation, with a well-known cleaning station for Hawaiian green sea turtles and occasional visits from larger pelagic species. Access is by boat only. Typical dives descend from about 15-20 feet at the rim to roughly 80-100 feet at the base (vertical relief about 60-80 feet); deeper sections reach about 90 feet, so bottom times are commonly 30-40 minutes with mandatory safety stops. Visibility is commonly around 100 feet and water temperatures are typically in the mid-70s to low-80s °F. Currents can be moderate to strong, especially along the rim and outer edges, so drift-diving techniques or reef hooks, good buoyancy control, and advanced certification are recommended.