Turtle Pinnacle

Turtle Pinnacle is an offshore volcanic pinnacle with healthy coral gardens, sandy flats and gentle slopes. The site is famed for resident Hawaiian green sea turtles that regularly use the pinnacle and nearby sand patches as a natural cleaning station, making close turtle encounters a primary attraction for photographers and divers. Dives are boat-only, typically run from Honokohau Harbor near Kailua-Kona. Depths range roughly 20 to 60 feet, with much of the dive on the upper slopes around 30 to 40 feet. Visibility is usually very good, often 60 to over 80 feet, currents are almost always light or calm, and water temperatures are generally in the mid-70s °F; dives are commonly up to an hour and often done in the morning when conditions are best. There are no overhead or cave passages, routes normally circle the pinnacle and explore crevices and nearby sandy turtle stations. Respect for protected turtles (no touching or disturbing) and good buoyancy to avoid damaging coral are emphasized; the site is suitable for all certified divers.