First Cathedral
Also known as: 1st Cathedral, Cathedrals at Lanai
Best time to dive
January to December; May to September; December to April
What you might see
- Eagle rayPossible
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Sea turtlePossible
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - boat/scuba only, true overhead cavern environment
Safety notes
Overhead/cavern environment (disorientation, silt-out risk, guide recommended); timed surge exit through narrow "shotgun" tunnel; rough channel crossing possible; humpback whales require 100-yard (91m) federal approach distance Dec 15-Apr 15 (NOAA/DLNR rule effective Jan 22, 2024); monk seals protected
Permits & fees
No site-specific diver permit; not part of Molokini MLCD; standard commercial vessel/USCG operating requirements apply to operators
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Lahaina/Manele Bay
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.