Ni'ihau trip - July 2025 (video highlights reel) - the day of the Tsunami!

[BrettSeattle]

Had a wonderful dive trip to Ni'ihau with Seasport Divers out of Poipu, Kauai last week.

Dive sites - #1: Vertical Awareness, #2: Ni'ihau Arches, #3: Neon Cave to Pyramid Point

Loved the trip - 3 hrs out, 3 tanks, 3 hrs back. Coming up from the third dive, all of our phones had just received the emergency Tsunami alert from the Russian earthquake - they were squawking like mad. So Captain said "round 'em up - we are outta here!" We were scheduled to get into port by 6 pm and the 1st Tsunami waves were going to hit the Northwest side of Kauai by 7:17 pm! We boogied back, boat got unloaded in record time, we all got in our cars and headed to high ground. Then waited out the Tsunami warnings beside the highway like all of the awesome locals. Kauai police were pros and all authorities took it very seriously; were were impressed how everyone worked together, had patience, and extended Aloha to tourists and locals alike.

Highlight Reel Video:

 

[Living4Experiences]

Thanks for sharing.

Was that the rare and elusive Hawaiian monk seal in your video?

 

[BrettSeattle]

Thanks for sharing.

Was that the rare and elusive Hawaiian monk seal in your video?

Indeed! We saw at least 5 Monk Seals, and in another few videos I have (without music), you can hear them growling and warning us away. Additionally, that day we saw odd behavior (according to our captain and dive crew) during our second surface interval - two seals were hanging out around the boat almost nose to nose on the surface of the water. They were relaxed and not as aggressively territorial as they normally are; then after they dove down, a third popped up 15 yards away. We think they were juvenile and not yet so cranky .

 

[Living4Experiences]

I've been to Hawaii (Maui, Oahu, Lana'i and Big Island) many times and have yet to see a monk seal.
What was the diving like on Kaua'i and Ni'hau? I have considered going to Kaua'i for diving. Did you need special permission to dive on Ni'hau?

 

[BrettSeattle]

I've been to Hawaii (Maui, Oahu, Lana'i and Big Island) many times and have yet to see a monk seal.
What was the diving like on Kaua'i and Ni'hau? I have considered going to Kaua'i for diving. Did you need special permission to dive on Ni'hau?

Diving Ni'ihau was really a gem. No special permission needed - but Seasport Divers are highly recommended. It's a long trip from West side of Kauai (3 hr boat ride starting at 6am in the morning) then 3 tanks, then a 3 hr choppy return trip. Totally worth it - but take Bonine or Dramamine for motion sickness.

Limited shore dives on Northshore at Tunnels beach (Fathom Five Divers are a great choice) and there are some good dives on Southshore as well. Kauai is our favorite island - we love to stay on the Northshore (Princeville/Hanalei) during July-Sept; the rest of the months it is VERY wet; but the natural beauty is unmatched and the beaches and hikes are incredible.

My favorite so far all told for diving Hawaii is probably Maui - lots of variety, especially if you can get to Lanai Cathedrals dive - those dives are truly majestic. I have yet to dive the Big Island. Ni'ihau was on my bucket list - and diving with the big pelagic (sharks, mantas) on the Big Island is also on the bucket list - have yet to do that .