Turtle Mound Mauna Lani Makaiwa Bay

Turtle Mound in Makaiwa Bay at Mauna Lani on the Big Island's Kohala Coast is a rich and dramatic underwater dive site that takes its name from the extraordinary concentration of Hawaiian green sea turtles that frequent the area — one of the densest turtle populations accessible at a single dive site anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands. The site lies within the Mauna Lani Resort area, a stretch of developed Kohala coastline set against the dramatic backdrop of Mauna Kea and the jet-black lava fields that define this part of the Big Island. The underwater terrain reflects the Kohala Coast's geological character: young, sharp lava formations creating complex reef structure with numerous caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs at depths reaching approximately 18 meters (about 60 feet). The advanced rating reflects the site's current patterns and the technical precision required to navigate the lava formation diving without damaging the reef. Turtles are the defining encounter at Turtle Mound, and the name is not hyperbole — on a typical dive, divers may encounter five, ten, or more Hawaiian green sea turtles in close proximity, resting in groups on sandy ledges between lava formations or swimming slowly through the surge channels in the shallows. These animals are remarkably accustomed to respectful diver presence, and the experience of drifting alongside multiple turtles in clear Hawaiian water is one of the most serene and moving in Pacific diving. Beyond the turtles, the site supports the characteristic marine life of the Kohala Coast: whitetip reef sharks rest on sandy patches, spotted eagle rays cruise the deeper margins, and Hawaiian cleaner wrasse maintain their busy stations on prominent lava features. Octopus hide in countless lava cavities. The rich bait fish populations attract hunting jacks and occasional pelagics.