YO-257 Wreck

The YO-257 sits in 100 feet of water off Honolulu's Keehi Lagoon, one of Oahu's most accessible wreck dives. This 185-foot former Navy yard oiler, sunk intentionally in 1989, creates an artificial reef that attracts white tip sharks, green sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. The intact wheelhouse and cargo holds provide excellent swim-through opportunities for intermediate and advanced divers. Launch from Keehi Boat Harbor between 6-7 AM, where you'll find ample parking and several dive charter operators. Most two-tank dives cost $120-150 and include the YO-257 plus a second site. The wreck lies just 10 minutes from the harbor, making it ideal for newer boat divers who want wreck experience without long boat rides or rough conditions. Morning charters between 7-10 AM offer the calmest seas and best visibility, typically 60-80 feet. Afternoon trade winds after noon create choppy surface conditions, though the wreck's protected location keeps underwater conditions stable. Bring a dive light to explore the interior spaces and illuminate the coral growth covering the hull. The moderate current makes this site suitable for divers with 20-plus logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification. Stay alert for the resident white tip sharks, which are harmless but deserve respectful distance. The wreck's 100-foot depth requires careful air management and proper nitrogen loading planning. Book charters 3-5 days in advance, especially during December through March when north shore conditions drive more divers to south shore sites. The YO-257 delivers classic Hawaiian wreck diving without the technical challenges of deeper wrecks.