Five Graves/Five Trees

Welcome to the rugged and historically poignant site known interchangeably as Five Graves or Five Trees. Located just south of the popular Makena Landing, this area stands in stark contrast to the manicured beaches and paved…

Before we approach the turbulent water, we must pause at the small, unassuming graveyard that gives this location its primary name. The Five Graves cemetery is a poignant reminder of the human history deeply intertwined with this…

Transitioning from the dry land to the aquatic environment at Five Graves is arguably the most hazardous aspect of the entire experience. There is no gentle, sloping sandy beach to wade into. …

Having successfully navigated the treacherous entry, you are immediately presented with the primary geological attraction of Five Graves: the submerged sea caves and lava tubes. These structures are the hollow arteries of the…

The shadows of the sea caves provide the perfect habitat for a specialized subset of marine creatures: the nocturnal and the cryptic. While the vibrant wrasses and butterflyfish dominate the sunlit reef outside, the caves are…

Emerging from the darkness of the sea caves back into the sunlit water, we arrive at the feature that makes Five Graves a globally recognized dive site: the massive turtle cleaning stations. While Makena Landing to the north has…

Before we conclude our dive and face the daunting task of exiting over the lava rocks, we must address the most dominant physical force at Five Graves: the ocean surge. Because this point juts out directly into the path of the…

You have successfully navigated the treacherous exit, allowing the ocean swell to deposit you back onto the sharp lava rock shelf. As you carefully remove your fins and secure your mask, the overwhelming weight of gravity…