Provided by the U.S. Navy and intentionally sunk in 1998 as part of Hawaii’s ongoing artificial reef program, the 100ft long shallow Landing Craft Utility (LCU) rapidly became a favorite dive site for many divers. Clear warm water and an abundance of marine life are the hallmarks of this dive site. The LCU is surrounded by thousands of “Z-Blocks” leading to a natural reef nearer the shore. These 4 by 8 foot and six inch thick concrete blocks in the shape of the letter Z have concrete feet on opposite ends to create cavities beneath. These cavities are a favorite hang out for juvenile reef fish. Occasionally, small white tipped reef sharks hide in the larger cavities. There is a swim through on the top deck of the LCU where you will often find Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles sleeping.

Numerous studies have shown that artificial reefs are effective at enhancing reef habitat, thus increasing fish biomass and species diversity within the reef site. Very simply, artificial reefs create structure, structure creates habitat, habitat attracts fish and other wild life and that attracts divers and other watersports enthusiasts to visit a new dive site which used to be flat sandy bottom. These artificial reefs are key components in fisheries enhancement, as well as being a substrate for the settlement of coral polyps (coral growth).