The Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history, from the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to the islands’ involvement in World War II and Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959. While you will find historical landmarks across the Aloha State, there’s plenty of history hiding in the shadows, including this little-known plane wreckage from World War II found off the coast of Hawaii.
Unlike many of the wrecks you will find off the coast of Oahu that are intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs, this particular wreck is the real deal.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Found on the ocean floor within Maunalua Bay, this Corsair plane didn’t come to a dramatic end as far as plane crashes typically go. The World War II aircraft started to sputter during a routine mission in 1948 and as the engine began to fail, the experienced pilot managed to make a smooth water landing, wheels up and flaps slightly extended.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
The pilot was rescued nearby bobbing in his lifejacket. The plane wasn’t damaged, but it also wasn’t buoyant. So, it ended up at the bottom of the ocean and has been slowly reclaimed by the vast Pacific.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
After more than seven decades, the plane is merely a corpse of its former self, but divers, photographers, and a population of garden eels still find the beauty in this abandoned place. In addition to garden eels, you will encounter a variety of tropical, brightly colored fish, and perhaps even a stingray or two.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Located approximately three miles off the shore of the Hawaii Kai Marina on Oahu’s southeastern shore, the wreckage of this plane sits in more than 100 feet of sparkling blue water in an upright position facing southwest, with the airplane’s tail pointing towards Koko Head.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Many scuba companies will take you to this incredible dive site, and if you leave from the marina found within the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, it will only take 15 minutes to arrive.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Whether you’re an advanced scuba diver or are hoping to learn, Hawaii is perhaps one of the greatest destinations for scuba diving in America. Our state offers an entire world to explore underneath the ocean’s surface, and this is easily one of the coolest dive sites you’ll find.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Even if you aren’t an experienced scuba diver and have no desire to become one, these photos will give you a unique glimpse into another era.
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
Have you ever experienced the surreal beauty of an underwater wreck off the coast of Hawaii? What about a simple snorkeling tour or scuba diving excursion? Share your favorite underwater destinations with us in the comments below!
Matt Kieffer/Flickr
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