Diving in Maui - Bluewater Dive Travel

Scuba Diving in Maui

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Maui DIVING HIGHLIGHTS

For many families, their first underwater adventure is scuba diving in Maui. One of Hawaii's most popular tourist destinations. Maui is also a unique dive destination, offering a varied range of dive and snorkel experiences, perfect for families and groups of friends. Maui offers clear warm water, many colorful fish, eagle rays, manta rays, and an over-abundance of turtles. 

 

MAUI DIVE RESORTS & Liveaboards

Scuba diving in Maui is exclusively through small, privately-owned operators based either on Maui, Molokai, or Lanai. The only liveaboard in Hawaii is the Kona Aggressor II which services the west coast of Big Island.

Maui offers a wide range of accommodation options from high-end all-inclusive resorts to self-catered rentals and Airbnb.

 

INTRO TO SCUBA DIVING IN Maui

Maui is the second-largest island county in the State of Hawaii and encompasses the four islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. The islands are an award-winning vacation and watersports destination, drawing surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers to their sandy black volcanic beaches. Diving around the four islands of Maui can be done from shore or boat, with some of Hawaii's most popular dives just a short boat ride away from one of the two main harbors. One of the most popular activities on the island is snorkeling which can be enjoyed at almost any of Maui's 30 beaches and bays.

The sheltered southern and western coasts boast exceptionally clear water, perfect for spotting some of Hawaii's rare endemic marine species. Exciting volcanic topography, unusual species, and some great snorkeling make diving in Maui a fantastic option for families or mixed groups of divers and non-divers.

Maui Diving scuba diving maui

Check out Hawaii's other popular diving destinations, Kauai and Kona

 

Top dive spots in Maui

 

These are some of the best dive sites in Maui:

1. Molokini Crater

One of the best-known sites in Hawaii, Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater with only one section of crater rim still visible above the water. As a protected marine preserve and bird sanctuary, marine life is superb, and divers will encounter a plethora of multi-colored reef fish, reef sharks, and even manta rays. Humpback whales and Hawaiian monk seals are even spotted on the backside of the crater occasion. 


2. Cathedral I & Cathedral II

These two sites on the south coast of Lanai offer stunning topography, rare corals, and unique rock formations, ripe for exploring. The Cathedrals are large swim-throughs with fragmented rock 'windows' allowing light to filter through in a stained-glass window effect. There are plenty of critters and some endemic species to discover among the nooks and crannies of these intriguing sites.


3. Carthaginian

The Carthaginian was a steel-hulled whaler that was used as a floating museum in Lahaina Harbor before being sunk as an artificial reef. It now sits at 97 feet (30m) and is home to numerous cheerful species such as damselfish, goatfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. There are no penetration opportunities on the Carthaginian, making it perfect for novice wreck divers.

 

4. Mala Ramp

Mala Ramp is the remains of a historic pier that was built in 1922 and then destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It is one of the most popular sites in Maui, and for good reason. The pier is home to resident white-tipped reef sharks, green turtles, various eel species, octopus, squid, schooling fish, and the elusive frogfish. 

 

5. Five Caves

As the name suggests, this site on Maui's southwest coast boasts five caves, the first three of which are easily accessed by all recreational divers. Expect to encounter a couple of resting sharks, plenty of turtles, lava tubes, and some fun air pockets. 

 

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INFORMATION ON SCUBA DIVING IN MAUI

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MARINE LIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY SUBJECTS

Hawaii is well-known for its unique endemic marine life, and many of these weird and wonderful species can be discovered in the waters around Maui.   Various species of butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse, triggerfish, and tang adorn the rocky, volcanic reefs. Schooling surgeonfish, squirrelfish, and giant trevally are also a common sight.

Larger species include apex predators such as the whitetip reef shark, gray reef shark, tiger shark, sandbar shark, and even the hammerhead shark. Manta rays and other smaller ray species can sometimes be spotted when visibility is good, and humpback whales are often heard underwater in the winter months, although rarely seen. 

Looking for another great destination to dive with hammerhead sharks? Check out Cocos Island.

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whale watching in Maui

A big draw to Maui's shores is the opportunity to spot migrating humpback whales during the winter months. The season typically starts in late December and whales can be spotted through until early May. However, bear in mind that November through February is 'big-wave surf season' and so conditions can be challenging.

For another great whale-watching destination, check out diving in Moorea. Or read our Moorea humpbackwhale expedition trip recap from 2021. 

 

DIVING CONDITIONS

  • Water temperature: 75-80oF (24-27oC).
  • Visibility: 75-100ft (255-30m) but can vary depending on rainfall and run-off.
  • Depth Range: 10-130ft (3-40m).
  • Diving Difficulty: Suitable for all abilities, including snorkelers.



BEST TIME TO DIVE MAUI

Scuba diving in Maui is possible year-round with fairly consistent air temperatures ranging between 85oF (29oC) in the summer and 78oF (25oC) in the winter. Water temperatures average 74oF (23oC), reaching a peak of 80oF (27oC) in September.

Resorts can become busy during peak season and are quietest in September and January. 

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

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HOW TO GET TO Maui

Maui's main airport is Kahului Airport (OGG) with many airlines offering non-stop flights to Maui from the US. It is also easy to fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu before taking an island-hopper flight across to Maui. There is a daily ferry service between Maui and Lanai islands

 

HOW TO DIVE Maui

Many visitors to Maui will arrive on a cruise ship and spend the day diving with a local operator, arranged through their tour agent. However, if you opt to visit independently you can arrange diving through your resort or contact one of the local dive shops that run daily trips and charters.

 

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN Maui

Maui is world-famous for its surf, attracting surfers and watersports enthusiasts from around the world. However, the island has far more to offer from breathtaking scenery and jungle tours to golf, a rich cultural history, festivals throughout the year, and plenty of family activities. There are even lots of things to do if you're a budget conscious traveler in Maui!

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

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Practical INFORMATION

  • Currency: US Dollar (USD).
  • Language: English and Hawaiian.
  • Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (GMT -10:00).
  • Electricity: 120V. 
 

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Reviews (1)

  • Top Reviewer
Fountain Valley, CA
United States
4
4
5
5

We traveled to Maui in September as two couples; two divers and two non-divers. We rented a 2 bedroom condo outside of Lahaina and drove there in a rental car we picked up at the airport. After chilling by the pool for a day, we decided to do some scuba diving. We reserved 3 days at a dive shop in downtown Lahaina, walking distance from the boat. We customized our dive package and chose the Molokini Backwall dive the first day. The diver operator provided a light breakfast before we headed down to the dock. It's a drift dive on a near-vertical wall on the back side of the submerged Molokini volcano crater. We drifted between 70 and 90 feet deep while watching the beautiful fish on the wall side. Many of these fish are endemic to Hawaii and found nowhere else in the world. About 20 minutes into the dive, we were surprised to see a pod of dolphins swim past in the blue water. Toward the end of the dive, we spotted a whitetip reef shark. During the surface interval, we ate the included lunch and the boat was moved to the corner of the crater. We started this drift dive just outside and made our way to the inside of the crater. This area has fantastic hard corals and we saw lots of fish, a moray, and a large ray. The water here was very warm and clear. There were a lot of snorkelers above us and we were able to wave to each other. Cookies were served on the ride back. These were two enjoyable dives.

Day two was the Hammerhead trip to Molokai. After a boat trip of about 1 hour, we did our first drift dive looking for scalloped hammerheads. About 25 minutes into the dive, we spotted several. It was exciting to see them, but we were hoping to see a larger congregation. Beggars can't be choosers and seeing even one Hammerhead is a thrill. After lunch, we made a second dive which was very much like the first one. We did see a small group of hammers and enjoyed the show. Once the diving was done, the weather was so perfect, the boat crew went out of their way to cruise around the island so we could see parts that divers and tourists rarely see. Even the crew was excited to be cruising these parts of the island under such pristine weather and ocean conditions. Breakfast, lunch, and cookies were included again.

Day three was a 3 tank safari to the far side of Lanai. This trip included three drift dives on sites less frequently visited than regular trips. The underwater topography is beautiful with really diverse reefs, sheer walls, and some swim-throughs. These were excellent dives where we spotted dolphins, whitetips, turtles, and tons of colorful reef fish. The captain decided to continue around the island instead of returning the way we came. As we started to turn the corner for the crossing back to Lanai, it was obvious the wind had come up and it was too rough to continue. We eventually turned around and went back the way we came. It was a rough ride and my buddy was seasick the whole ride back. Bummer for him! The same meals included, but I'm sure he wished he hadn't eaten at all.

The rest of the trip was spent on the topside with our wives. We drove the road to Hana, stopping along the way to visit some waterfalls, hike in a bamboo forest, and once we got to Hana, we spent time at the seven sacred pools. On other days we found some excellent snorkeling beaches and did some sunbathing. We found some really good restaurants and had fun shopping for souvenirs.

Bottom line: Maui is a place for sun, fun, and great diving. No passport required for US citizens. Be sure to have shave ice in Lanai with all the extras. You won't be disappointed.

Visited on 09/2015 - Submitted on 05/08/2020

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