Best Scuba Diving In Maui: 8 Dive Sites to Explore

If you’re looking for the best scuba diving spots in Maui, you’re in luck. Maui is home to some of the most amazing scuba diving destinations in the world, attracting divers of all levels of expertise.

However, choosing the right spot can be tricky, as there are so many great options to choose from. In this guide, I’ll help you understand how to choose the best scuba diving spots in Maui and help you make the most of your diving adventure.

What Are The Top Scuba Diving Spots In Maui

Are you ready to discover the underwater wonders of Maui? Read on to find out which dive sites should be on your dive trips bucket list (and why).

1. Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is one of the most popular and best dive sites in Maui and for good reason. The submerged volcanic caldera boasts visibility of up to 150 feet and a depth range of 20 to 300 feet.

Divers can expect to see colorful coral formations, schools of fish, sharks, and occasionally, humpback whales. Molokini Crater is suitable for all levels of experience, but currents can be strong (especially around the edges of the caldera), so it’s best to go with a certified guide if you have limited experience. The best time to dive here is in the morning when the water is usually calmer.

Also, it is worth noting that all scuba divers will have to take a boat to the location as the spot isn’t a shore dive.

My partner Annie took a sailboat to Molokini crater and many people aboard the boat experienced seasickness. So, it may be something to consider if you get seasick.

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 20-300 feet
• Visibility: Up to 150 feet
• Boat Access Only- 40+ Minute Ride
• Many consider this to be the best boat dive
• World Class Dive Sight

2. Lanai Cathedrals

Lanai Cathedrals is a unique dive site that features two underwater lava tubes with openings that resemble church windows. The site is located off the coast of Lanai Island, accessible by boat from Maui.

The cathedrals are adorned with colorful coral, sponges, and anemones, and often attract green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and octopuses. The depth ranges from 35 to 50 feet, and the visibility is usually good. Lanai Cathedrals is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to the narrow passages and occasional surges.

Some people will feel claustrophobic due to the rock formations surrounding them.

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 35-50 feet
• Visibility: Good
• Boat Access To Lanai

3. Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is a scenic dive site located on the northwest coast of Maui, accessible by land. The bay is a marine reserve, home to a variety of fish species, sea turtles, and even manta rays. The depth ranges from 10 to 60 feet, with good visibility. Honolua Bay is suitable for all levels of experience, but the entry and exit can be tricky due to the rocky terrain and occasional waves.

I only got a chance to snorkel here and it was one of my favorite places to snorkel in all of Maui. There were so many schools of fish and it was really accessible but yet not too crowded.

Tech Specs:

• Land access
• Abundant marine life
• Suitable for all levels of experience

4. Mala Pier

Mala Pier is my favorite dive site on this list and for one primary reason.

It was the first place that I saw sharks while diving. (Don’t fear, they are common and very safe animals to dive near.)

So Mala Pier is a pretty interesting dive site located off the coast of Lahaina. It features a historically destroyed and sunken pier with a shallow reef and plenty of marine life, including sea turtles (I saw a 3 legged turtle), eels, and tropical fish. The sharks that I saw were black-tip reef sharks.

The depth ranges from 10 to 25 feet, which makes it suitable for beginners or those who want to take a leisurely dive. Mala Pier also offers night dives, allowing you to explore the underwater world in a whole new light.

Tech Specs:

• Suitable for beginners
• Night dives available
• Good visibility
• Depth range: 10-25 feet.
• Shore Accessible
• Relaxing Dive

5. Turtle Town

Turtle Town is located on the south side of Maui and is named after the large population of green sea turtles that inhabit the area. The site features a beautiful coral reef and a variety of marine life including octopuses, eels, and schools of fish.

Divers can also explore a series of underwater arches and caverns.

If you want to see turtles and a lot of them, then this place will not let you down!

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 10-40 feet
• Beautiful coral reef
• Abundant marine life
• Suitable for all levels of experience
• Shore Accessible

6. Five Caves

Five Caves is located off the coast of Maui’s west side and is named after the five underwater caverns that divers can explore. The site is home to a variety of marine life including sharks, eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish.

The caves themselves are also home to a variety of colorful corals and sponges. The depth ranges from 15 to 70 feet, making it suitable for all levels of experience. However, due to the narrow passages and currents in some areas.

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 10-40 feet
• Five underwater caverns
• Variety of marine life
• Suitable for all levels of experience.
• Shore Accessible

7. Black Rock

Black Rock is ideal for beginners but still offers some unique experiences for expert divers. Known for its wide variety of marine creatures, it boasts a depth of 20-30 feet, making it perfect for beginner divers.

When I dove here, I did recognize that there were many people swimming above us snorkeling. So if you are looking for a dive that is a little bit less crowded, I would consider some of the others on the list.

The reason that it is more crowded is that diving at black rock is more of a wall dive, so many people above and below are crowding a close area.

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 20-30 feet
• Variety of marine life
• Suitable for beginners and experts.

8. Makena Landing

Makena Landing is another excellent spot for beginners. This dive site is located in the south of Maui and offers a wide variety of marine creatures, including green sea turtles, Moray eels, and stingrays. The site also features a lava tube system and underwater caves.

Tech Specs:

• Depth range: 10-30 feet
• Variety of marine life
• Underwater caves and lava tube system
• Suitable for beginners

Why Should You Scuba Dive In Maui: A Must-Do For Every Travel Adventure Enthusiast

Scuba diving in Maui is an unforgettable experience. With crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, Maui offers divers some of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. It’s also an excellent destination for beginners, with plenty of scuba diving schools and instructors available.

While scuba diving in Maui, you’ll get to see exotic marine creatures and stunning underwater landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else.

You aren’t certified?

I wasn’t either and got my open water certification in Maui.

The cool part about it was that Annie (my partner) and I did all of my training and became certified divers right there in the beautiful Hawaiian ocean surrounded by Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Most schools train in pools rather than open water so needless to say, I felt lucky!

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Scuba Diving Spots in Maui

When choosing the best scuba diving spots in Maui, there are a few factors you need to consider. These include:

Visibility:

Maui’s waters are known for their clarity, but visibility can vary depending on the time of year and location. The clearer the water, the better the scuba diving experience.

Depth:

The depth of the dive site will play a critical role in choosing the best scuba diving spot in Maui. Make sure the depth of the dive site is suitable for your skill level or that of your dive group.

Some people, for example, have no interest in diving any deeper than they could swim if needed. So, take that into consideration when choosing a dive trip.

Skill:

Finally, make sure the dive site is appropriate for your skill level. If you’re a beginner, stick to shallow dive sites with plenty of help and guidance from experienced instructors. Experienced divers can venture into deeper waters with more challenging dives.

FAQ:

What’s the water temperature like in Maui?

The water temperature in Maui ranges from 75°F (24°C) in the winter to 80°F (27°C) in the summer. It’s generally warm enough to dive in a wetsuit year-round.

Can I see sharks while scuba diving in Maui?

Yes, there’s a good chance of seeing sharks while diving in Maui, but most species are harmless. The most common types of sharks you might encounter are whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and sandbar sharks.

I was lucky enough to see black-tip sharks during one of my shore dives at Mala Pier.

Is shore diving possible in Maui?

Yes, there are quite a few shore diving options in Maui, but they are limited compared to boat diving sites. Some popular shore diving spots include Airport Beach, Kahekili Beach Park, and Mala Ramp.

Are there any restrictions on scuba diving in Maui?

Yes, there are a few restrictions on scuba diving in Maui. For example, you must have a valid scuba certification to dive, and some dive sites have depth limits or require a guide. There are also rules about interacting with marine life, such as not touching or feeding the animals.

What’s the best time of day to go scuba diving in Maui?

The best time of day to go scuba diving in Maui depends on the dive site and your personal preference. Generally, the water is calmer in the morning and there’s better visibility, but some sites are better in the afternoon or at night.

Do I need to be a certified diver to scuba dive in Maui?

Yes, you need to have a valid scuba certification from a recognized agency to dive in Maui. If you’re not certified, you can take a certification course from a dive shop or instructor.

Can I rent scuba gear in Maui?

Yes, there are many dive shops in Maui where you can rent scuba gear. However, it’s recommended to bring your own gear if possible to ensure a proper fit and familiar equipment.

When you visit Maui, I would recommend having your own snorkel, mask, and fins and then renting the other gear.

What should I do if I encounter a marine animal while scuba diving in Maui?

If you encounter a marine animal while diving in Maui, it’s important to remain calm and maintain a safe distance. Never touch or harass the animals, and avoid getting too close to protect both yourself and the wildlife.

And don’t step on the reefs! It harms them.

Summary: Maui Diving Will Be Unforgettable

Maui offers some world-class dive sites, with a stunning array of dive sites that cater to all levels of experience and interests. From the colorful coral reefs and sea life of Molokini Crater to the historic wrecks and underwater caves of Lanai Cathedrals, Maui has something for everyone.

While scuba diving in Maui can have its challenges, including strong currents and crowded dive sites during peak season, the rewards are well worth the effort. With clear waters, abundant marine life, and a variety of dive sites to choose from, Maui is a top destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Remember to follow all safety guidelines, choose a reputable dive operator, and protect the marine environment while enjoying your dive. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Maui is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of your scuba diving adventure.

So what are you waiting for? Book your scuba diving trip to Maui today and experience the underwater wonders of this tropical paradise for yourself!

One last note- if you are interested in taking more diving courses, I would highly recommend Maui Diving in Lahaina. The Lahaina divers at the shop helped me significantly. Reach out to them to learn more about the best diving around!

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