Maui Dive Sites
My Favorite From 25 Years Of SCUBA Diving in Maui Hawaii
Adventure Log 2017 / By Scuba Mike
For all the complexities and possibilities of our modern technological lives, the vastness does not compare to that of our ocean. Our ocean’s diversity is immense and its possibilities expansive. Still, in 2017 humanity has explored less than 5% of our underwater world, yet we walk the ground with capabilities to penetrate deep space. Though, there are some of us who take our eyes away from the heavens and to the ocean. Those who dive to the depths of the ocean, experience something incomparable to normal human life… are you one of us? If not yet, maybe soon?
Divers all around the world find themselves drawn to the wonder of the ocean, part of the planet some will never see. The curiosity of the unseen pushes these people of the ocean to find out…
What could be down there?
Zooming out to a greater scale, we notice the many islands that make Maui County. Dating back many millennia, the five islands were conjoined as landmass referred to as Maui Nui. The effects of erosion sculpted the islands we are familiar with today.
In between them the islands, is an array of shallow channels, carved by the persistent currents running through the Hawaiian Islands. Maui’s south shore forms the northern edge of these channels; the southern edge bordered by Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe; their lands acting as shields to strong ocean swells generated lower in the pacific.
The effect of this causes many of Maui’s shores to sit still, providing breeding grounds for a large community of marine life; whales, octopus, anglerfish, reef sharks, conger eels, manta rays, and hundreds of other species can be found on Maui’s coastal waters.
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Black Rock – Great for night dives, too crowed during the day
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Mala Warf – near Lahaina in West Maui
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Olowalu – Great shore dive in west maui
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Ulua Beach – Great beginner spot with beautiful reef
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Five Caves – Makena – This is one of my favorites, so much to see and very consistent
West Maui Dive Sites
My Favorite Dives of West Maui
Olowalu
Olowalu – Olowalu’s reef provides an exceptional experience regardless of your diving capabilities. Its waters hold an ancient reef system, rooted deeply in Hawaii’s
Olowalu reef – clear waters for scuba
past, with coral heads more than hundreds of years old, and a vast array of exotic marine life. Divers here can witness manta rays come to enjoy a fresh cleaning, as well as the interesting habits of the reef sharks and turtles. Its calm waters even provide an excellent location for night dives; an all round excellent beach for divers and adventurers.
Mala Warf
Mala Warf Near the city of Lahaina,
scuba divers at mala warf
a large concrete pier jets out from the land. The pier attracts sea life of all kinds making Mala Warf an excellent dive location for beginner and intermediate divers. Partially collapsed in the 90’s due to hurricane Iniki, the piers rubbles scatter the water with debris, making an excellent location for wreck dive certification.
South Maui Dive Sites
My Favorite Dives of South Maui
Five Caves
Five Caves – or – Five Graves At the southern edge of Kihei, dwells an ancient Burial looking out over the ocean.
Makena Landing – Five Caves Scuba Diving
Extending out from it, two fingers, visible from shore, jetting out under the surface. The five graves mark a greater significance to experienced divers. The waters off the grave’s shore, shelter many arches and caves, their deepest chasms offer shelter to mysterious sea creatures.
It is said that the features found here are so complex, it would take up to a dozen dives see it all. Their surrounding waters, also nicknamed “Turtle Town”, are commonly spotted with many friendly Honu, Hawaii’s native green sea turtle. On top of the rich macro life, divers commonly find themselves in the presence of the great manta ray, a truly gentle giant.
The experienced divers, who want to discover the underwater beauty found here, should take into account the shallow waters when entering. If there is big surf, this entrance should not be attempted. Makena landing, located just north of the Burial site, is a great alternative entrance, for divers of all experiences.
Ulua Beach
Ulua Beach Continuing past Kihei is the beginner friendly Ulua beach, located in Wailea;
Ulua Beach is a great dive spot for beginners
a gathering place for families looking to enjoy their time by the water. The near shore reef offers a great location to experience snorkeling or diving for the first time, attracting an immense variety of smaller fish, interacting by the thousands. Snorkelers that continue their adventure out towards the second reef, watch as the true clarity of Maui’s water begins to shows its self. When divers return from the water, showers and bathrooms greet them and their gear.
Rarely stirred, Maui’s crystal clean waters rest, with visibility clear as day. Its geographically protected reefs, are perfect breeding grounds for marine life. Whether looking for the majestic green sea turtle, witnessing the raw power of the Humpback, or simply befriending the thousands of fish interacting on our beautiful reefs, the journey is there for you, in the scuba divers paradise.
Lets Adventure!
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