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Maui Shore diving
May 08
Maui is a destination for divers and non divers alike. There is something to do for everyone on Maui. We just came back from a two week vacation on Maui with lots of shore diving. We made a decision to avoid the cattle boats and rolling seas and enjoy the shallow shore dives Maui has to offer. We stayed in Lahaina for a week then Kehi for another which enabled us to get more diving in and less driving as the traffic on the island in Maui can slow you down. By shore diving we not only saved a bundle of cash but also helped save our planet by not wasting unnecessary diesel fuel on the boats.
We used both Maui Divers and Maui Dreams for our diving needs and were pleased with both. Maui Dreams in Kehi is for the serious diver with a well stocked dive operation and service department that always had 63ft. tanks filled and ready to go. If you need gear service I would recommend Maui Dreams. Maui Diver has many locations and seems to appeal to the casual diver and snorkeler. A tank rental and fill are less than $5.00 – A bargain Since most of the shore diving is on shallow reefs less than 35 ft. we used a 63ft. tank that provided us with an hour of bottom time.
I dove a 1mm wetsuit and my wife used a 3mm for the week. Dive flags are required and hard soled booties or boots are a must as there are many rocky entries with a few urchins at all sites. Shore diving in Maui is best done at most sites earlier in the day around 7am as the morning calm is still present. The shallow reefs are beautiful with a water temperature about 78. We saw several large turtles at most sites and a few eels.
More Information
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The Divers' Guide to Maui by Chuck Thorne 2006 is a recent guide with great maps and directions: however, it lists many dive sites that are very difficult to get to or impossible to dive from the shore. Other excellent sites such as Lahaina Pier/Mala Warf is not listed. Also shorediving.com is an excellent resource for shore diving information.
Our Favorite Dive Sites on Maui
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Mala Warf/Lahaina Pier – 27 ft
This one of the best dives on the island and is not mentioned in most shore diving guide books. The visibility was over 75 ft. with lots of marine life near the collapsed pier that now lies in the shallows. Be careful with entries and avoid the boat ramp early in the day as it can be busy. Five stars – Not to be missed with a nearby shower and restroom after your dive
Honolua Bay – 37 ft .
There are no facilities here. Its about a half block walk from the parking area near the road to the bay. The visibility was 15–40 ft. The reef is on the right side of the bay.
Kapalua Bay – 31 ft .
Easy beach dive with washroom and showers. This site is a popular beach and dive site for local dive classes and can be dove throughout the day since the bay is very sheltered. Parking is limited so arrive before 9am or you'll have to park on the main road and walk to the bay. The best entry points for divers are as you enter the bay area on the left side or in the middle of the beach area on the bay. The better part of the reef is on the right dive of the bay. Five stars.
Ahihi Bay – 37 ft .
There are no facilities here but this cove has an easy entrance on the right side of the cove. Best to dive early in the morning before the waves pick up. Visibility of 30–75 ft. This is a popular site for Kayakers. Four stars.
Makena Landing – 30ft .
Easy beach dive with washroom and showers. Best to dive early in the morning before the waves pick up. Visibility of 30 - 75 ft. This is a popular site for Kayakers. We saw a small three foot white tip shark here in the shallows. Five stars.
La Perouse Bay – 35 ft..
There are no facilities here. Best to dive early in the morning before the waves pick up. The dive had visibility of 10–40ft. Enter near the barbed wire fence. Two stars.
Nahuna Point (Five Graves) 35 ft.
This is very small lava entry area. This is an excellent dive with a nice shallow reef. Lots of turtles and sea life can be found at this site. There are no facilities here. Visibility of 30–75 ft. Four stars.
Ulua Beach – 39ft.
Easy beach dive with washroom and showers. This is a large beach area and dive shops offer classes here. Arrive before 8am or the parking may be full. This is an excellent dive with easy entries and a few large turtles and an easy reef system to follow. Visibility of 20–75ft. Three stars.
