A truly one of a kind island where you can experience sheer remoteness topside and an abundance of life beneath the surface. The waters off Lanai are full of endemic species and begging to be explored by divers near and far. Only nine miles from Maui, but in a world of it’s own — you won’t find any stoplights on land and the population of deer far surpass the population of people. It’s the perfect place to escape above and below.

The island's close proximity to Maui also makes it an easy day trip for divers looking to explore something more below the surface without compromising the comforts of Maui. Hawaiian Rafting Adventures makes the trip from Maui to Lanai every Monday through Friday and if you're visiting during the winter months, expect to see humpback whales and pods of dolphins during the crossing.

Arguably the most iconic site on Lanai. First Cathedral is a must-dive for anyone making the trip from Maui to Lanai. The rays of light peeking through on a sunny day illuminate the walls of this two-story underwater cavern.

Scuba divers and freedivers enjoy the large lava tube at this site named Steve's Cave. You are almost certain to spot a frogfish or two.

If you're lucky enough to make it all the way around to the south end of Lanai, Lighthouse Point is a spectacular dive with great visibility. This site has been known to attract big animals on occasion and the crew at Hawaiian Rafting Adventures has even witnessed a whale shark cruise by.