Masa Ushioda
Maui Dive Shop, Ma'alaea
Molokini sits like a beacon for divers in the Alalakeiki Channel between Maui and Kaho’olawe. The half-visible caldera of a long-dormant volcano is one of Maui’s most popular dive sites, and deservedly so. Inside the barren-rock crescent lies a shallow, sun-drenched reef system that’s home to hundreds of species, from fish to sharks, invertebrates, turtles and more. The thick garden of thriving corals hosts a who’s who of Hawaiian stars: longnose butterflyfish, ornate wrasse, yellow tang, leaf scorpionfish, Moorish idols, spotted eagle rays and Hawaii’s ubiquitious state fish, the humuhumu-nukunuku-a-pua’a.
The iconic site is a staple for Maui Dive Shop and its boat, Maka Koa, which leaves from the centrally located Ma’alaea Harbor. The 48-foot dive boat features a large dive deck, hot showers and a generous camera table. It also frequents the best dives on Lanai and Maui’s St. Anthony wreck, Turtle Town and Manta Point, a cleaning station known for profilic encounters.
“We have several different programs that we try to do at least once a week,” says general manager Jeff Strahn. “In all the things we do, we try to give great customer service. That’s what we’re known for.”
Maui Dive Shop
www.mauidiveshop.com
» PADI Dive Center with PADI instruction to divemaster
» Boats Maka Koa, 24 divers max; Kai Anela, 20 snorkelers max; Alii Nui, 60 max for snorkel, whale watch or sunset sail
» Guided dives by instructor or divemaster, 8-to-1 ratio
» Max dive time one hour, or by air consumption
» Gear rentals computer use included on boat dives; dive and photo equipment available
» Nearest Airport Kahului (OGG)
» Amenities maui dive shop can help with hotels, rental cars and topside activities, and also offers beach diving and repairs via its eight retail locations.
To see the individual write-ups of the other dive operators, click on "Related Articles" below.
