Scuba Divers Guide to Maui: 5 Must Visit Dive Sites

Lanai Cathedrals

This mesmerizing dive is accessible by both boat and shore, though it is recommended to go by boat, especially if staying in Maui. As you descend, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing underwater wonderland with towering lava formations creating majestic arches and cathedral-like swim-throughs, adorned with vibrant corals and fascinating marine life. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience that will make you feel like you're exploring a hidden underwater sanctuary.

Honolua Bay

You may recognize this from my other guide – Snorkeling in West Maui. However, Honolua Bay is also a great dive site where the underwater world comes to life in vivid colors. Primarily accessible as a shore dive and located on the northwest coast of Maui, you can easily access the bay from a rocky point at the end of Kapalua Bay Beach. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover a diverse ecosystem teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles and coral reefs bursting with life. The calm and protected waters of the bay make it a perfect spot for both novice and experienced divers, offering a serene and enchanting diving experience.

Molikini Crater

To experience the wonders of Molokini Crater, you'll need to embark on a boat dive. This iconic dive site is a partially submerged volcanic crater, located off the coast of Maui. The crescent-shaped cone boasts some of the clearest waters in Hawaii, offering excellent visibility for divers. Descend into the depths and marvel at the kaleidoscope of vibrant coral formations, schools of tropical fish and graceful manta rays gliding through the water. It's an exhilarating dive that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Airport Beach (Kahekili)

Also mentioned this spot in our Snorkeling Guide for Maui. Accessible as both a shore dive and a boat dive, Airport Beach, offers divers the flexibility to choose their preferred entry method. If you opt for a shore dive, you can easily access the beach's calm and clear waters from the parking lot nearby. Take a plunge and discover myriad marine life, including colorful reef fish, playful sea turtles and even the chance to spot a majestic manta ray. With its gentle currents and diverse underwater landscape, Airport Beach provides an ideal setting for snorkelers and divers of all levels.

Makena Landing

Primarily accessible as a shore dive. Located near Makena State Park on Maui's south shore, this dive site offers convenient entry directly from the shoreline. You can easily access the water from the small sandy beach area or navigate your way into the water from the rocky shoreline. The calm conditions and gentle currents make it an ideal spot for shore diving. This hidden gem for divers brings exploration along the rocky formations adorned with colorful corals, where an array of tropical fish dart and play. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles gracefully gliding by, adding to the beauty of this underwater paradise. Makena Landing offers a tranquil and captivating diving experience that will leave you in awe of Maui's bountiful marine biodiversity.

Bonus Dive: Carthaginian II - Wreck Diving

Accessible only as a boat dive, this sunken ship lies off the coast of Lahaina, Maui. Imagine exploring the depths around Carthaginian II. The whaling ship used to be a museum. It is now a sunken ship that serves as an artificial reef and a captivating dive site. Descending into the depths, a thriving ecosystem of corals and an abundance of marine life'll surround you. Discover hidden nooks and crannies, as well as the chance to encounter graceful eagle rays or curious reef sharks. It's an unforgettable dive that combines history and natural beauty in one extraordinary experience.