Dive Spots in Maui

[Blackhawk708]

I'll be staying in Maui for a week in February and plan on setting up at least 4 dives (2, 2-tank dives) and wanted to know if anyone has a lot of experience with Maui that can give me some insight as to the good dive spots?

I already decided on doing the Molokini crater inside and outside wall for the first day. I also wanted to hit the Lanai cathedrals and heard Molokai was a great spot too, but one dive shop I spoke to out there said Lanai is mediocre at best and Molokai I would have to take a 45min car ride just to get to the dive shop that goes out there. Anyone have a great/average/bad time on either of those two? I really wanted to hit Molokai to see some hammerheads and other pelagics, but if it's one of those things where you fish for the trophies and may not catch anything vs catching a lot of small fish, the long trip and higher price tag may not be worth it...

I know you probably can't make a bad choice diving in Hawaii, but I would just hate to not hit a dive spot that's a gem and never make it back out there.

Thanks

 

[WarmWaterWuss]

I had a great time diving Molokini, excellent visibility and lots of fish. I dove four days at Molokini and never got to do the backside, it was either the divers weren't all qualified or the current was too strong. I didn't do Molokai or Lanai but have heard that the Cathedrals at Lanai are not to be missed.

I did do a lot of shore diving and found some cool stuff at 5 Caves/ 5 Graves/ Turtle Town and Ulua Beach. The visibility on the shore dives was not that great but we saw tonnes of turtles, fish, eels and a couple reef sharks. Have fun.

 

[Indymann99]

Its been 20 yrs but I dove Maui with Lahaina Divers. Damn I am getting old ..(42).

Molokini crater is a must (good open water experience even in the crater)

We did 4 days straight of diving around Lanai
Sargent Major
Cathederal
Knob Hill
and some others I dont remember.

Saw turtles, eels, sharks, a million yellow tangs and triggerfish.. truly one of the best vacations of my life.

I have also done several days of diving off the Kona coast (Big Island) and that was fun as well. Including a Manta night dive that I have amazing video from.

Have safe dives.

 

[mayjong]

"but one dive shop I spoke to out there said Lanai is mediocre at best"

wow, maybe they don't go there, and are trying to steer you away?
i doubt anyone on these boards would say the same thing...
do lanai!

 

[Harpo1966]

Maui Diving

Maui Diving

While there over thanksgiving I got to do Two boat dives with Lahaina Divers. The first was ok but the second whala wharf was an old dock from WWII that had ben destroyed by a hurricane. This was great lots of fish, eels and turtles. I would definetely do this again.

Thanks

David

 

[Blackhawk708]

"but one dive shop I spoke to out there said Lanai is mediocre at best"

wow, maybe they don't go there, and are trying to steer you away?
i doubt anyone on these boards would say the same thing...
do lanai!

That's what I was thinking, and why I wanted to get some more unbiased opinions, thanks. I'll have to check out some other shops that hit Lanai.

 

[Namnuta]

Lahaina Divers have great captains and dive masters. If you are into photgraphy, there are two bothers who work for them (Forget there names) who also own a camera shop, and are a wealth of knowledge.

My favorite dive site is Lani. 1st and 2nd cathedral are amazing. I have a dive shot of fist Cathedral in my dive photo thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1889365

I could dive Lani 100 times a never get board. The lava tubes are insane.

 

[n8rad]

i got married in maui in 2006 and did 6 dives.

Go with lahaina divers (my top 3 dives in no particular order)
1. Cathedrals at lanai is awesome. Something about being in a cave and seeing holes in the ceiling
2. Turtle cove to see the old WW2 bridge that is now a coral haven
3. Molokini is a must! Make sure they take you to the garden eels!