Why Scuba Diving in Maui Is So Appealing
Scuba diving enthusiasts should consider visiting the exceptional spots found in Maui, one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking islands.
The combination of marine life abundance, stunning volcanic formations, and crystal-clear waters establishes Maui as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Pacific — no matter your experience level.
Here’s why divers love Maui:
- Consistently warm water temperatures year-round (22–26°C / 72–79°F)
- Outstanding visibility that often exceeds 100 feet (30 meters)
- Encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales during winter
- Many dive sites are accessible from the beach, making diving more affordable and beginner-friendly
Best Scuba Diving Spots in Maui
1. Five Caves (aka Five Graves / Makena Landing)
This iconic shore dive offers underwater arches, lava tubes, and the famous Bubble Cave, where you can surface and breathe without your regulator.
Expect sightings of:
- Hawaiian green sea turtles
- White-tip reef sharks
🟦 Best for intermediate divers who enjoy caves and marine encounters.
2. Molokini Crater – Inner Reef & Back Wall
Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater and Maui’s most famous dive destination.
- Inner Reef: Calm and shallow, filled with colorful coral gardens — ideal for beginners.
- Back Wall: A dramatic 300-foot drop for advanced divers where pelagic species like manta rays and reef sharks are commonly seen.
One of the top visibility dive sites in Hawaii — often over 150 feet (45 meters).
3. Lanai Cathedrals (First & Second Cathedral)
These majestic underwater lava tubes resemble cathedrals, thanks to the way sunlight filters through the rock, creating stained-glass-like effects.
You’ll find:
- Butterflyfish
- Moray eels
- Black coral formations
📸 A must-visit for underwater photographers and cavern diving enthusiasts.
4. Molokai – The “Hammerhead Triangle”
Known for strong drift currents and big animal encounters, this site offers thrilling dives with:
- Scalloped hammerhead sharks
- Gray reef sharks
- Galápagos sharks
- Barracudas
Recommended for advanced divers only due to challenging conditions.
Ideal Time to Dive in Maui
- Year-round diving is possible thanks to Maui’s tropical climate.
- Best time for humpback whales: November through May
- Best visibility: Summer months (June through August)
Travel Tips for Your Maui Dive Vacation
- A 3mm wetsuit is perfect for Maui’s water temperatures.
- Top dive operators:
- Dive Maui
- Maui Dreams Dive Co.
- Lahaina Divers
(All offer gear rentals and boat trips)
- For amazing shore diving, don’t miss:
- Mala Wharf
- Ulua Beach
Other Activities to Enjoy in Maui (Besides Diving)
Make your trip even more memorable with these must-do experiences:
- Watch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
- Surf or paddleboard at Kaanapali Beach
- Hike through waterfalls and bamboo forests
- Dine at Monkeypod Kitchen or Mama’s Fish House
- Enjoy a traditional sunset luau and Hawaiian music
