SCUBA DIVING ON MAUI
EXPLORE A WHOLE NEW WORLD
Maui is beautiful from the beach—but the real magic happens underwater!
With warm water, great visibility, and tons of marine life, Maui is one of the best places to dive in the world. You’ll swim alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), colorful tropical fish, eels, rays, and maybe even dolphins.
And if you’re diving during whale season (November – May), you might hear the haunting songs of humpback whales echoing underwater. It’s unforgettable—and yes, total goosebumps.
It’s literally like entering a another world. If you want to do something unforgettable on your trip, scuba diving is the way to go.
BUT, WHAT MAKES DIVING IN MAUI SO SPECIAL?
Maui is home to some of the most stunning dive sites on Earth, including Molokini Crater and the Lāna‘i Cathedrals. That said, the islands are home to marine species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Here are just a few amazing animals you might spot:
- Hawaiian Monk Seals – One of the rarest marine mammals in the world, occasionally spotted lounging near shore or in quiet coves.
- Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) – Calm, graceful, and often seen cruising above reefs
- Hawksbill Turtles – Rarer than green sea turtles and critically endangered, these turtles are a special sight
- Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a – Hawaii’s colorful and quirky state fish, also known as the reef triggerfish.
- Hawaiian Dascyllus – Tiny black-and-white reef fish that hover near coral.
- Bandit Angelfish – A striking fish with a black mask, found only in Hawaiian waters.
- Whitespotted Toby – A small, spotted pufferfish unique to Hawaii.
- Hawaiian Reef Octopus – Known for their color-changing skills and ability to hide in rocky crevices.
- Hawaiian Monk Seals – One of the rarest marine mammals in the world, occasionally spotted lounging near shore or in quiet coves.
SO, WHICH DIVE IS OUR FAVORITE?
That’s one of the hardest questions to answer. Every dive in Maui is a new adventure—you never know what incredible creatures you’ll see, and that’s what makes each experience so magical and one-of-a-kind. Here are two of our top picks:
Molokini Crater
This is Maui’s most famous dive spot. Molokini is a crescent-shaped crater in the ocean with super clear deep blue water and colorful coral reefs. You’ll see tropical fish, turtles, and maybe even reef sharks. It’s like diving into a real-life aquarium!
The Cathedrals of Lāna‘i
A short boat ride from Maui takes you to Lāna‘i, where you’ll find “The Cathedrals.” These are big underwater caves and lava tubes with light shining through—like being inside a glowing underwater church. It’s one of the most unique dives in Hawaii.
NEVER DIVED BEFORE?
No worries! Maui is the perfect place to try scuba diving for the first time. With beginner-friendly intro tours, you’ll be safely guided and shown everything you need to know.
HALEAKALĀ WARNING!
For your safety, avoid visiting Haleakalā National Park within 24 hours before or after scuba diving. The summit reaches an elevation of over 29,704 feet, and the rapid change in altitude can be dangerous—even life-threatening—before or after a dive.
DON’T GO WITHOUT READING THIS FIRST
- Check the Weather and Visibility Reports. We recommend using the Maui Snorkel Report from the Snorkel Store (website). Anything rated 6 or higher is good to go!
- Use Mineral-Based Sunscreen. It’s better for marine life, and Maui requires it! We highly recommend checking out our “What to Bring in Hawaii” guide to help you prepare!
- Don’t ever Dive Alone.
- Respect the Coral. Never touch or step on coral—it’s alive and helps produce 50% of the Earth’s oxygen.
- Leave Nature Where It Belongs. Don’t take sand, coral, or rocks as souvenirs.
- Don’t Disturb Marine Life.
- Stay 15 Ft Away from Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honus).
- Stay 50 Ft Away from Hawaiian Monk Seals. If you see one, report it to NOAA’s Marine Wildlife Hotline at +1 (808) 256-9840.
- Always pick up your trash!
- Spread the Aloha
THIS IS HOW TO HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE!
- Don’t even think about going scuba diving in Maui without a camera! This is an experience you’ll want to capture, even if you’re a first-time diver. Be sure to check out our “Photography Essentials for Hawaii” guide! For this adventure, bring an action camera. Accessories like handheld mounts are great for wider shots and selfies, while body mounts offer a cool first-person perspective.
- Book your tour in advance and check the weather forecast. The day before your tour, give the company a call to confirm your booking and ask about options in case of bad weather or if you need to reschedule.
- Take some motion sickness medicine. Even if you don’t usually get motion sick, it’s a good idea to take some motion sickness medicine just in case. You won’t want feel ill and miss a moment of this adventure! Try this iPhone trick to take photos without feeling sick!
- BRING A TOWEL! Just in case or to be comfortable after the dive.
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