MAUI

The second largest Hawaiian island, Maui arose from the ocean floor as two separate volcanoes. Lava flows and erosion eventually built up a valley-like isthmus between the two, linking them in their present form. The southeastern portion is dominated by Haleakala, and the northwest by Puu Kukui. The two high peaks block the trade winds that blow in from the northeast.

Maui’s best and most consistently good dive sites are found along the leeward shore that winds down from Kaanapali to La Perouse Bay. Although the north shore is Maui’s longest coastline, this region is seldom dived due to its remoteness and year-round rough water. The windward southeast coast is also rarely visited because of near-constant winds, swells and strong currents.

BLACK ROCK
Location: Southeast of Kahana
Depth Range: 15-30ft (5-9m)
Access: Beach
Expertise Rating: Novice

Black Rock is probably not the most thrilling shore dive on Maui, but it is the easiest, safest and most convenient. A large, black volcanic-rock peninsula juts out several hundred feet from the otherwise sandy shore in front of the Sheraton Hotel. The south side of the peninsula borders and protects the bay, which is a perfect playground for novice divers and snorkelers. The area is also a popular night dive suitable for all levels.

The underwater terrain consists mostly of sand and volcanic rock. Marine life highlights include a large variety of friendly fish. Expect to be approached by large swarms of butterflyfish and tangs. Used to being fed, their appearance provides good snapshot opportunities in shallow water.

More experienced divers may want to leave the cove, which is easiest to do near the reef along the peninsula. You’ll be rewarded with better visibility and more natural marine life behavior, but be prepared for a moderate current once you reach the peninsula’s point.

MOLOKINI CRATER

The tip of this extinct volcanic crater rises out of the water in the channel between Maui and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe.

While the northern side has been breached by the ocean, the southern half of the crater is still intact, creating a crescent-shaped island of volcanic rock barely a quarter of a mile (400m) long. The crater can be divided into four main diving areas: inside, outside, and the two points of the crescent.

Molokini is a designated marine life conservation district. All boats visiting must use the moorings rather than anchors in order to keep coral damage to a minimum, but the high volume of divers has certainly affected the reef over the years.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to find an operator that visits in the afternoon.

Tour operators occasionally offer two morning dives on the outside of Molokini, then move to the inside after most other boats have left.

INSIDE CRATER
Location: Molokini Crater
Depth Range: 10-30ft (3-9m)
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice

This is by far Maui County’s most popular spot for snorkeling, snuba and scuba diving. The inside of the crater is almost always protected from the wind and current, is accessible year-round and is suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers.

The bottom’s mix of rubble and sand with scattered rock and reef formations provides an ideal habitat for a variety of species. There are zillions of butterflyfish, saddle wrasses, chubs, surgeonfish, parrotfish and bluestripe snapper, all of which fearlessly approach divers and snorkelers. Octopuses, moray eels, leaf fish and other friendly critters can also be found within the crater’s sheltered cove.