The Best Places for Scuba Diving in Maui

Maui has always been a hot spot for scuba diving, and for good reason. With crystal clear waters and beautiful temperate weather, who could resist? Since Maui offers a wide variety of scuba diving spots, tourists tend to find it challenging when trying to pick the spot that suits their experience and comfort level.

This guide will point you in the right direction to some of the most sought after scuba diving spots in Maui.

Molokini

Molokini is a crescent shaped isle just a 15 minute boat ride off of Maui. You can reserve a spot on a tour driven adventure to Molokini, or you can simply hire a small boat to take you there from Maui. Of all the spots on Maui to scuba dive, Molokini is thought of as number one.

In fact, you will be sure to find many creatures not found anywhere else in the world. Many veteran divers have reports seeing 45 foot sharks (but no one has been hurt) along with manta rays and other colorful wildlife.

The St. Anthony

This is Maui’s only official artificial reef. After sinking in 1997, The St. Anthony is the latest edition this scuba diving spot in Maui. The artificial reef first began in 1957 with 150 sunken automobiles. Due to corrosion, the state then implanted concrete filled tires. These tires made a perfect spot for fish to call home, and now with the addition of The St. Anthony, green sea turtles have been drawn to the spot. You can expect to see over 50 different species of fish when diving here.

Makena

This huge bay is shaped with the island of Maui. Green sea turtles are the main attraction of this site. In fact, they’ve seen so many divers they are no longer afraid. This means you have the opportunity to swim within touching distance! Along with the sea turtles, you’ll find different species of eels and beautiful lionfish.

La Perouse Bay

This bay was formed about 200 years ago, when the last lava flowed on Maui. Hawaiian endemics (fish found no where else in the world) can be found here, along with all 4 species of angel fish that live in Hawaii. Many scuba divers in Maui claim this spot to be the best of the best, due to the tremendous amount of fish specifies that can be seen at just about any time.