Maui…Blue skies, white beaches, turquoise waters, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, what more do you want? Maui, also known as “The Valley Isle” is the second-largest Hawaiian Islands. Maui is known for the largest dormant volcano, the “Road to Hana” and the best whale watching locations.
Source: When is the best time to travel to Hawaii?
Hawaii, having eleven of the thirteen climate zones, the island of Maui has weather that is not too hot and not too cold. Maui offers merely every season of the year in different parts of the Island. The North and East side has rainfall whereas the South and West side are known for its sunny and dry weather.
With weather like this, who wants to sit inside? Voted as the “Best Island in the World” for over 20 years, this island offers many different activities, from relaxing on the beach to scuba diving.
Exploring the underwater world of Maui with its magical creatures is a bullet point on many bucket lists. From giant see turtles, to rays, to the well known humuhumunukunukuapua’a (the official Hawaiin State Fish), you would not want to blink an eye.
Some of the best places to explore the crystal clear waters of Maui are as follow:
Lanai Cathedral
Source: Lanai Cathedrals with Lahaina Divers
Just a ferry ride away, the Lanai Cathedral offers an unforgettable, and some might say, spiritual experience, with sunrays sneaking through the opening of this underwater cave, creating a stained glass effect. This is perfect for beginner to intermediate drivers.
Honolua Bay
Source: Maui Diving Honolua Bay HD version
Diving through the clear waters of Honolua Bay you will find breathtaking colors from bright orange coral to gold blue tuna to pink snappers.
These are only a few of the tropical fish that call Honolua Bay home. This is an ideal location for divers of all levels.
Molokini Crater
Source: Scuba diving in Hawaii : Molokini Crater, Maui
Molokin Crater was formed by the fury of a woman in love: Pele, the fire goddess, was in love with a prince who loved another woman, Pele took her revenge and legend has it, Molokin Crater is the body of her prince.
Besides this tragic story, this crescent-shaped crater holds the magnificent whale shark. This is the ideal location for experienced divers.
Airport Beach
Source: Airport Beach – Best Shore Dives Maui, Hawaii
The Airport Beach is located along Kaanapali Beach with dozens of the most beautiful fish, such as lemon butterflies, needlefish and Moorish idols. This would be the perfect location for beginner divers.
With all these magical dive locations, you need the perfect dive operator. Whether you are a beginner or a highly qualified diver, there is an operator for you.
According to Yelp, the top-rated dive specialist included Aqua Adventure located in Wailuku with prices ranging from $110; Wailea Scuba that offers a night dive for the price of $199; and Sammy Scuba Diving with prices raging from $99 to $499.
According to TripAdivor less experienced divers might choose operators like B&B Scuba and Maui Dive Shop, whereas newly certified or highly qualified divers could choose an operator like Mike Severns Diving.
Tripadvisor states that single day, two tank trips might range from $110 to $159 per person and three tank trips can go up to $200.
Not a certified diver? Maui is the best place to start. With accessible dives from the shore, many diving operators offer training and certification from $99. Maui Scuba Mike states that with today’s technology and skills, it has become a safer adventure.
By now, you are probably asking, “so when is the best time to go?” TripAdvisor states that the winter time (late January through March) is known as the whale-watching season. While exploring the underwater world, you will hear the singing of Humpback Whales.
The water temperatures range from 74 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you prefer warmer waters, you might want to go during July and August with water temperatures rising to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get the best out of your scuba trip make sure you go as early as possible, double check your equipment, ask questions about the history and sea life and enjoy the magical world of Maui.
Source: TOP 10 Ocean Activities on Maui – Pride of Maui
Maui offers many other water adventures to explore its beautiful ocean: from snorkeling, stand-up paddleboard, surfing, canoe and even mermaid adventures. If you want more of Maui, take flight and get the bigger and better picture of the most iconic places by taking a helicopter tour
With oceans that are alive with magical creatures and perfect water temperatures, this is a magnificent Island that holds many beauties to explore. So what are you waiting for, have you booked your flights yet?
