Dive Maui
Maui is a beautiful part of the most remote populated landmass on the planet. Here you can find tropical splendor and a relaxed lifestyle amidst abundant opportunities to explore Maui’s underwater coastline. Indeed, in the Hawaiian Islands, everyone lives close to the sea so when you feel ready to scuba dive in Maui, Lahaina’s coral reefs make a great place to start.
Geography of Maui
The stunning island of Maui comprises two significant volcanoes that connect via a low-lying isthmus. The volcanoes’ names are Haleakala and Kalahawai. World-famous Haleakala sits dormant on Maui’s east side and remains the newer and larger of the two volcanic mountains. Dominating the west side, the more ancient Kalahawai sits extinct. Today, you will often hear about this volcano being called the West Maui Mountains.
Both volcanoes dramatically slope down to cerulean blue ocean waters. Maui’s north and east windward shorelines generally have rocky and harsh ocean conditions. However, the island has calmer leeward south and west-facing shores that feature fringing coral reef systems along the coastline. For example, the beautiful Olowalu Reef is Maui’s oldest and most developed coral reef system! Olowalu Reef has even been named Hawaii’s first-ever Mission Blue Hope Spot.
The fringing coral reefs near Lahaina and Ka’anapali are where Banyan Tree Divers Maui offers daily guided shore dives for certified divers and introductory dives for non-certified divers!
Maui Underwater Life
Few places on Earth boast better underwater scenery than the Hawaiian islands. In this part of the Pacific Ocean, scuba divers find coral reefs full of fish, turtles, eels, and white-tip reef sharks. During Humpback Whale Season, you can hear whale songs throughout your scuba dives in Lahaina. Certified divers, bring your underwater camera when you dive Maui because you can get photos of the endemic sea life you encounter scuba diving in Maui. No camera, no problem! Our dive service offers an excellent Photography Package, available online during checkout!
Maui Fish Favorites
- Ornate Butterflyfish
- Raccoon Butterflyfish
- Teardrop Butterflyfish
- Potter’s Angelfish
- Yellow Tail Wrasse
- Moorish Idol fish
- Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse
- Trumpetfish
- Parrotfish
State Fish of Hawaii
The Picasso Triggerfish, aka humuhumunukunukuapua’a, is not only the official sea swimmer of the Aloha State, but it’s also one of the noisiest. When alarmed or feeling stressed, this colorful reef dweller may emit a snorting sound that is somewhat porcine. Indeed, the last part of this fish’s Hawaiian name, Pua’a, refers to a pig. When you dive in Maui, be sure to keep your eyes (and ears) open for a close encounter with this marvelous reef fish. Don’t try to pet him, though. This fancy fish can raise sharp spines along its back at the slightest provocation. In any case, do your best to void touching any fish. Enjoy the behavior of Maui’s fishes, but do so from a reasonable distance. The same goes for turtles 😉
It is always an excellent time of year to make your reservation for a fun and informative scuba dive in Maui set up by Banyan Tree Divers Maui. Book online or call us at (808) 446-6099 to reserve scuba diving during your Maui vacation!