Getting to know your instructor helps you feel comfortable in the water. Meet the Banyan Tree Divers team, learn what brought us to diving, and get to know the people who will guide your Maui experience—from your first underwater breaths to your next reef adventure.
The Banyan Tree Divers Team
Simon Small
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Dive professional since 2018 ⋅ PADI Elite Instructor, 2023
Look for Simon’s white Toyota Tacoma truck
Aloha, I’m Simon! 🤙 I’m originally from Sweden’s west coast, where I started diving at 15. Back then, diving sometimes meant drilling a hole through a frozen lake and exploring underneath the ice. So the warm waters of Hawaii are definitely a nice change! I first came to Maui on vacation in 2018, and seeing the humpback whales during my stay made me want to stick around. Well, one thing led to another, and I’ve been working as a dive professional in Hawaii ever since! I’ve always loved animals and marine life, and I never get tired of seeing what we might find underwater.
I’m also really into underwater photography and love capturing the amazing creatures we encounter, as well as the memories people make on their dives. Whether it’s your first time scuba diving or you’re already an experienced diver, I’d love to show you around Maui’s underwater world! See you underwater!
Sean Carpenter
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Professional Diver since 2010
Look for Sean’s orange Jeep Wrangler
I grew up in Florida with a lifelong connection to the water and earned my PADI Open Water certification at 15. In 2010, I became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor through Rainbow Reef in Key Largo. Since then, I have taught and guided divers across the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and now Hawaii.
What keeps my passion for the ocean alive is a genuine love for the underwater world, especially the unique experience of scuba diving. I focus on patience and safety techniques to help every diver feel confident underwater!
Shane Caraway
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Dive professional since 2014
Look for Shane’s white Toyota Tundra truck
I first tried scuba diving on Koh Tao, Thailand, in 2014—and fell in love. That first experience inspired me to stay and train to become an instructor. I had found a true passion for diving, and eventually for teaching too. Ban’s Dive Resort is one of the world’s busiest dive schools. After I finished my certifications, I started an internship as a new instructor. I immediately had back-to-back beginner courses with people from all over the world. It was an amazing experience!
As a dive instructor, I’ve lived and worked in Thailand for 2 years, Fiji for 4 years, Indonesia for 1 year, and Maui for almost 4 years. During that time, I’ve successfully taught and guided people from all over the world, from ages 10 to 75+. I love sharing my passion for diving with everyone, especially new divers. I hope to meet you soon and show you our awesome underwater world!
Ready to Dive with Us?
Whether you’re trying scuba for the first time or returning for another reef adventure, we’d love to show you Maui underwater.