Maui Scuba Diving FAQ

No. You do not need a scuba certification or previous scuba experience to try scuba diving in Maui.

Our Beginner Scuba Diving in Maui experience is designed for first-time and non-certified divers. Your instructor will introduce the essential skills, help you become comfortable using the equipment, and guide you on a shore dive in Ka’anapali.

Rental scuba equipment is included.

The minimum age for our beginner scuba diving experience and many PADI scuba courses is 10 years old. Age requirements can vary by activity or certification level, so check the individual activity page before booking.

Feeling nervous before your first scuba dive is completely normal. We specialize in working with first-time divers and keep groups small, so your instructor can give you personal attention.

You’ll have time to learn the basic skills and become comfortable with the equipment before exploring the reef. If you would prefer an instructor dedicated exclusively to your group, a private scuba diving experience is also available.

Banyan Tree Divers specializes in guided shore diving in West Maui, including dive experiences in Ka’anapali and Lahaina.

The appropriate dive location can depend on the activity, diver experience, ocean conditions, and other factors. Meeting information and important details will be provided before your scheduled dive.

Certified divers can explore our Maui scuba diving experiences for certified divers to compare available dives.

Yes. Mala Wharf is one of West Maui’s most distinctive shore diving locations, known for its underwater structure and abundant marine life. Divers may encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, tropical fish, and other reef life depending on conditions.

Our Mala Wharf Turtle & Shark Scuba Dive is available for certified divers.

If you’re certified but haven’t been diving recently, a scuba refresher can help you review essential skills and rebuild your confidence before getting back underwater.

Our Scuba Refresher Dive in Ka’anapali combines a skills review with a guided shore dive for certified divers returning to the water.

We keep our scuba diving groups small so instructors can provide personalized attention and help divers feel comfortable underwater. Non-certified groups have a maximum of four divers per instructor.

Private scuba diving is also available for groups that want an instructor dedicated exclusively to them.

Yes. Rental scuba equipment is included with our scuba diving experiences and PADI certification courses unless otherwise noted.

Check the individual activity page to see exactly what is included with your reservation, and contact us if you have questions about equipment or sizing.

If you’re a certified diver but don’t have your physical certification card, we may be able to verify your certification electronically. Please provide your certification agency and any information needed to locate your diver record.

If your certification cannot be verified, contact us before your scheduled dive so we can determine the appropriate option.

If you’re starting from the beginning, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is the standard path to becoming a fully certified scuba diver.

The course combines knowledge development, scuba skill training, and four open-water training dives with a professional instructor.

Banyan Tree Divers also offers a shorter PADI Scuba Diver Course for people with limited vacation time.

Yes. If you’ve already completed the required academic and confined-water portions of your Open Water training with another instructor or dive center, you may be able to finish your certification in Maui through our PADI Open Water Referral Course.

You’ll need the appropriate referral documentation showing the training you’ve already completed. Review the Referral course page or contact us before booking if you’re unsure whether your previous training qualifies.

Our primary PADI certification options include:

• PADI Scuba Diver — a shorter certification option for people with limited vacation time.
• PADI Open Water Diver — the standard entry-level certification for becoming a fully certified scuba diver.
• PADI Open Water Referral — for students who started their Open Water training elsewhere and want to complete their qualifying ocean dives in Maui.
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver — for certified divers who want to expand their skills and experience through additional training dives.

Visit our Scuba Certification in Maui page to compare the courses and find the right option.

We recommend reserving in advance, especially if you have specific dates in mind, are traveling with a group, want a private experience, or plan to complete a PADI certification course.

Last-minute availability may sometimes be possible, but booking ahead gives you the best opportunity to secure the experience and dates you prefer.

You can reserve available scuba diving experiences and PADI courses directly through our website. If you’re unsure which experience is right for you, call Banyan Tree Divers at (808) 446-6099 or contact us before booking.

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before your scheduled activity. Cancellations made within 48 hours may not be eligible for a refund.

Please review our Policies page for the complete cancellation, rescheduling, weather, and activity policies before booking.

Scuba diving is available in Maui throughout much of the year, but ocean and weather conditions can vary from day to day and by location.

Your instructor will consider current conditions when planning the dive. During Maui’s winter humpback whale season, divers may also hear whale songs underwater, although whale sightings while scuba diving should never be expected or guaranteed.

Yes. Ocean conditions can change, and safety is always an important consideration when selecting a dive location. A dive site or plan may be adjusted based on conditions, diver experience, and other factors on the day of the dive.

We’ll provide the appropriate meeting and activity information for your reservation.

All non-certified divers and students participating in PADI certification training must complete the required medical screening before diving. Depending on your answers and the applicable medical questionnaire, medical approval from a physician may be required before you can participate.

Please review the required medical information before your scheduled activity and contact us if you have questions.

One dive requires you to wait a minimum surface time of 12 hours before ascending to an altitude above 1000 feet. When you make two or more dives in a day, you must wait a minimum surface time of 18 hours.

Yes. Certified and non-certified divers can scuba dive together when booking our beginner scuba diving experience. This is a great option for couples, families, and friends with different levels of scuba experience who want to dive together.

Because the group includes non-certified divers, the dive is conducted in accordance with the requirements and limits of the beginner scuba experience. Your instructor will provide the necessary training for the non-certified divers and guide the group throughout the dive.

Certified divers who want a dive tailored to their certification and experience level can instead choose one of our guided dives for certified divers.