Maui: Best scuba diving site

Maui is more than just stunning beaches and verdant waterfalls—it’s also one of the best family-friendly scuba diving destinations in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or introducing your kids to the magic of life beneath the sea, Maui offers crystal-clear waters, an incredible variety of marine life, and some of the most pristine and welcoming dive sites you’ll ever encounter. With gentle currents and plenty of shallow reef systems, Maui’s underwater world is both accessible and awe-inspiring.

Top Scuba Diving Sites in Maui

Molokini Crater

One of the most famous dive sites in all of Hawaii, Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic caldera located about 3 miles off Maui’s southwest coast. Protected as a Marine Life Conservation District, Molokini offers extraordinarily clear waters with visibility often surpassing 150 feet. Divers can explore vertical walls, coral reefs, and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with species like moorish idols, parrotfish, manta rays, and even reef sharks. Since the currents here can be stronger on the back wall, the inner reef is perfect for families and less experienced divers.

Turtle Town (Maluaka Beach)

Just south of Wailea, Turtle Town is one of the best locations to have close encounters with Hawaii’s green sea turtles. This area is a series of underwater lava formations and coral reefs that provide perfect shelter for sea turtles and countless tropical fish. The gentle conditions and shallow depths (around 15-40 feet) make it a wonderful site for beginner divers and snorkelers alike.

Black Rock, Kaanapali

Situated on the north end of Kaanapali Beach, Black Rock is an easily accessible shore dive, which makes it ideal for families staying in nearby resort areas. The lava rock wall shelters a variety of colorful fish, eagle rays, and the occasional turtle. Night dives here are also popular for those seeking a different kind of underwater adventure.

Five Caves (Five Graves)

Located just south of Wailea, Five Caves is an advanced dive due to its caverns and swim-throughs, but it’s worth considering for confident divers. Notable features include underwater arches and caves, often frequented by white-tip reef sharks, octopus, and nudibranchs. While not ideal for younger children or beginners, experienced divers in the family will find it thrilling.

What Makes Maui Great for Family Diving

Maui is uniquely suited for family diving adventures thanks to its warm water, exceptional visibility, professional dive shops, and variety of dive sites for all skill levels. Many local dive tour companies offer family packages, including private charters and introductory dive classes for children aged 10 and older (the minimum age permitted by most scuba certifications).

Marine Life You Can Expect to See

Maui’s waters are home to an incredible diversity of marine life year-round, including:

  • Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu)
  • Spotted eagle rays
  • Moorish idols and butterflyfish
  • White-tip and black-tip reef sharks
  • Humpback whales (seasonal, Dec-Apr)
  • Octopus, moray eels, and colorful nudibranchs

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Dive

  • Always dive with a certified instructor or guide, especially if you’re new to the area or traveling with children.
  • Double-check equipment and consider renting from reputable local dive shops with good reviews.
  • Be conscious of ocean conditions; when in doubt, ask a local expert before entering the water.
  • Practice good buoyancy control to avoid harming fragile coral reefs and disturbing marine life.
  • Use only reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your family’s skin and Maui’s precious marine ecosystems. Our Coco Botanicals mineral-based sunscreen is a perfect choice—100% reef-safe, non-toxic, and gentle enough for the entire family.

When to Go

Diving is great year-round in Maui, but the best visibility and weather conditions are typically found from May through September. Winter months (December to March) bring the added magic of humpback whales passing through the Hawaiian Islands, which can sometimes even be heard singing underwater while you dive.

Family-Friendly Dive Operators

Maui is home to numerous excellent dive shops and tour providers. Look for those who cater to families by offering shore dives, equipment specially sized for kids, and PADI Discover Scuba Diving programs for beginners. Examples include:

  • Scuba Mike (highly rated for beginner-friendly instruction)
  • Maui Dreams Dive Co.
  • Pride of Maui (great for boat charters with snorkeling and scuba options)

Protect the Reef While You Dive

Preserving Maui’s reefs is everyone’s responsibility. As you explore the underwater world, be mindful not to touch or step on coral, avoid using harmful chemical sunscreens, and never chase or harass marine animals. Products like Coco Botanicals’ reef-safe sunscreen help ensure that our adventures in nature today don’t compromise its beauty for generations to come.

Diving in Maui is more than an activity—it’s an unforgettable experience that connects families with the natural world in a profound and exciting way. Whether you’re diving alongside a green sea turtle or marveling at a forest of coral in the warm Pacific water, you’ll leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for our oceans. Pack your fins, grab your reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready to dive into the best of Maui.