Gail's maui vacation condo is located on the west side of the island. For SCUBA divers there are a number of options depending on what type of diving experience the diver has logged. For the first time diver the waters are calm and clear. There are many certification programs available with either PADI or NAUI.

If a diver wants to do a shore dive off the coast of Maui there are many options. Usually the visibility is 50-60 feet and access can vary (easy beach access to reef access) depending on the dive site. A lot can be written about Maui SCUBA diving, but I want to mention a few general points.

First, The Whaler is located on Kaanapali Beach where Black Rock is only a short walking distance to the north. I have had many incredible dives here, specifically during the fall when there is a chance to see a spotted manta ray. Also, on the opposite side of Black Rock is North Beach. This is a great place for a dive, especially when you have not dove in a while and you want to get comfortable in the equipment again (if it has been too long make sure to take a refresher coarse with a dive master).

Topography-

Maui Shoreline. The average depth is 40 feet and the bottom is reef and sand depending on the location.

Lanai. This will require a boat dive. If you are staying on the west side, I suggest leaving from Mala Ramp. It is about 2 miles between Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina. The best thing about Lanai SCUBA diving is the topography. There are some incredible underwater formations giving some great light effects. The sea life is good, but again, dive off Lanai for the light and topography. The average depth is about 50-60 feet, and when I was a Dive Master I enjoyed diving with Expedition Divers.

Sea life-

Molokini. This will require a boat dive. If you are staying on the west side there are a few SCUBA boats leaving from Lahaina Harbor. However, most boats leave from Maalea Harbor or Kihei on the South side of Maui. The drive from the west side of Maui on Kaanapali Beach is about 35 minutes to Maalea Harbor and an hour to Kihei A few things about Molokini. The visibility is about 80-100 feet. The best dive is the back side. This is a wall dive with a drift. Also, there is a deep dive called shark condos, where white tip sharks hang-out, and you may also see a gray shark. Both the wall dive and deep dive are for an experienced diver, and I suggest either Ed Robinson's or Mike Steverns. There are also a number of Molokini dives that do not require a experienced diver and there are numerous SCUBA companies to choose from.

I do want to reiterate one last thing about Molokini Diving. If you are an advanced diver, make sure to investigate the smaller boats of Ed Robinson and Mike Steverns.