Diving in Maui and Honolulu

[lovetoscuba]

Hi, I will be going to Maui to visit my brother in early September for a little more than a week, than head to Honolulu for a few days staying by Waikiki beach on my own. I was wondering if I would need a wetsuit for that time of year for scuba diving and if so, what mm? 3 or 5? I usually dive in the Caribbean and Florida so not sure on water temp that time of year in Hawaii. Also do you think Maui has better diving or Honolulu? Thanks!:cool2:

 

[GAFUN]

My wife and I spend time in October in Maui. For the last few years the water temp on my computer has been 81 degrees. I use a 3/2mm, but may take my 1.5 this year.
I haven't dove in Honolulu, but I really enjoy the diving in Maui.

 

[scottitheduck]

Depends on your build........ height and weight?

G

 

[muddiver]

When on Maui I dive a 3/2 mm because I am either deep (like 130') or out for a long time (50 to 60+ min) per dive. I like Maui in September because everything is warm. For shallow beach diving all you really need is a shorty or skin to keep the BC from chafing. I've seen people dive in tee shirts. I recommend the beach diving on Maui vs. paying for a boat ride. Airport Beach, Ka'anapali Beach, around the Sheraton or Mala Wharf are easy entry, fantastic diving.

I know nothing about Oahu.

 

[lovetoscuba]

Thanks for the response! All recommendations taken.

 

[NWDiverdown]

Maui has great reefs, Oahu has great wrecks. I recently moved to Oahu and love the area for diving. I have been on a few shore and boat dives and have seen coral reefs, tropical fish of all colors, giant turtles and gorgeous sharks. I have yet to dive a wreck, but plan on doing so next week. Check out Ocean Legends on Oahu for gear rentals and dive trips. Really nice folks and great divers. Since you are from FL, I would recommend at least a 3/2. I moved here after diving the Puget Sound for years, but still wear a 5mm suit.

 

[NAUIWOWI]

I was in Oahu and Maui the last part of March and the beginning of April. Went diving with Kaimana Divers (Gabe Scotti- Scottitheduck on the forum here) and would highly recommend them. Dove the YO257 and the Seatiger, Honu all over the wrecks, fish but no Atlantis sub to moon (kidding- we were warned not to, as the sub company frowns on this practice and will call the coast guard on you). Very enjoyable dives, right out in front of waikiki beach. I had on a 3/2 shorty with a lavacore tank top underneath. Perfectly comfortable for me, water temp was 77. Ditto with Maui, diving at molokini with another good outfight, B&B Scuba. Nice boat, good people to dive with.