MAUI: I only have two dives to choose, help!

[runway1]

I'll be in Maui this August. I'll be able to get in several shore dives but only have time for two boat dives - which ones?

In 2006, I dove Molokini crater and a place they called turtle point (maybe McKenna?). Great dives. If you were to pick two of the MUST DO boat dives, what would they be? Lanai, Molokini...?? Thanks all!

 

[DiveMaven]

I'd suggest you pick Lanai (the Cathedrals) as one of your boat dives. As for the other, a lot of folks would suggest doing the backwall of Molokini. Personally, my favorite dive on Maui is Red Hill, but it isn't a site you can always get to. If it were me, I'd go to Lanai and get on a S. Maui boat going to Molokini or where ever else they want to take me.

 

[smellzlikefish]

I'll put a vote in for Molokai, but I'm a sucker for big wildlife.

 

[runway1]

I'll put a vote in for Molokai, but I'm a sucker for big wildlife.

Induldge my ignorance; What does "big wildlife" mean to you? Which ones?

 

[DiveMaven]

Sharks, Hammerheads in particular. But if you do Molokai you'll pretty much have to go with Lahaina Divers, and they may require you do a charter with them before Molokai to make sure you're skilled enough. That could easily be your two boat dives...Lanai and Molokai, both with Lahaina Divers.

FYI, Molokai diving is usually group diving so the first low on air brings the entire group up. It's also live boat diving and reboarding may be under rough conditions, so you'd want to be experienced in live boat diving (which includes mid-water safety stops without holding onto a line).

 

[scubadada]

runway1

As you have so little time for boat dives, I would encourage you to check out the Lahaina Divers schedule Scuba Dive Lanai, Molokini, Molokai, and Maui They have an extensive schedule including Lanai, Molokai (Tu only), Molokini including backwall, and twilight/night. They have a few later departures too.

My son and I had a great time with them, their schedule is now much more extensive and flexible than during our visit.

Good diving, Craig

 

[KrisB]

I'd say go to Lanai for both dives.

But go with an operator that caters to return business, rather than scheduling things. Hawaiian Rafting Adventures will likely take you to four different sites over the 2 2-tank dives.

There's always a risk of the Lanai operators going to Molokai... IF CONDITIONS WARRANT. Any op that schedules that trip is asking for trouble.

 

[DiveMaven]

FYI, Lahaina Divers is making it over to Molokai over 90% of their scheduled charters, so it's obviously working for them. Perhaps it's the advantage of those big 46' Newtons that can handle the potentially rough crossing.

 

[KrisB]

FYI, Lahaina Divers is making it over to Molokai over 90% of their scheduled charters, so it's obviously working for them. Perhaps it's the advantage of those big 46' Newtons that can handle the potentially rough crossing.

just because the runs are being made doesn't make them pleasant.

I did several "runs" on a 400' vessel (aka SuperFerry) with specific stabilization features between Maui & Oahu... and the roughest part of that was between Maui & Molokai.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Extended Horizons will also do 4 different sites off Lanai if you go both trips with them, conditions permitting. While I do not doubt LD's Molokai trips go 90% of the time, I do doubt that 90% are fun for most passengers.