lamarpaulski
Contributor
mala pier is excellent shore dive. watch boat traffic.
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Diving wise I have no concerns about either of the two sites. I would assume Molokini is somewhat like Little Cayman and as far as the Hellfire I have a wreck cert but it doesn't look like it is that kind of dive anyway.
We stay near Kaanapali. We like it because we are close to the beach and to the Whaler Village shopping center. It's not that big and depending on your shopping needs you are done in just a few hours.
Lahaina is only 20 or less from Kaanapali. I dove Lahaina Divers and had very good experience with them. Our friends are not morning people and the time we had to leave to scuba in the morining was more civilized than if we had to drive to Kehei. There are lots of shops and restaurants in Lahaina to keep non divers happy. For my night dive we parked near Lahaina Divers. My daughter and I checked in and my wife and two other kids walked to the Banyon tree and went shopping and ate dinner. We hooked up again after the dive and all went home happy.
It is about 30-45 minutes depending upon traffic to get from Kaanapali to Kihei and at least 45 minutes to get to Wailea. I've been down that way a few times but we spend more time a near Lahaina and Kaanapali.
Don't forget, the top of Haleakala volcano is 10,000 feet. You will need to take that into account if you plan on going there during your trip. I you do I would recommend the Kula lodge along the way. It has great views of the ocean and shoreline. Another neat place to eat is the cafeteria restaurant at the Maui Ocean Center with a view over the Mala Harbor/Landing area. My personal favorite restaurant is Mama's Fish house in Paia. It's a good 30 minute drive from Kaanapali. We also always eat at the Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina right behind the Safeway shopping center. Local food at reasonable prices.
Have fun.
So after years of wanting to go to Maui and not being able to make the surface swim from Monterey I finally am getting to go there.
I'm looking into dive shops and have a couple emails out but suggestions are always welcome. Looking to dive the Hellfire and the crater. Anything else is gravy, but id like to dive the mantas. That may not be an option depending on what the "boss" approves. I don't know if theres a certain time of year for that dive either.
We will have a car but there is no Hotel booked yet. Are there any suggestions on where to stay? The wife probably prefers to stay somewhere with activities other than diving as well.
There's a big difference between the Kaanapali part of Maui and the Kihei/Wailea. The Kihei / Wailea area is in the south, so typically warmer and drier. The Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua area is often cooler, wetter and windier. You can spend a lot or less money in either part of Maui. If the "boss" is planning on sitting out in the sun while you're blowing bubbles under water, the south part of Maui is probably a better bet for vegging on the beachI am comfortable on ocean boat dives, and since im really hoping to do the Hellfire and Molokini I don't mind making the drive. I would assume my wife wants to relax by the ocean and probably have some things to look at.
Diving wise I have no concerns about either of the two sites. I would assume Molokini is somewhat like Little Cayman and as far as the Hellfire I have a wreck cert but it doesn't look like it is that kind of dive anyway.
I know she's got a bug about Kaanapali, of course I prefer Wailea since its more diving convenient and may make it possible to dive more than one day. Granted like you said who knows what the cost difference is. I didn't know the manta's were on the big island, so thats good to know.
Hammerheads!? I paid the $$$$ and saw 1 hammerhead 75 ft away. The crossing to Molokai is very rough. It's a crap shoot seeing the sharks. Try to be in the first group in. Hammerheads are very shy and will split in a flash. Now if you want to see hammerheads... Socorro Islands. I won't waste my money or time with Lahaina divers again. Not that great of a dive op. I recommend B&B.
Second that! They're a first class operationI dove with Extended Horizons out of Lahaina. First class operation. Smaller boat and smaller groups allowed for a personalized experience.