Going to Maui in June

[kidspot]

There are several nice shore dives within a mile either direction of the Embassy. Actually there is one right in front of the Embassy - look for the 3 mooring balls in a line going out from shore. You swim out to the south of them with the current, drop down - lots of nice coral heads, swim throughs etc. surface and swim back on the north side of the mooring balls with a return current (normally there is a predictable rip current that goes out and back in like that) Vis can be bad especially if it's been raining, but normally it's about 30-50ft vis.

South of the Embassy about 1/2 mile is Old Airport beach, which is one of my most frequented shore dives (actually if I'm available I'll join you for it) and another 1/2mile south down the beach is Black Rock which makes a very nice night dive.

If you are on Maui June 3rd please join us for our Monthly Dive/BBQ (8am, location to be announced)

Aloha, Tim

P.S. Drop me a PM when you know your plans.

 

[nescubasteve]

Joe,

Just got back Monday evening from Maui. Left 80 degrees and sand and returned to 20 degrees and snow. Someone remind me again why we live in Nebraska... Anyway, we stayed at Papakea, which is right next to the Embassy Vacation Resort. I dove seven of the ten days I was there. I reserved all my dives prior to leaving home for Maui.

For shore dives, I heartily recommend Shaka Doug http://www.shakadivers.com/welcome.htm. I was the dad with the two young sons that dove with Doug the same time as Happy2Bme and her husband (who returned home to much less snow, thank-you-very-much). Had a great experience and my 12 and 14 year old both got certified on the trip. Doug responded quickly to emails and was easy to get ahold of on the phone. I really appreciated his flexibiilty with dive times (we were there with extended family and had other "obligations" on one of our dive days). We got a CD from Doug after the dives which had GREAT pics and video of our dives. It has been a big hit back home! Especially while waiting for my photos to be developed (still on film).

For boat dives, I can not imagine that you could find a better operator than B&B Scuba http://www.bbscuba.com. Dove four days of two tank dives with them. We hit the backwall of Molokini three of those four days. EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE on the boat was terrific. Brad and Blessi (owners) were on the boat all four days with Blessi leading most of the dives. Bill was the boat captain and did a great job. Stan the DM was a great help. Can't say enough good things about them. I drove from Papakea every morning at 0500, arrived around 0540 (not much traffic that early if you can imagine) and was back home by 1100 all four days. One of the reasons I chose B&B is because of the small boat (max 12 divers) and the early departure and return times. It worked out really well because by the time I returned in the morning, my wife and sons had slept in late, eaten breakfast, played on the beach and/or pool, and were ready to go do something fun when I returned.

Finally, I also dove the Maui Ocean Center Shark Dive http://www.mauioceancenter.com/NewsandCalendar/PressKit/SharkDive.html. Another terrific experience. On the day I dove, it was just me and the curator, Jeff. We had a 40 minute dive in the tank and hopefully got some great pics. They let you keep any shark teeth that you find in the gravel and I was fortunate enough to find a Tiger Shark tooth. Both Jeff and Ray (another diver/curator who attended to my family while I was on the dive) were jealous, saying it was the largest Tiger Shark tooth that had been found in the tank at that point. A bit expensive, but very enjoyable.

All in all a great trip with some great diving. Looking forward to diving Maui again to hit the Cathedrals and get in a night dive or two. Would go with Shaka Doug and B&B Scuba without hesitation. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to pm me.

Steve

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Don't do a Molokini trip out of Lahaina unless you like spending a LOT of time on a boat. B&B leaves out of south Kihei and the trip is just a few minutes and you get there before the wind does.

Have fun, you'll love the place, we do.

 

[Parrothead_Diver]

I agree with those who have suggested B&B. We dive with them every year when we are in Maui. The drive is kind of far from Kaanapalli, but it is worth it. They are almost always the first boat to Molokini and you are back to the dock after two tanks by around noon.

As for shore diving goes, I recommend the book; "The Divers' Guide to Maui" by Chuck Thorne. It has lots of good information on different shore dives on Maui. If you do a google search for it, you should be able to find it for around $5.

Another good resource is shorediving.com

Aloha, and enjoy your trip.

BTW, when are you going? My wife and I will be there from June 22 to July 1.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I agree with those who have suggested B&B. We dive with them every year when we are in Maui. The drive is kind of far from Kaanapalli, but it is worth it. They are almost always the first boat to Molokini and you are back to the dock after two tanks by around noon.

I've been out with B&B probably about 50 times now and we've never been back to the dock later than 10am. You must still be on Mainland time It's the perfect operation for those who have non diving family as they still have time for....shopping or whatever else non divers do on Maui :huh:

 

[lishen]

I dove with Lahaina Divers and had a fantastic time, see my review here... http://www.dailydiver.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10

Also, if you're inquiring about shore dives, I've put together a preliminary listing of the shore dives here...http://www.dailydiver.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=158

 

[Parrothead_Diver]

I've been out with B&B probably about 50 times now and we've never been back to the dock later than 10am. You must still be on Mainland time It's the perfect operation for those who have non diving family as they still have time for....shopping or whatever else non divers do on Maui :huh:

Sorry... You're right. I was actually thinking back to the Hotel by noon; not back to the dock....