Maui Dive Near Kanapali

[StacyT]

I've been looking to book a couple of days of boat diving, but it seems that most of the highly recommended operators are in the Kihei area. I'll be staying in Kanapali, and the drive to Kihei would be to long for me.

I know that Lahaina Divers has leaves out of Lahaina, but their boats seem to be rather large, and the number of divers on them as well. Not really what I'm looking for.

Anyone know of any other operators that work out of Kanapali or Lahaina area that runs a smaller boat? Any other recommendations?

 

[diversteve]

I've been looking to book a couple of days of boat diving, but it seems that most of the highly recommended operators are in the Kihei area. I'll be staying in Kanapali, and the drive to Kihei would be to long for me.

I know that Lahaina Divers has leaves out of Lahaina, but their boats seem to be rather large, and the number of divers on them as well. Not really what I'm looking for.

Anyone know of any other operators that work out of Kanapali or Lahaina area that runs a smaller boat? Any other recommendations?

Extended Horizons. I think they leave out of Lahaina. I haven't dove with them but have seen them recommended several times.

http://www.scubadivemaui.com/

Lahaina Divers can work if you catch the right trip. I went midweek and there were only 9 other divers on the whole boat. ymmv.

Pacific Dive in Lahaina doesn't have a boat so they're probably not a good option. I don't know who they book onto? Maui Diveshop?

 

[StacyT]

sjspeck thanks for the info. I didn't know that there was another operator that worked out of Lahaina. I'll check them out.

 

[KrisB]

Keep in mind that if you're doing Molokini, leaving from Lahaina means a longer boat trip... and that's time you'd likely save twice (or even thrice) over by driving down to Kihei.

I even noticed a big difference between leaving from Maalea Harbour and the Kihei Boat Ramp.

If you're like most people, the drive is likely much more enjoyable than the boat ride...

 

[DiveMaven]

Extended Horizons dives Lanai a lot, which is a 30 min. boat ride from Lahaina. We dive with Lahaina Divers when we dive out of Lahaina (otherwise go with Mike Severns or Ed Robinsons out of Kehei), and we've rarely had a full boat. Like sjspeck, we've had good luck booking mid-week charters with them and having a 1/2 full boat (10-12 divers). Since I have motion sick problems, their big boats are very stable and easier on me, so we risk the crowds for the comfort when we don't want to drive to Kehei.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

You didn't dive Maui if you don't do Molokini.

 

[kidspot]

Keep in mind that if you're doing Molokini, leaving from Lahaina means a longer boat trip... and that's time you'd likely save twice (or even thrice) over by driving down to Kihei.

I even noticed a big difference between leaving from Maalea Harbour and the Kihei Boat Ramp.

If you're like most people, the drive is likely much more enjoyable than the boat ride...

I'll second that (being one who doesn't like boats much ...) also the seas tend to rise later in the day, so you frequently get a rougher trip back because it takes quite a bit longer from Lahaina. A compromise is to catch a trip out of Maalaea - it's halfway (by the ocean center) a 45min. boat ride and about 25min. drive instead of a 90min. boat ride from Lahaina (or 15-20 min. from Kihei boat ramp with a 45 min. drive from Lahaina)

Pacific Dive books on several boats I believe (but contact them for info - http://www.pacificdive.com )

Aloha, Tim

 

[capybara]

We stayed in Kaanapali and went with Mike Severns to Molokini and Extended Horizons to Lanai Cathedrals, I would recommend them both highly. I agree with others about going to Molokini with the Kihei operators to avoid long boat trips. Also try doing a shore dive at Black Rock, you can rent (expensive and small) tanks right there from the Sheraton or get them cheaper elsewhere and lug them yourself. You can search my old posts if you want the original trip reports. Have fun!

 

[StacyT]

Thanks for all the info.

This will be my 2nd trip to Maui, and I've already been to Molokini, and done the shore dive at black rock. Actually black rock was my 1st ocean dive.

I really dont mind the boat rides, actually thats one of the things I enjoy.

 

[Scubagolf]

Extended Horizons generally goes to the Cathedrals on Lanai from the small boat harbor on the north end of Lahaina, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Starbuck's. I've been to Lanai twice with them and had a great time. Dolphin, sharks, turtles each dive, with pods of spinner dolphin alongside the boat enroute to Lanai. No guarantees.


http://extendedhorizons.com/