Maui or Oahu?

[ExpAAt05]

I'm going to take advantage of low fares and have a quick escape for 2-3 days to HI to dive next month (I know - that's a lot of air time for little bottom time, but you do what you can..).

Is Maui or Oahu a better spot? I've been to both islands, so I know what they are like topside, but never went diving there. I'm sure this has been discussed somewhere on this board, but I couldn't find a good thread.

Thanks

 

[klavdivs]

Having dove both islands, it is a little like asking if you like the red drapes or the blue - they are both fantastic. Maui does have the Molokini back wall dive and the humpback whales, so I give it a slight nod (that and my son lives there).

 

[kidspot]

based upon the number of dive site reviews here on Scubaboard (not any experience with Oahu really) I'd say that Maui has more shore diving spots - but both have similar numbers of boat sites. There is more of a focus on Oahu on the wrecks (which Maui doesn't really have) - so ... what kind of diving do you want to do? - btw just my opinion and impressions so far... now it's time to do some diving on Oahu and see what is really going on underwater here

Aloha, Tim

 

[ExpAAt05]

Having dove both islands, it is a little like asking if you like the red drapes or the blue - they are both fantastic.

That's what I thought - both great. I think I'm going to head to Maui this time (gonna do some boat diving).

I know that there are tons of threads on this, but anyone recommend a favorite dive shop? (I will probably stay in the Lahaina area).

Thanks everyone for the tips.

 

[carriemak]

We have dived both islands. IMO, Maui has better diving. We were there for 14 days and never tired of Molokini.

 

[kidspot]

In Lahaina I'd go to Pacific Dive - especially for shore diving. For boat diving in the Lahaina/Lanai area I'd contact Extended horizons (not a shop, but good boat op)

If you want to do some diving down in the Kihei area, contact Shaka Doug Welcome to SHAKA DIVERS Web Site! for shore diving or B&B Scuba for Boat diving

lots of other good choices, but those are my opinions

Aloha, Tim

 

[carriemak]

Is Dive and Sea Maui still in business? We were on their boats for the 14 days of diving with Capt Ron and Bill

 

[OBXDIVEGUY]

I just got back from Oahu and had some fantastic dives! Tons of turtles and we saw humpbacks from the boat and could hear them underwater the entire time. I don't know about Maui, but on Oahu, I'd recommend Island Divers Hawai

 

[ExpAAt05]

Thanks everyone. Booked my dives with Extended Horizons, who seem to get lots of good reviews on this board and also a friend of mine who dove with them recently gave them the nod. I'll report back afterwards.

 

[DMJulie]

What about Kauai? Everyone always seems to mention other islands first and never really consider diving/visiting Kauai....