WEST MAUI - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 79

Dive Operators
Lahaina Divers (143 Dickenson St., 808/998-3483, www.lahainadivers.com ) has the
largest number of dive options available. Their two custom-built, 46-foot dive boats de-
parting out of Lahaina Harbor are the largest dive boats on Maui. Two-tank dives range
from $139 for dives off Lana'i to $199 for a dive off Moku Ho'oniki (Moloka'i), famous
for scalloped hammerhead sharks. There are also trips to the Back Wall of Molokini Crater
as well as four-tank dive trips for those who just can't get enough of the water. The full-
service dive shop in Lahaina has everything from equipment sales to rentals. Since certain
dives are only available on certain days, inquire ahead of time.
On the north end of Lahaina at Mala Ramp, Extended Horizons (94 Kupuohi St., 808/
667-0611, www.extendedhorizons.com ) is another reputable operation that offers tours to
Lana'i and the west shore of Maui. Extended Horizons only takes six passengers, and it's
the only charter boat on the island to run completely on 100 percent biodiesel. Morning
tours check in at 6:30am at the Mala boat ramp for two-tank dives to Lana'i, the cost of
which is $149. Other dive options available include trips along the Maui shoreline as well
as night dives, beach dives, and certification classes.
A smaller operation offering scuba tours of Lana'i, Dive Maui (1223 Front St., 808/
661-7333, www.hawaiianrafting.com ) departs out of Mala Ramp aboard a rigid aluminum
inflatable vessel. The group sizes are small and a deli lunch is included with the two-tank
dive. The shop is conveniently located within walking distance from Mala Ramp.
SOUTH OF LAHAINA
Dive Sites
Known to some operators as Turtle Reef or Turtle Point, Olowalu is an offshore, turtle-
laden area popular with charter boats on the offshore reefs. Maximum depths are about 30
feet and on nice days the visibility is close to 100 feet. This area is also popular with in-
dependent dive operators as a “confined water” area for practicing dive skills. If you are
shore diving independently, the easiest way to get to deeper water is to enter around the
mile marker 14 sign and swim in a straight line until you reach depths of 20-25 feet. When
navigating your way through the coral heads, it's imperative to make sure that your gear
doesn't drag across the reef, and bring a dive flag with you so that boats know you're be-
low.
Ukumehame is a special spot only accessible by boat charter. Huge manta rays con-
gregate here to be “cleaned” by reef fish who nibble algae off their wings, and the depths
here are a moderately deep 30-60 feet. Don't even think about trying to do this dive as a