PARADISE, EXTRAORDINARY SITES, SCUBA DIVING
MAKE A GREAT COMBINATION!

by Gordon Adair © 1996

Hawaii is one of the worlds favorite tropical scuba diving and vacation spots in America. Consisting of many separate islands, each of Hawaii's individual islands possess their own charm for diving, along with other activities. With airlines offering discounted direct flights to certain islands like Maui, Hawaii is becoming easier to access on a budget. The island of Maui has avoided the effects of commercial growth with its many quaint small historic towns, offering shopping and dining while over looking the blue Pacific Ocean. The oldest and most charming of the towns is Lahaina. Built in the early 1800's, Lahaina was the home for the Hawaiian royal family, American missionaries, and European whalers. Now its rustic small town charm attracts vacationers looking to avoid the big cities. In the center of town is a banyan tree with hundreds of trunks and connecting limbs and is said to be the largest banyan tree in the islands. Within minutes from Lahaina are quiet crystal clear water coves with white sandy beaches beckoning you to relax and enjoy them. One of Maui's greatest diving assets are these many coves which provide excellent shore diving, mostly along the north west and south west side. Free detailed maps on shore diving locations are available at most local dive shops and on the internet. Most scuba dive shops offer boat access to the same shore locations for those who prefer to be pampered, instead of carrying your gear from the car.
There are many other popular diving locations which are only assessable by boat to surrounding islands. Within an enjoyable fifty minute boat ride is the island of Lanai, offering deep diving, lava tubes, and easy access cavern diving. There are many exits from the caverns so no special certifications or equipment are required. You will be able to experience the adventure and intrigue of the lava caverns without the danger. Just a little longer boat ride is Molakini, a popular snorkel and dive location. The half moon shape of the island offers still waters for boaters, and a variety of tropical fish. The back side of Molakini provides the scuba advocate with deeper water and the chance to see Hawaii's larger ocean going fish. If you visit during the winter months you may see one of Maui's more famous visitors, whales. Diving with whales is not allowed in the islands of Hawaii, however, whales can be seen from the shores or up close by a boat trip.
"So little time and so much to do" is the best way to describe Maui. So planning your whole vacation in advance is the best way to ensure your enjoyment and relaxation yet make sure you have the time to do everything you wish to do while in Maui.

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