Do I need to be certified?

Yes — this private scuba offering requires an internationally recognized certification (PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc.).

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 10 years old; younger divers should confirm program specifics with the operator.

How many divers per instructor?

Groups are limited to two divers per instructor to maximize safety and personalized attention.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Common sightings include Hawaiian green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and seasonal humpback whale song in winter.

Where do check-in and meet-up occur?

Check-in is at 94 Kupuohi St a1, Lahaina — arrive early for gear fitting and parking guidance.

Standard rental gear is typically available, but bring personal mask and exposure protection if you prefer; confirm inclusions when booking.

Private Scuba Diving in Lahaina: Kahekili Reef & Mala Pier Turtle Dives

Private Scuba Diving in Lahaina, Maui, offers an intimate way to experience two of the island’s most productive dive sites: Kahekili Reef off Kaanapali and Mala Pier in Lahaina. Booked as a private instructor-led dive for certified divers, the trip turns crowded charters into focused wildlife encounters where every attention is on the ocean.

Start at Kahekili Reef to slide over a broad fringing reef that bristles with hard coral heads and gardens of branching elkhorn. Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequent here, grazing atop coral ledges, while spotted eagle rays patrol the blue just beyond the reef slope. In winter months (January–March) it’s possible to hear humpback whale song drifting across the water column, adding an unexpected soundtrack to the dive.

A second dive at Mala Pier presents a contrast: a man-made structure that has matured into a rich reef habitat. The pier’s pilings and sunken concrete create vertical walls and swim-thru corridors that local turtles favor for cleaning stations. White-tip reef sharks move lazily through the shadows and schools of akule and butterflyfish flash through coral gardens. For photographers, the layered geometry of pier beams and sunbeams makes for dramatic compositions.

What sets this private offering apart is the ratio — two divers per instructor — and the choice to sequence sites to suit conditions and interests. Instructors focus on skillful buoyancy and minimal impact, so divers can approach turtles without stressing animals or the reef. The operation is based in Lahaina with check-in at 94 Kupuohi St a1, making it simple to pair a dive morning with a stroll through the historic whaling town in the afternoon.

Practicalities are straightforward: certified divers only, arrive early for gear fitting, and consider booking a second dive to fully experience both sites. Expect shallow to moderate depths, reef conditions that vary with swell, and visibility that is best in calmer mornings.

The trip is a strong choice for travelers who want reliable turtle sightings, a shot at rays and sharks, and the privacy to focus on marine life rather than rigid schedules. It’s also a thoughtful way to support local dive professionals who prioritize safety, reef conservation, and careful wildlife interaction. Whether you’re refining underwater photography or chasing a peaceful drift across coral gardens, this private Lahaina dive puts Maui’s underwater drama in high definition.

Plan logistics around morning slack tides and bring your certification card, logbook, and reef-safe sunscreen for surface intervals. Water temperatures usually sit between 76 and 82°F, so most divers wear a 3mm wetsuit or shorty; consult your instructor about currents. The minimum age is 10 and groups are kept to two divers per instructor, a setup that raises safety while keeping each dive intimate and tailored to your interests daily.