Name: Molokini Backwall
Rating: 5.0

The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

The second largest island, known as the ‘Magic Island’ because of its inspiring beauty, Maui is also host to vast beaches and seemingly endless underwater reefs and exotic sea-life. A diver’s paradise!

Here is a good curated list with <a href="https://www.lovebigisland.com/maui/snorkeling/">beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Maui.</a>

Check out this list for recommendations on the <a href="https://goingawesomeplaces.com/best-area-to-stay-in-maui/" target="_blank">best areas to stay in Maui</a>

Maui

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

An advanced dive, the Molokini Backwall is a world class wall and drift dive for certified divers only. The Wall is approximately 300ft in depth, however, divers will level off at 80 ft or less. You may see white tip, black tip, and gray reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and schooling fish. If you travel in the winter months (Oct-Mar) you will most likely run across humpback whales. This can be a drift dives at times, but the current was almost undetectable when I went.

Wailea-Makena

Molokini Backwall

Molokini Crater in Maui boasts some of the most unique geological features in the world. Not only is it a marine preserve, it is also a federally owned and protected Seabird sanctuary. The two nesting birds that most frequent the area are the Wedge-Tailed Shearwater and the Bulwer’s Petrel. The visibility in this beautiful crater is often 150 feet deep and there are an estimated 250 species of fish and 38 hard coral species. The humuhumunukunukuapua’a, which is Hawai’is state fish, can often be spotted at the crater. You may even see moray eels, octopus and reef sharks. From the months of December-April our guests also frequently see majestic humpback whales on their boat ride to and from the crater. The waters surrounding the area are part of the Hawaiian Islands Humback Whale Marine Sanctuary. Considered to be an underwater paradise by many, it is no wonder that Molokini is one of the most popular dive and snorkel sites in Hawaii.

Molokini

In the middle of the bay

Middle Reef is also known as Mid Reef.

Middle Reef (Molokini)



West side of the inner part of Molokini Island.

Tako Flats

Slope that goes from the surface to over 100 feet, if you turn the corner, and look for the shark ledges.

Northeast side of Molokini Island

Enenue Side is also known as Enenui Side, Rudder Fish.

Enenue Side

Reef's End

Remnants of World War II, the Tank and Landing Craft wrecks are in 60 feet of crystal clear water off the coast of the Makena Golf and Beach Resort. Still recognizable after 60+ years underwater, eels have taken up residency in the pipes and barrels. A strange mix of weaponry and old ammunition are interspersed with a plethora of sea life. Schools of Weke or goat fish swim around the wreck in synchronistic harmony. Octopus are regularly found here.

The short swim from one wreck to the other over a sandy bottom, offers an opportunity to find shells. Fragile, but beautiful, Sea Biscuit’s litter the sandy bottom and challenge scuba divers to pick them up without breaking them.

Landing Craft and Tank

For a more rugged adventure, try Ahihi Bay.  You'll find no facilities here, but you will find a private beach some excellent snorkeling and diving. Water-shoe rubble & surge entry. Inflate BCD, and apply fins after swimming out to shoulder-level.

Turtles, cleaning stations, large Sailfin Tangs, Yellow Tangs, triggerfish, large school of resident snapper, yellow & spotted moray eels, and Yellow Trumpetfish.

At the South End of Highway 31, bear right onto Wailea Iki.  Continue to the T, turn left on Wailea Alanui, which becomes Makena Alanui. After 5.5 miles, you'll see the parking to the right.

Ahihi Bay

At the south end of the beach, there is excellent snorkeling, and good diving a bit further out. At the north end of the beach there is decent snorkeling, but it is a bit shallow for diving. As with most beach in the islands, if the surf is crashing, stay out of the water. Rip tides and strong currents pose a genuine threat. There is no full time lifeguard. Parking is just past the Maui Prince Hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. There is a second parking lot near the Keawala'i Church but it is kind of isolated. The showers and restrooms are at the parking lot across the street from the church.

Maluaka Beach (aka Turtle Town)

Across the road from the parking area is a trail leading into the dive site.  About mid-way the trail branches; to the left lies 5 caves, to the right lies turtle town.  Follow the right trail into the narrow bay, and crawl down the rocks on the north (right) side of the bay into the water.  This is actually easier at low tide as a series of stone "steps" becomes exposed, thus easing entry.  From the bay you want to swim straight out to sea, following the rock point to your left.  The dive itself consists of a series of interlinking reefs.  The life among these reefs is the same as you would see at 5 caves, although not as densely packed.  The dive site is well named, as you are bound to see several turtles every dive (we saw a dozen in a 40 minute dive).  This is also a popular site for dive boats to drop off snorkelers, so there can be a lot of traffic on the surface.  The dive itself is 20' to 35' deep.  Visibility is good once you clear the entry point - the water upon entry is very turbid due to a fresh-water stream which flows into the bay.  For an easier exit you can swim around the rock point to the 5-caves entry, although if there are waves the turtle point entry is safer and more protected.

This site is located immediately next to 5 caves, and shares the same parking area/access trails.  At the South End of Highway 31 bear right onto Wailea Iki. Continue to the T, turn left on Wailea Alanui. After 2.2 miles, turn right onto Makena Road. (There are two Makena Roads, its the second one ie NOT the one right before Po'olenalean Beach). In a couple of hundred yards, you'll see the parking area.

Turtle Town

Five Caves is know by several names including Five Graves and Nahuna Point.  This is a must-do dive for Maui, as the entry is easy and formations and sea creatures are impressive.  If it is your first time to the area, a guide is recommended to ensure you find the caves on your first dive.  The nearest facilities are at Makena Landing, just a short drive up the road.

Vast reef with plenty to see. There are five caves found throughout the site. Aquatic life includes: pacific snake eel, schools of needlefish, and the infamous green sea turtles.

This site is located right next to an old cemetery, thus the correct name "Five Graves". I think dive boat operators want to call it 5 caves so you don't realize it is such a great shore dive!

There is no beach and no facilities. You need to climb down a little wall into the water, but it is well worth it.

Five Caves is also known as Five Graves.

At the South End of Highway 31, bear right onto Wailea Iki.  Continue to the T, turn left on Wailea Alanui.  After 2.2 miles, turn right onto Makena Road.  In a couple of hundred yards, you'll see the parking area.

Five Caves

Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddle or Ultra Dive

Scuba Luv Maui

NeverDry Divers

Scuba Shack Maui

Maui Dreams Dive Co.

Prodiver Maui

Maui Dive Shop

B&B Scuba

Lahaina Divers, Inc.

Maui Pacific Divers

One of my all time favorite dives! It was my first time diving without being able to see or reach the bottom and it felt magical. The backwall has an amazing formation and even without the wildlife looks incredible. The wildlife is pretty awesome here too - we saw a bunch of reef and grey sharks at the shark cleaning station.

This is a challenging dive, as the depth is almost 300ft below, and you have to keep a constant eye on your air and bottom time. Incredible amount of things to see though, with tons of sharks (I believe it's a shark cleaning station), and just the sheer vertical drop of the back wall. Definitely worth it if you have enough dives to be eligible (most dive shops in the area require a min number of dives to go on this trip)

Molokini Backwall

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Molokini Backwall

Recommended dive shops