Lanai Cathedrals Scuba Dive: Caverns & Lava Formations

Explore Lanai’s underwater lava arches and swim-throughs on a small-group dive boat

You meet at the dive shop at 6:30am, cross to Lanai on a fast boat (watching for dolphins), and make two dives into Cathedral caverns and lava formations at 50–75 feet with 100+ foot visibility. Groups max seven divers, so you get one-on-one attention from guides. Gear rental, water, and a light snack are included. You're back on Maui by afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Two tank Lanai scuba dive adventure

• Meet at dive shop at 6:30 AM
• Check in and get fitted with gear
• Boat crosses channel, watch for dolphins and whales
• Captain selects first dive site
• Briefing at first dive site
• First dive for up to 60 minutes
• Surface interval with snacks or optional lunch
• Second dive for up to 60 minutes
• Break down gear after dives
• Enjoy topside scenery returning to Mala Wharf

The experience

The boat is already moving when you step aboard at 6:30am. Hoku cuts across the channel fast enough that dolphins and whales show up often, and when they do, the captain kills the engine and lets them pass. You're heading to Lanai, the neighboring island where ancient lava flows built a landscape most divers never see: caverns that open like cathedrals, lava shoots you swim through, arches that frame the light. The crossing takes time, but it's part of the day. You watch the water change color, eat a light snack, check your gear, and by the time you reach the first site you're already thinking about what's below.

Your group stays under seven people, which means the captain can pick a dive site where you're the only boat in the water. The first dive runs about 60 minutes at 50 to 75 feet, and the visibility is usually over 100 feet. You can see the structure of the whole site before you descend. The guide briefs you on the topography, points out where the Cathedral opens up, shows you how to move through the swim-throughs without stirring the sand. After you surface, there's a short break: more water, a snack, maybe a sandwich if you brought one. Then you suit up again for the second dive, same depth range, another hour in the water exploring a different section or a spot the captain chose based on the morning's conditions.

The Lanai 2 tank scuba dive from Maui works because the boat is built for this crossing: Hoku is custom and fast, which means less time bouncing on the channel and more time underwater. You need to be certified (Open Water or higher) and to have dived in the last 18 months. The minimum age is 14. Rental gear is available if you don't bring your own, and the shop fits you at check-in. By the time you're heading back to Mala Wharf in the afternoon, you've logged two solid dives in water most divers talk about for years.

What’s included

• Two scuba dives on Lanai's Cathedral caverns and lava formations, with experienced guides leading groups of seven or fewer divers.
• Scuba equipment rental is available, along with water and a light snack during the surface interval.
• The fast custom boat Hoku handles the crossing from Mala Wharf, and you return to Maui in the afternoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

Certified diver without gearGuide in English, Spanish or Danish · 06:45Includes water and a granola bar. Rental equipment is not included: bring your own dive equipment.

Certified diver with equipmentGuide in English, Spanish or Danish · 06:45Includes water and a granola bar. Dive equipment rental is included: a SCUBA set consisting of BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, boots, mask, tank, dive flag and weights.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 6h, runs Monday to Saturday at 06:45, from US$ 306.89 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Danish, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 06:45Another time? ›

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and DanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dive Maui

Is this one for you?Right for certified divers who want to explore Lanai's underwater caverns and lava structures in small groups with guides who know the sites. Plan for an early start and a full day out of the water: the 6:30am departure and channel crossing are what make reaching Lanai and diving two sites in one morning possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Danish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to be a certified diver?

Yes, you must have Open Water certification or higher and have dived within the last 18 months.

What time does the boat leave?

Check-in is at 6:30am at the dive shop. The boat departs shortly after.

How deep do we dive?

Average depth is 50–70 feet, with visibility usually over 100 feet.

What's included?

Two dives, scuba equipment rental, water, and a light snack. Lunch is optional.

How many people are in the group?

Groups are a maximum of 7 divers.

What if I see dolphins or whales?

The captain stops the boat when marine life appears. It happens frequently on the crossing.

How long is each dive?

Up to 60 minutes per dive, depending on air supply and conditions.

What's the minimum age?

Minimum age is 14 years old.