Beginner Scuba Diving in Kaanapali, Maui

You hover off the sand into an exhilarating dive after practicing skills in the shallows.

Beginner scuba diving at Kahekili Beach in Kaanapali, Maui, where you learn the basics in shallow water before diving the reef with a PADI-certified instructor. The dive takes about 2 hours and includes all scuba equipment and a professional guide. You must be a confident, unassisted swimmer in the ocean to participate. If your swimming ability doesn't match what you book, you forfeit your spot and payment.

The experience

Shore diving at Kahekili Beach puts you in year-round calm water. A PADI instructor with 20 years of teaching experience runs the operation from a Lahaina dive shop and keeps groups small so you get the attention you need. You start by practicing a few skills in the shallows (getting comfortable with the equipment and your breathing underwater), then move into deeper water where the reef opens up. Guests often see colorful corals, Hawaiian turtles, moray eels and tropical fish.

The whole experience runs about 2 hours. You'll carry a minimum of 30 pounds of gear for a short distance, and you need to be at least 10 years old and in moderate physical fitness. The dive shop provides all scuba equipment and fig bars for a sugar boost afterward. Transportation to the beach is not included, so let them know if you won't have a rental car.

Before you dive, you fill out a medical statement and must answer no to each question on it. Any yes answer requires clearance from your doctor. After diving, you have to wait 18 hours before flying or ascending to 1,000 feet or higher. Plan your day around that window. If you misrepresent your swimming ability or fail to follow these rules, you'll be removed from the dive without a refund.

What’s included

• All scuba equipment.
• professional PADI-certified guide.
• fig bars after the dive.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00, from US$ 229 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: 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 effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Banyan Tree Divers Maui

Is this one for you?Two hours in the water means you can dive and still have most of your day free. Just remember the 18-hour wait before flying or going high altitude. If you're a confident ocean swimmer at least 10 years old and in moderate fitness, this beginner dive works. If swimming unassisted in the ocean doesn't feel solid, book the private option instead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What will I actually see when I dive the reef at Kaanapali?

Kahekili Beach's reef holds colorful corals, Hawaiian turtles, moray eels and tropical fish. What you see depends on the day and the depth you reach, but the reef is active year-round.

Do I need to be certified to book this beginner dive?

No certification is required for this beginner scuba dive. You learn the basics in shallow water with the instructor before moving to deeper water, so it's designed for people trying scuba for the first time.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You must be able to swim unassisted in the ocean to book this dive. If your swimming ability is misrepresented, you'll be removed from the experience and won't receive a refund. The dive shop offers private scuba diving for novice swimmers in a separate listing.

How long do I have to wait after diving before I can fly home?

You must wait 18 hours after diving before flying or ascending to 1,000 feet or higher. Plan your departure day accordingly if you're flying out the same day.

What medical conditions would prevent me from diving?

You fill out a medical statement before the dive and must answer no to each question. Conditions like spinal injuries, pregnancy, poor cardiovascular health, asthma and sinus conditions are flagged as concerns. Any yes answer requires a doctor's clearance before you can dive.