South Maui Shore Dive: Wailea & Makena Guided Scuba with Photos

Summary

Certified divers explore wailea makena reefs turtles rays included photos

You’ll meet your guide right by South Maui’s Wailea or Makena shore for a certified diver’s dream: easy entry into blue water, reefs alive with turtles and rays, plus all equipment ready for you. Enjoy snacks after surfacing and get photos of your underwater adventure—so you can remember that first breath beneath Maui’s waves long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under my flip-flops as we walked down toward the water in Makena — that, and the faint smell of sunscreen mixed with salt air. Our guide, Keoki, had this way of making everyone feel like we’d known each other for ages, even though we’d just met by the parking lot. He double-checked our dive cards (I almost forgot mine in my bag), and then we did a quick safety chat while watching some locals haul their boards out past the break. The sun was already warm on my neck, but under the shade of a kiawe tree it felt like another world.

Getting into the water always makes me nervous for about thirty seconds, but then you’re floating and it’s quiet except for your own breathing. We followed Keoki along the reef edge — he pointed out a honu gliding right below us, so close I could see its shell scratched up from years in these waters. There were flashes of yellow tangs everywhere and at one point a pair of butterflyfish darted between us like they owned the place. I tried to signal “shark” when I thought I saw something bigger off to the side, but Keoki just grinned through his regulator and gave me a thumbs-up (guess it was just a big eel).

Afterwards, sitting on the rocks eating pineapple slices with seawater still drying on my skin, I realized how different diving feels here compared to anywhere else I’ve been. It’s not flashy — just honest blue water, real people, that feeling you get when you surface and can’t stop smiling even if your mask left marks on your face. Oh — they take photos too (I’m pretty sure I blinked in half of them), which is good because otherwise nobody back home would believe how clear it was down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Certified dive at South Maui sites

• Meet at Wailea/Makena dive site
• Attend safety briefing
• Go on underwater adventure
• See turtles, rays, sharks, and more
• Receive pictures of excursion

Top questions

Do I need to be certified to join this South Maui shore dive?

Yes, all participants must show proof of dive certification before joining.

Where does the dive take place?

The dive is at selected sites in the Wailea/Makena area of South Maui.

Are photos included in this scuba tour?

Yes, pictures from your excursion are included with your booking.

Is equipment provided for the dive?

All necessary scuba equipment is provided for participants.

Can children join this diving activity?

Children can participate if accompanied by an adult and certified to dive.

How many dives are included?

The excursion includes one dive; a second site/dive may be added for an extra fee.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks and drinks are included after your dive.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting is at the designated dive site in Wailea/Makena.

What’s included

Your day includes all professional scuba equipment set up at either Wailea or Makena beach, guidance from a local certified instructor throughout your underwater adventure, plus snacks and drinks once you’re back on shore. You’ll also receive digital photos taken during your dive—so you don’t have to worry about bringing a camera along.