This dive site, located at Mala Wharf, offers a unique experience shaped by its history. The wharf was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and now serves as a vibrant artificial reef. Access is straightforward – divers can walk in from the beach, completing a short surface swim before descending from the remaining pier structure. Visibility is typically exceptional, allowing for stunning views of the underwater landscape. The area is teeming with marine life, including huge schools of goatfish. A notable feature is a turtle cleaning station maintained by Goldring surgeonfish, attracting up to 30 turtles daily. Whitetip reef sharks are frequently spotted resting on the sand amongst abundant fish. Overall, this is widely considered one of Maui's premier dive locations.
Mala Wharf
Destroyed pier turned artificial reef with turtles and sharks.
Shore Access
8m Avg Depth
13m Max Depth
About this dive site
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Site Ratings
Big Marine Life Very Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Brought to you by Dive Maui
Plan Your Visit
wrecksharkturtlecoral reef
Marine Life
Nudibranch
Goatfish
Frogfish
Reef Shark
Moorish Idol
Green Sea Turtle
Butterflyfish
Goldring Surgeonfish
Things to Note
Difficulty:
All levels
Shallow depth, easy shore access, and abundant marine life.
Hazards:
boat trafficmarine life
Current Strength:
Mild
Nearby Dive Sites
Explore other dive sites in the area
Historic whaling ship wreck turned artificial reef off Maui.
United States, Hawaii, Maui Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District
Shallow lava tube dive with camouflaged macro life.