Hi Erin,

There are a few dive centers around Lahaina and Kaanapali that are far more convenient. Our Favourite is dive Center is Lahaina Divers and that is just a few mins from Kaanapali in the center of Lahaina. Alternatively, Extended Horizons also sail from Lahaina but from the Mala Boat ramp rather than the harbor. Both of these are big companies and we easily get your family certified and then maybe you can fit in your first certified dives over on Lanai or Molokini. There are also smaller operators in the area, In2Scuba, who operate out of Airport beach, and Banyan Tree Divers who operate at various Shore locations and are based in Lahaina, these smaller operators often have very small class sizes and a more personal feel.

As you can see there are lots of choices and there really is no need to head all the way over to Kehei, it’s a good hour each way, and not great uses of your vacation, and dive courses usually start early so the extra 30-40mins in bed may be appealing! The Dive Schools in Kehei are great, but we tend to dive close to where we are staying.

Whatever you choose, SERIOUSLY consider an openwater Referal, With this, you find a local dive school and do all your classroom and confined water dives at home. Then when you head out to Maui, you simply complete the open water dives, after that you are certified. There is a lot of book work, theory and pool work to complete for your openwater, Do you really want to be sat in a classroom taking tests on Maui? It can cost a little more but it is so worth it!

This way you will simply do 4 dives (2days) on Maui and be certified meaning you can use the other 2 days where you would be doing classwork to dive some of Maui’s better sites!

Have a GREAT time, diving on Maui is incredible…in fact, everything on Maui is incredible!

Steve