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Log This Dive

Mala Wharf

Mala Wharf is one of our all-time Maui favourites, and it’s not for the big stuff, though we’ve seen turtles sleeping under the pilings more times than we can count. This is a shore dive, super easy entry right off Lahaina. You’re heading into a tangled mass of concrete pilings, the remains of an old wharf, and that structure has just become a massive apartment complex for smaller critters. We love finning slowly through the wreckage, poking into every shadowy crevice. You’ll spot nudibranchs, often several different species on a single dive, and juvenile fish hiding from predators. Look out for banded coral shrimp waving their antennae from the dark. The pilings are encrusted with coral, soft and hard, and you’ll see the light filtering down through the gaps, painting stripes on the sandy bottom. Visibility averages 18m, which is plenty for this kind of macro-focused exploration. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the small wonders, for photographers, and for anyone wanting a relaxed dive with consistent interest. Just keep an ear out for boat traffic overhead, especially if you’re diving early.