The Back Side
Protected Area
Offshore Island, Molokini Seabird Sanctuary, Light
Why dive here
The Back Side is a dive where divers can encounter blue sharks, sea turtles and sperm whales. Water ranges 25-28°C, warmest August, September, October.
The Back Side, for us, is one of those sites you return to, not just for the fish count, but for the sheer energy. It's an endless parade of butterflyfish, and we especially love watching the big long-nosed ones flit by, alongside their limespot cousins. We’ve had some cracking encounters with whitetip reef sharks here, often just cruising in the deeper sections, completely unbothered. What makes The Back Side a standout is the way the reef drops, creating little ledges and overhangs that are perfect for spotting blotcheye and epaulette soldierfish tucked away. Keep an eye out for the granulated drupe, often clinging to the rocks, and those surprisingly colourful scarlet wrasse zipping between coral heads. For the macro enthusiasts, the crevices hold a lot of secrets; we always find something new. Conditions can vary, so we always check the reports for surge, especially on a south swell. It's a dive that rewards a slow pace and a keen eye. If you're into just soaking up the busy reef vibe, this is your spot.
Nearest Dive Centres to The Back Side
Dive shops near The Back Side
Maui Under Sea Adventures
Scuba Luv Maui
Maui Dreams Dive Co.
Maui Dive Shop
Snorkel Bob's
Maui Pacific Divers
Reviews for The Back Side
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Back Side
The Back Side Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for The Back Side, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (20.73, -156.95) (9km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
81°F · Range: 26.7–28.4°C
Current Speed
11.31 cm/s
Direction: NW (315°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.035 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
35.58 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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