For those whose spirit of adventure matches their endurance and experience, Yonegan Pro-Diver is proud to present our one-of-a-kind 3-tank/3-site dives for advanced divers only. This voyage visits places untouched during our foundation dives and is used to compliment or enhance the beginning dive experience providing that little bit extra. This 4 – 6 hour cruise is offered only once per week on Tuesdays. So, plan and book ahead.
We meet at the foot of the Kihei Boat Ramp, nearest to the street entry. Just look for the big blue boats. Sign-in starts at 6:15 am, with our return to the landing around 12:30 ap. Feel free to book online or give us a call at 1-808-875-4004.
DIVE PACKAGE OPTIONS
• 3-Tank Dive $325.00 plus local fees and taxes (w/out regulator, BCD & wetsuit)
• 3-Tank Dive $374.00 plus local fees and taxes (all gear inclusive)
PREREQUISITES
• Must be certified with 30 or greater lifetime dives
• Must have dove within six months of dive day
• Above average health/endurance preferred, but not required
• Be comfortable 100+ feet depth and rough ocean conditions
All 3-Tank/Site dives are at the discretion of the Captain of the Day in consultation with the day’s lead Dive Master and our visiting divers. This means YOU! Requests are respected, considered and welcome as there are plenty of different dive sites to choose from. If you are diving with us multiple days, we can put you on a different dive site every day!
Please note that weather conditions may affect which locations present the best visibility, the safest conditions and most accessibility.
Our dive sites are listed below:
Drift the Dark Side
For those who thought they knew the Molokini Crater, our advanced drift dive puts a whole new face on a once-familiar place. Formed 230,000 years ago–give or take 90,000 years—the Molokini Crater is one of only three existing three-quarter Crescent cinder cone formations in the world. Accessible only by permitted boats, Molokini provides unforgettable encounters in crystal clear water year-round.
Because of its size of roughly that of an Imperial Navy battleship, the Back Side of the Molokini crater was claimed as “federal land” and designated for target practice by the U.S. Navy during WW II. Closer to the craggy outward facing back wall can be seen many impact points of larger and small caliber weapons, pock-marking and even splitting sections the otherwise smooth surface of the crater. Decades later, spent shells of all size are still found scattered about the wall. Look, but don’t touch as some are still “live” and considered of historical significance and are protected by federal laws.
Rather than mooring in the more protected waters of the inner wall, our boats will find the best entry point permitting the current to grip each diver and escort them for a tour of the infamous Back Wall. How strong is the current? Strong enough to earn the local nickname “Next Stop Tahiti.” So be alert, watch your buoyancy and keep with and near your diver leader at all times. Along the way, keep your eyes out for the larger and stronger Hawaiian sea life – including white and black tip sark, barracuda, eagle and manta rays.
This drift exposes divers to the unique formation of the back of the Molokini Crater including habitat for larger animals – such as the White Tip Shark. But the stars of the crater between the months of November through April are migrating humpback whales. In addition to their frequent spouts and breaches, the water fairly vibrates with whale song that can be heard for miles.
A Human-Made Fish Refuge and Underwater Playground
Of the coast of Wailea sots and the St. Anthony, a 65’ relocated Louisiana shrimper intentionally sunk in 1997 to serve as an environmentally (and diver) safe artificial reef. Sitting at the 70 – 80 ‘ level, this site is home to large schools of goatfish (weke) and myriads of other tropical fish including Moray Eels, Trumpetfish, Batfish, reef sharks, an abundant supply of curious Milletseed Butterflyfish, and the occasional visiting Honu (giant green sea turtle). Divers can explore the outside hull, helm, decks and then enter the ship’s open cargo area providing plenty of room for multiple divers to enter and explore.
For the sharp of eye, you’ll find several terracotta statues deposited here by playful divers creating an unofficial scavenger hunt. Two of the most recent – a maiden and bulldog – await a photo-ready discovery. How many will you find? While searching keep your eyes out for two regulars: a pair of frogfish, nicknamed “The Captain” and “Little Buddy” who have claimed the deck as their own. Find also a series of terracotta statues – a maiden and bulldog – that await your photo-ready discovery.
Nearby sits the “tire garden” – a collection of tires secured to concrete extending this artificial habitat outward providing a home to large schools of goatfish (weke) and myriads of other tropical fish. Tako (Hawaiian for octopus) have been known to use this area as a spawning ground. Further still, but part of the same site is a derelict jeep – or what remains of one. This includes parts of its frame and steering column. A primo selfie spot!
A Natural and Cultural Wonder
An often overlooked diving gem found off Red Hill (Pu’u Ola’i), the “wastlands” consit of a series of pinnacles starting at the 85’ foot level and dropping away to 200’ feet. These natural reef castles rise towards the surface, and serve as a multi-level dwelling of marine life including huge schools of blue-striped Ta’ape fish.
This site is one of the few known pre-contact Hawaiian fishing sites and documented as the first underwater archaeological site in Hawaiian waters. Hundreds of carved stones used as sinkers for lures in octopus fishing were recorded as part of the first systematic survey of such a site in Hawaii. The strong current has created a virtual museum of cross-crossed web anchors, lines and weights from 100’s of years of fishing. A challenge and reward for divers with experience as the current rivals that of the Molokini Crater back wall, so what your gauges and stick close to your guide.
Whether intended or accidental, the South Maui Shoreline is dotted with outstanding wreck dives that serve both a testament to Maui’s military past as well as havens to fish and turtles, a veritable wonderland for divers.
Between 1924 and 1952, the U.S. lost 1,484 aircraft in the waters off Hawaii. On August 31, 1944 during a practice off-shore bombing run, the rudder controls jammed forcing “water landing” – much to the delight of divers near 100 years later! At a depth of 50’ this intact two-seat Curtiss SB2C-1C Helldiver is notable for its open canopy, downed wing-flaps and empty large life-raft storage. Due to the Sunken Military Craft Act divers are invited to inspect the wreck site but cannot disturb or remove any part of the aircraft. Today, the wreck also serves as a habitat for Hawaiian marine life. Corals and other invertebrates grow on the fuselage and fish flock to it for shelter.
Our most Westerly dive site, located between Ma’alaea Harbor and the Kihei Boat ramp, just off of Sugar Beach at 65’ lie three massive 8’ anchors used to moor naval vessels in the choppy bay off of the worlds windiest harbor (Ma’alaea). These three anchors are each chained to a central cement block that once served as a degaussing station for large Naval cruisers during WWII. Due to their shape and the murky water, sunk in a sandy bottom with patches of sea grass, these relics are reminiscent of the derelict space craft from 1979’s Alien.
REEFS, ROCKS AND PINNACLE
Natural Beauty
Serving as a counterpart to the wrecks and man-made locations, Maui’s natural beauty can be witnessed in the shape of reefs, lava outcroppings and spired pinnacles.
Composed of coral reef, lava formations and sand, this area was a popular fishing ground for the Ancient Hawaiians. The reef is named after the blue-lined snapper that collect in a school here. Just outside of this reef is another reef that reaches depths of 85 feet. Divers will find helmet shells and large antler coral along the lava formations of this reef. Taape Reef is a great spot to see some beautiful sea life.
Many divers mistake the name for a wreck dive, but Battleship Rock is named after a rock formation that looks similar to a battleship. It is a deep water dive at 110 feet and for experienced divers. Large lava ridges make this area a great dive. Because of it’s depth, Battleship Rock is seldom visited making this dive site pristine. You’ll find a variety of sea life such as red sponges, pelagic fish, and black coral.
Just outside of the Maui wildlife refuge rises the La Perouse Pinnacle, a 50 foot tall sea spire with a base at a depth of 60 feet in the middle of La Perouse Bay. This area was mostly formed from Maui’s most recent lava flow from the side of Haleakala. The pinnacle is covered in sea life. Scuba divers will most likely see goat fish, finger coral, trigger fish, porcupine puffers, bird wrasse, and damsel fish. On occasion, the lucky few divers may come upon a curious group of spinner dolphins.
From a depth of 120 feet, a single pinnacle covered in coral reaches all the way to the surface above. Hidden Pinnacle is located on the Southwest of Maui and can only be accessed when conditions are optimal. The currents are strong so this dive should only be made by advanced divers. You’ll most likely see octo coral, sponges, and pyramid butterfly fish. It also has some great shallow lava formations nearby. The valleys, canyons and arches are wonderful for beginner divers.
