Difficulty
intermediate
Viz (last reported 21614h ago)
Max Depth
40ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Mala Wharf
Mala Wharf (sometimes called Mala Pier) was once a fully-functioning pier which served as a shipping facility for the island’s pineapple and agriculture. In 1992, however, 30 ft. surf came marching into Lahaina as a result of Hurricane Iniki, and the end of the dock was completely destroyed. Today, the pilings from the old dock lie scattered along the ocean floor, and what was once a shipping facility above water is now a healthy artificial reef which is home to a vast array of marine life.
The dive at Mala is one of the best shore dives on Maui. The dive much like a wreck or cave dive in that you can dive through and under parts of the pier. Be careful as some of the "coves" are dark and there can be debris from the pier, such as concrete rebar.
The light shining through the pier is magnificent, along with the marine life. Dozens of turtles, rock fish, frog fish, white tip reef sharks, and the occasional ray can all be seen here. I have never been diving here and not seen at least one white tip reef shark.
Take Front Street to Ala Moana Street (just south of Lahaina Cannery Mall). You will see signs for Mala Small Boat Ramp. Turn on this street and stay to the right. Drive as close to the boat ramp as you can and park in one of the stalls. Note that the dive site and entry is to the left of the old collapsed pier. To the right is an active boat launching ramp and harbor.
It is best to dive at high tide, as the entry requires walking about 50 ft on rocks/dead reef. Once you can put on your fins, do so and swim until it drops off to about 10-15 ft. The dive is all along the collapsed pier.
Mala Wharf is also known as Mala Harbor.
Access
shore
boat
View
Nearby Shops
Tide Report
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Jlcsnake
Aug 12, 2009, 12:00 AM
scuba
I agree that this is the best shore dive on Maui. I have dived this site multiple times and there is always something fascinating here. Marine life includes eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, nudibranches, turtles, frogfish, and lots more. Many dive books and shops won't tell you about this site. Some dive boats use it as a fall back if conditions on other parts of Maui or Lanai are bad. Max depth is around 30 feet. Viz is 50-70 feet unless it has rained recently and runoff from the mountains has clouded the shoreline. Enter the water on the South side of the old pier. You will have to walk 50 yards or so across a shallow rocky bottom until it drops off. Some people enter on the North side of the old pier adjacent to the boat ramp. However, if the police catch you entering this way, across the active boat channel, you will get a ticket. Also, make sure you take a dive flag as there may be several boats running in and out of the ramp area.