Difficulty
intermediate
Viz (last reported 21722h 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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Lanny Morton
Dec 21, 2010, 12:00 AM
scuba
I have been diving this site for 5 years. It is a really easy fun dive. Don't be alarmed by the shark that is there all the time, he/she is super chill and not a threat. If you are taking a beginning diver out, it is a really great (Safe) way to give them their first shark encounter. The collapsed pier offers a lot of cool hiding spots for a lot of different fish as well as some cool swim throughs. There are 2 ways to enter, you can go along the rocks to the left of the dock and walk out to the edge of the break wall. Be careful if you go this way, as I have dropped gear in those rocks more than once, never to be found again. You can also enter from the left of the pier. If you go in on the left, it is very very shallow, which can be kind of freaky. If you want to find the shark, he hangs out under a big piece of concrete almost to the end of the sunken pier. At night, this place is cool, not the best night dive, but pretty fun.