Molokaʻi Hammerhead Shark Dive – Private Scuba Charter

Drift into Hammerhead Territory off the Wild Coast of Molokaʻi!

Few dive boats ever make the crossing to Mokuho'oniki, and that's exactly what makes it special. This rugged remnant of an ancient cinder cone rises off the southeastern coast of Moloka'i, a seabird sanctuary above water and a current-swept, pristine reef below, known for schooling hammerhead sharks and fish so dense that divers call it "Fish Rain."

The day begins at Ma'alaea Harbor with a scenic run along the West Maui coast to Kapalua, where your group gets a full dive briefing in a calm bay before crossing the Pailolo Channel. Two drift dives follow, riding the current past healthy coral, volcanic topography, and swim-through terrain while you scan the blue for hammerheads, reef sharks, rays, dolphins, and even Hawaiian monk seals.

Between dives, lunch is served in the lee of the islet while rarely seen seabirds circle the cliffs overhead. It's a remote, expedition-style day that ends with stories few divers get to tell.

Duration

1. 7.5 Hours 
   
2. Please check in at the harbor about 30 minutes before departure!
   
3. The trip will start departing along the West Maui coast to Kapalua, dive briefing in a calm bay, then cross the Pailolo Channel.
   
4. After arriving at Mokuho'oniki for the first dive, there will be a surface interval with lunch, and then a second dive.
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check-in / Departure Address: Slip 14, Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui, HI 96793
   

• Look for the 40 ft (12 m) orange rigid-hulled inflatable boat.
  
• Directions: Head to the ocean side of the harbor, past the boat ramp and around the corner. The slip is on the wing of the harbor that looks out at the bay.
  
• Parking: Paid hourly parking is available near the slip. Dockside spots are usually open before 7 a.m.
  
• Restrooms: There is no restroom on the boat. Please use the harbor restroom before departure.
  

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum Age: 15 Years Old – All divers must be at least 15 years old.
   
2. Scuba Certification Required: Divers must have at least an Open Water certification and bring their certification card.
   
3. Dive Experience Required: A minimum of 25 logged dives is required, including at least one dive within the past 3 months. Please bring your dive logbook for verification.
   
4. Advanced Drift Diving Conditions: This is an advanced dive in an area with potentially strong currents. Divers must be confident managing their buoyancy, depth, and equipment in changing ocean conditions.
   
5. Previous Boat Diving Recommended: Completing a dive aboard this vessel before the expedition is recommended so you can become familiar with the boat, crew, and diving procedures.
   
6. Boat Entry & Exit: Divers enter the water with a backward roll. After diving, you'll remove your scuba gear in the water and must be able to climb the boat's ladder quickly and without assistance.
   
7. Dive Site Flexibility: The captain may select alternative dive sites based on weather, ocean conditions, currents, or the group's experience and skill level.
   
8. Post-Dive Altitude Restrictions: Avoid flying or traveling above 2,000 feet (610 m) for at least 18 hours after diving, as required by the outfitter.
   
9. Waiver Required: All guests must complete a waiver before departure.
   
10. Diver Medical Questionnaire Required: All divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Complete it well before your tour to determine whether medical clearance is needed.
    
11. Medical Clearance (If Required): Certain answers about current or past medical conditions may require a doctor's approval before diving. You cannot dive without the required medical clearance.
    
12. Important Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be issued if you cannot participate because you failed to complete the medical questionnaire or obtain required medical clearance. Last-minute rescheduling fees may also apply.
    

What's Included

1. Private charter for up to 6 guests (the entire boat is yours)
   
2. Captain, scuba guide, and an additional crew member (who can serve as a "bubble watcher" on drift dives)
   
3. 2 Tank Boat Dive (drift dives)
   
4. Tanks & Weights
   
5. Full Scuba Gear - BCD, regulator, gauges, mask & snorkel, and 3 mm wetsuit
   
6. Catered lunch
   
7. Fresh fruit and locally made granola bars
   
8. Chocolate chip cookies, hot cocoa, and soft drinks
   
9. Spray jacket
   
10. Towel and drybag
    

Not Included

1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides, crew, and captain!
   
2. Nitrox - Available upon request for an extra fee
   
3. Transportation to Ma'alaea Harbor and harbor parking
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Swimsuit & Towel
   
2. Reusable Water Bottle
   
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Sun Protection (hat & sunglasses)
   
4. Light Jacket or Extra Layer - Spray jackets are provided, but a warm layer is nice for the ride home.
   
5. Certification Cards
   
6. Any Personal Scuba Equipment or Wetsuit (Optional)
   
7. Required Paperwork - Signed waiver and medical questionnaire, plus a doctor's sign-off if required.
   
8. Seasickness Medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled dive time.
   
9. Waterproof & Pressure Proof Camera (e.g. GoPros NEED the special DIVE case) - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
   
10. Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get caught by the equipment or damaged by the water and pressure. Leave larger personal items ashore.
    

Wildlife Guidelines

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.