Harbor by 5:30 AM — Maui Diving, Kihei: 1455 S Kihei Rd #101 · Booking #331314067 · Charter departs at 6:00 AM sharp. Do not be late.
PADI card is mandatory — certified divers only on this trip, no exceptions. Pull it out the night before and keep it in your pocket, not your bag.
Liability waivers are signed on site — Courtney's certification must be complete before waivers can be signed.
Non-certified divers: snorkel tours of Molokini are available separately through Trilogy Excursions or Pride of Maui at lower cost — book in advance if anyone needs this option.
Monkeypod Kitchen at 6:30 PM — confirmed via OpenTable · 10 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei · smart casual.
Day Warnings
Certified divers only — this is not a snorkel charter. Non-certified guests will not be allowed to dive. No exceptions.
Forget your PADI card, miss the dive — the operator will not make exceptions. Lay it out the night before.
Motion sickness on the boat — the channel crossing to Molokini can be choppy. If anyone is prone to seasickness, take medication the night before or first thing in the morning — not after you already feel ill.
South-shore summer swells can make afternoon beach time at Keawakapu dangerous. Check hioceansafety.com before getting in the water. No lifeguards on duty.
Legend
Day-specific item
Standard / always-pack item
🤿Dive Essentials
PADI certification card essential
Certified divers only — no card, no dive. Keep it in your pocket, not buried in your bag. Pull it out tonight.
Molokini visibility can exceed 150 feet — one of the clearest dives in Hawaii. Turtle Town gives you a real chance of swimming alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles. Bring something waterproof rated to depth.
Personal dive computer optional
Bring yours if you own one. The boat provides tanks, weights, and BCD rentals — but not personal dive computers. Confirm gear rental details with Maui Diving when you arrive.
Motion sickness medication optional
The channel crossing to Molokini Crater can be choppy, especially in the morning. Take it the night before or first thing upon waking — it won't help if you wait until you're already on the boat.
Mask defogger / no-fog solution
Apply before each dive — Molokini visibility is incredible, don't let a fogged mask ruin it.
Hair ties
Boat deck wind + snorkel/dive mask use. Pack a spare.
👕Clothing & Layers
Swimsuit or swim trunks essential
You're diving and spending the afternoon at the beach. Wear it under your clothes to the harbor.
Rash guard or light long-sleeve
Sun protection on deck between dives and on the ride back. The boat is exposed and the channel crossing can be windy. Also useful as a lightweight layer under a wetsuit.
Warm layer for the morning boat essential
Pre-dawn harbor departure — Maui is cool before sunrise and the channel can be breezy. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket you can strip off once the sun is up.
Dry change of clothes essential
Leave dry clothes in the car or villa for after the dive. You'll have several hours between the boat and dinner — you'll want to be out of damp gear well before Monkeypod Kitchen.
Smart casual outfit for dinner
Monkeypod Kitchen at 6:30 PM — it's a nice restaurant by Chef Peter Merriman. Not formal, but a step up from beach clothes.
Hat & sunglasses
Long hours on the water and afternoon beach time. Sun exposure on deck between dives adds up quickly.
🏖️Beach & Afternoon
Towels essential
At least one per person — for the boat and the afternoon beach. A microfiber towel is ideal: packs small, dries fast.
Reef-safe sunscreen essential
Required by Hawaii state law — no oxybenzone or octinoxate. Apply before leaving for the harbor and reapply on deck. Don't skip this — you'll be on the water for 5+ hours.
Personal snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) essential
Needed for the afternoon CYOA snorkel at Ulua / Mokapu Beach. Also useful for any non-certified group members doing a separate Molokini snorkel tour (Trilogy or Pride of Maui).
River shoes essential
For the Hoapili Trail / Kings Highway lava field CYOA option — rugged terrain, "Good shoes are a must." Also good grip for reef-edge entries at Ulua / Mokapu.
Lip balm with SPF
5+ hours on the boat plus exposed afternoon — sun, wind, salt.
Beach bag or dry bag
For the afternoon — carry towels, sunscreen, and extras to Keawakapu or Ulua Beach. A dry bag or zip-top pouch keeps your phone and valuables safe near the water.
Flip flops or sandals
For beach walks and the boat deck between dives.
🎒Gear & Essentials
Portable charger / power bank
A full day from 5:30 AM to dinner — charge overnight. You'll want power for navigation, photos, and the GoPro if you bring one.
Reusable water bottle
The boat should have water on board, but bring your own to stay hydrated from the moment you leave the villa at 5:00 AM. Refill for the afternoon beach.
Cash cash
For tips at the dive operation and gratuity at Monkeypod Kitchen. Cinnamon Roll Place (breakfast) is card-friendly but cash is handy for incidentals.
Photo ID & credit card
For the dive operator check-in, dinner reservation, and any afternoon stops.
Extra water bottle / hydration essential
If doing the Hoapili Trail CYOA option, bring 1.5–2L per person — lava field + midday sun. Otherwise useful for the afternoon beach.
Trail snack
Energy bar or jerky for the Hoapili Trail or as a beach snack between lunch and dinner.