Advice on diving in Ka'anapali?

[kenpodan]

Hey all,
I'm heading to Maui in October for a couple of weeks, and while it's not a 'dive trip' per se, I do plan to do some diving over there....any good shop recomendations or 'must see' sites?
I am staying at the Ka'anapali Beach Club, got in touch with the 'on site dive operator' to find out that they do not rent gear -they only offer guided tour dives of the local flora and fauna, which start at $65 per dive for certified divers (from the beach!!!!!). Got another shop that'll rent a tank for 10 bucks a day, 10 bucks a fill and offers 'some amazing two tank boat dives starting at $150.00 for certified divers'. WTF? Seemed a little pricey...So - any leads on good dives and dive shops?
Cheers!

[dieseldude]

I usually pack my own stuff & rent tanks from maui dive. pretty reasonable I thought. There are a ton of local shore dives that dont require a guide. that is why I like Maui so much. Right in your area honolua bay is awesome though a bit of a hike from the road. Airport beach just down the road is easy access. Down in Lahainather is Mala Wharf which a must do dive.
I have fun. I hate you cuz I cant afford to go myself
MJ

[kenpodan]

Gracias for the info! I'll check out the wharf, looks like a fun dive - kinda reminds me of the old edmonds T-dock...
You could try to stuff yourself into an extra suitcase and sleep on the beach...I mean, it's not great, but it's an option, eh?

[dieseldude]

The Edmonds dock was one of my fav's for a long time & Mala is wayyyyyy better. not to mention warmer. You might even get a shark sighting. Still on my bucket list for photo's. I could probably fit in a suitcase but at my age, after the 5hour flight, I'd never get unfolded enough to put my dive gear on. I've considered getting a job there & living on the beach. I hear diesel techs are in high demand on Maui. I'd sure miss Northwest waters though.
Dont let that walk at honolua scare you off. It's worth the hike, especially if you are only packing an AL80. I've walked further here in dubs, stage, & drysuit uphill in the snow, zero degrees out without my fins on!
Mahalo for bringing back fond memories,
MJ

[kenpodan]

Man, I loved Edmonds dock...such a sad day when that was yanked.
I checked-out that shop, looks worth renting a car, much better prices than the 'on site dive shop' at the hotel we are at, thanks for the info!
I'll get some good pics (hopefully a shark or two, for 200 bucks I can jump into the shark tank at the aquarium!) and post 'em for you!
Cheers
Dan

[Highliner]

Beach or boat? Mala Warf is said to be the "best" shore dive on the island. You can rent gear(cheap) from Maui Dive Shop just a couple of block away from the site. Also I would recommend Hawaiin Rafting Adventures as they run out of the same harbor. Steve has a very nice(fast and stable)new custom boat that was a blast. Take a run over to "The Cathedrals" both #1 and #2. Two of Maui's "must do" dives. Most of the other outfits I would recommend run out of Kehei and is about an hour from The Beach Club and check in is at 6:00 am. I am not an expert on Maui diving but have 50 or so dives there. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask.