Maui Marine Life: What Can I See While Scuba Diving in Maui?

If you’re planning a scuba diving trip to Hawaii, Maui should be at the top of your list! With its warm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Maui is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Hawaii — perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.
The island’s underwater environments range from colorful hard coral reefs to rocky lava formations and even seagrass beds, offering incredible variety for every kind of diver.
So, what kinds of marine life can you expect to see while scuba diving in Maui? We’ve compiled a list of our top 9 favorite underwater animals and why they make every dive unforgettable.

1. Eels
Maui’s reefs are home to dozens of eel species, and spotting one on a dive is always exciting! The most common eels we see are the undulated, white-mouth, and yellow-margin morays, but the ultimate find is the elusive dragon moray eel — a favorite among underwater photographers.
These fascinating creatures often peek out from crevices or swim freely at dusk, adding a mysterious charm to your Maui dives.

2. White-Tip Reef Sharks
While shark diving in Maui isn’t as common as in other parts of the world, we’re lucky to see plenty of white-tip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom during our dives. They’re calm, graceful, and perfectly safe to observe from a respectful distance.
In spring, we sometimes spot them in small groups — and if you’re very lucky, you might even witness a shark mating display!

3. Green Sea Turtles
No Maui dive trip is complete without seeing a Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu). Maui is famous for its large population of green sea turtles that frequent “cleaning stations,” where reef fish remove algae and parasites from their shells.
These spots are magical — it’s not unusual to see 20–30 turtles cruising through at once! Considering these gentle giants only recently came off the endangered species list, every encounter feels truly special.

4. Nudibranchs
For macro lovers, Maui is a paradise for nudibranchs, or sea slugs — the Pokémon of the sea! These colorful critters come in all shapes and sizes. Some of our favorites are the white-margin, imperial, and Shaun the Sheep nudibranchs.
With our expert dive guides, it’s not uncommon to find 5–7 different species on a single dive. Bring your camera — you’ll want to document them all!

5. Frogfish
Another rare and exciting find while scuba diving in Maui is the frogfish. These camouflaged ambush predators come in many colors, blending perfectly into their surroundings. Spotting one takes a keen eye (and some local expertise), but once you see them, you’ll understand why photographers love them!

6. Spotted Eagle Rays
Seeing spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully through the water is always a highlight. During the summer diving season in Maui, larger groups of these majestic rays often cruise the shallows, offering divers amazing close encounters and photo opportunities.
Their elegance and calm demeanor make them one of the most awe-inspiring sights on any Maui scuba dive.

7. Octopus (Tako)
Our local Hawaiian day octopus, or tako, is one of the reef’s smartest residents. While many species prefer nighttime adventures, Maui’s day octopus is often seen out and about during daylight hours.
They perch on coral heads, change colors, and seem to watch you as closely as you watch them! If you spot one before it retreats into its den, consider yourself lucky — they’re masters of disguise.

8. Dolphins
While rare, encountering dolphins while scuba diving in Maui is an experience you’ll never forget. Some dive sites act as natural “superhighways” for pods of bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally they’ll swim right up to divers out of curiosity.
Even hearing them clicking and whistling underwater adds an incredible soundtrack to your dive.

9. Whale Song
Okay, this one’s not about seeing wildlife — it’s about hearing it. During Maui’s whale season (December to April), the underwater world comes alive with the hauntingly beautiful songs of humpback whales.
While it’s illegal to intentionally scuba dive with whales, divers often hear their calls echoing through the ocean. Sometimes the sound is so powerful you can actually feel it in your chest — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any diver.

Experience the Best Scuba Diving in Maui
From tiny nudibranchs to majestic whales, Maui’s reefs are teeming with life and color. Every dive offers something new and unforgettable, while exploring Maui’s top dive sites.

At Aloha Maui Diving, our experienced local guides know where to find the best marine encounters while keeping every dive safe, sustainable, and fun. Join us for your next underwater adventure — and discover why Maui scuba diving is some of the best in the world!