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Papawai Point
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Papawai Point is a great vantage point for viewing the Maui coast line. The diving here can be spectacular, although the entry is for advanced shore divers only. Check it out to see if you are comfortable. Also, be sure to look for the local artists, working on their baskets and drawings. Talk to them and patronize their work!
Directions: Papawai Point is found at about the mile 8.7 mark on Highway 30. Look for the Turnout on the ocean side.
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Diver
Reviews: (Please share your
own experiences by clicking
here!)
03/08/2008 Kendall Roberg (Avg: 3.47 Review) - This is one of my favorite sites on the island. The entry is tricky as well as the hike down and then back up to the parking lot. When I dove it, the visibility was great. The reef drops off quick into some sand, and depths of 90 feet plus are quickly accessible. The reef close to shore is beautiful aside from the gross amount of fishing line and lead lost by the shore fishers. I have seen hooks here as big as my fist (not sure what there trying to catch). This is one of the healthiest yellow tang populations I have seen on Maui with schools of 50 plus fish. A fun sight for any advanced and healthy diver willing to work for a great dive.
02/27/2008 Larry Reuter (Avg: 3.70 Review) - I have snorkeled here. I found out about it when I took a snorkel trip by boat to this point and said to myself, "Hey, I can park at the overlook and hike down here anytime." It is clear and nice. I would not want to get in with scuba stuff on me. You get out by working with the surf. I got some good shin scrapes here and just with snorkel equipment. So, go to the area called Coral Gardens. Heading west from the overlook, go through the tunnel and on the right, mauka, is a parking area for the Lahaina Pali Trail. You suit up there, carefully cross the highway, climb over the guardrail and walk down to the ocean. Find an easy spot and get in. There may be some surf. Then swim southeast back toward the lookout. It's a bit of a swim but I'm assuming that you are fit and quite up to it. I think 10 minutes will do. While under, you can move closer to the lookout. It's really nice. The name of the area speaks for itself. I went back the next year.
03/08/2005 Bill and Michele (Avg: 3.71 Review) - Great dive site! The entry can be a bit tricky and the walk down and then back up is a chore in itself, but well worth it.
03/30/2002 Bill Stohler (Avg: 3.24 Review) - This is an advanced dive site from an entry standpoint that is not safe if surf is more than one foot. The reef drops off here to 70 feet, and lots of cool pelagics swim by (manta rays, eagle rays, humpbacks in season). The trail from the parking lot has loose rocks and soil, and is a bit too much effort for most divers. But it's worth it if conditions are good.
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Site Photos
Maps
(what is GPS?) |
Photo
(click photo for a larger version) |
Comments |
| Parking
Map
Sat
GPS: MA0701
N20°46.5328'
W156°32.1749'
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Parking is easy and ample.
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| Trail Head
Map
Sat
GPS: MA0702
N20°46.5149'
W156°32.1585'
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(click photo for details)
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The trail down to the entry is steep with loose gravel. Schedule time to make several trips carrying one or two items at a time.
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| Right Entry
Map
Sat
GPS: MA0703
N20°46.4924'
W156°32.1405'
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During calm seas, the lava shelf allows you to gently slide into the water.
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| Aerial
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(click photo for details)
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Head to the left or right, depending upon the current, for some spectacular diving.
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| Plaque
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A plaque describing the migration of the Humpback Whales that can be seen from this point.
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Last Verification: September, 2000
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