Dive with Turtles at Five Caves, Makena Landing in Maui
The Five Caves dive site is also known as Turtle Town in Maui, Hawaii. It’s famous for its underwater caves and arches that offer a different experience from other diving spots in Maui.
At Five Caves divers can see Hawaiian green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, octopus, and a variety of reef fish, making it a memorable place to dive.
Five Caves (Makena Landing) Dive Site Brief
- Maximum Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)
- Visibility: Varies, can be up to 100 feet (30 meters)
- Dive Time: A typical dive lasts around 45 to 60 minutes
- Required Certification Level: Open Water
- Current: Generally mild, but can vary
- Dive Site Category: Primarily a cavern dive site with unique underwater topography
About Five Caves (Makena Landing) Dive Site
Five Caves is located at Makena Landing off the coast of Lanai in South Maui. It is a great choice if you’re looking for an outstanding diving experience. The place is known for its crystal-clear water and five separate caves, each with its own unique underwater scenery.
Divers are particularly drawn to 5 Caves because of the varied marine life in the caves, such as turtles and reef fish.
The Dive Plan for Five Caves (Makena Landing)
Once you reach the destination, it is advisable to start exploring the closest cave first and gradually proceed further including some exciting swim-throughs.
The current can vary and can create a swirl. Even though Five Caves can be dived by beginners, it’s recommended to have some experience – especially in stronger current situations.
Planning your dive according to your experience and interests, and diving with a buddy is always recommended for safety reasons.
The best time to go diving is in the morning when the sea is calm and the visibility is good.
As you explore the caves, keep an eye out for turtles and reef fish near the cave entrances. It is important to maintain good buoyancy control to ensure your safety and to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
Special Notes
At Five Caves, you’ll find turtle cleaning stations a unique spot where sea turtles get cleaned by smaller fish. These fish eat algae and parasites off the turtles’ shells. Often while the turtles are eating themselves on the rocks. This natural interaction is a glimpse into the underwater ecosystem’s balance, making it a standout attraction and adding to the memorable diving experience at Five Caves.
Five Caves FAQs
What’s the best time to dive at Five Caves?
Morning is the best time to dive at Five Caves due to calmer seas and better visibility, making it ideal for cave exploration and seeing marine life.
What certification level is required?
An Open Water certification is generally required to dive at Five Caves. This level ensures divers have the basic skills and knowledge needed for this type of dive site.
What can you see at Five Caves?
At Five Caves, you can spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and colorful reef fish. The caves themselves are a highlight, offering an exciting landscape of underwater tunnels and arches.
Are there sharks at 5 caves/Makena Landing?
Divers and snorkelers can spot white-tip reef sharks at Five Caves (Makena Landing) in Maui. Often the sharks rest shelters by the rocks. It’s also common to find juvenile sharks protecting themselves under rocks.
