A dive trip to Maui is pure magic—warm water, colorful reefs, sea turtles cruising by like they own the place (they do), and a chance to see marine life you’ll remember forever. But the best trips start before you even set foot on the boat. A little prep ahead of time can mean a smoother, more enjoyable experience once you’re here.

Here are five things to check off your list before you dive in:

1. Get Your Paperwork Out of the Way Early

Nothing says “buzzkill” like spending your first precious minutes in paradise filling out forms. Complete your waivers (and if needed, get your medical release) before your trip. Remember that everyone in your group needs to do this too. This way, if there are any health questions that need a doctor’s sign-off, you’ll have time to take care of them before you arrive. Plus, it frees you up to spend your pre-dive time sipping coffee and watching the sunrise instead of scribbling on a clipboard.

2. Check Your Certification Card (and Logbook)

Whether you’ve logged 500 dives or just 5, your certification card is your ticket to the underwater world. Make sure it’s packed in your wallet or stored digitally (PADI, SSI, SDI, and NAUI all have apps). No matter what format you keep your certification info in, we recommend that you take cell phone shots of the fronts and backs of your physical cards and screen shots of your eCards for quick, easy access. If you haven’t been diving in a while, review your last logbook entries to refresh your memory on weight settings, gear adjustments, and other personal notes - it’ll make getting geared up that much easier.

3. Give Your Gear Some TLC

If you’re bringing your own gear, give it a once-over before packing:

• Check mask straps for cracks.
• Test regulators and BCD inflators.
• Make sure wetsuits and boots still fit (shrinking in the closet is a thing...at least, that’s what we tell ourselves).
• If you’re renting, let us know your sizes early so we can set aside the perfect fit for you.
• If you need something less common, like prescription masks, DIN adaptors, a cummerbun extender, or size giant fins, contact us ahead of time to make sure they're available or make arrangements to rent or purchase these items before your trip.

4. Pack Smart for Maui’s Conditions

We’ve got plenty of space for your gear on the boat, and smart packing makes life easier:

• Windbreaker or light jacket: The breeze can feel cool between dives - yes, even when it's hot outside!
• Dry bag: Great for keeping clothes, towels, and snacks safe from splashes.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect your skin and the reef.
• Motion sickness remedy: Just in case—you’ll thank yourself later.

5. Plan Your Post-Dive Fun

Maui’s beauty doesn’t stop at the waterline. After your dives, you might want to:

• Grab a bite in Kihei, where you’ll find plenty of casual cafés, shave ice spots, and local favorites.
• Take a scenic drive along the coast toward Makena for breathtaking views and photo stops.
• Relax on the beach at Kamaole or Keawakapu with a good book and your toes in the sand.
• Catch a sunset from one of South Maui’s beach parks, or even from Ocean Vodka. Trust us, it’s the perfect way to end a dive day.

Since you'll want to avoid flying for at least 18-24 hours after your last dive, it's the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy island time. Discover more things to do in Maalaea.

Final Splash:

A little preparation makes your Maui dive trip smoother, safer, and even more fun. We’ve got the boat, the crew, and the underwater wonders - bring your excitement and we’ll take care of the rest.