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Adventure Collective Journal

Molokini 3‑Tank Advanced Dive: Back Wall Drift, Wasteland Pinnacles & Wrecks

Molokini 3‑Tank Advanced Dive: Back Wall Drift, Wasteland Pinnacles & Wrecks

Board a Pro‑Diver boat at dawn for a three‑tank, advanced dive day that explores Molokini’s back wall, deep pinnacles, and occasional wrecks. Small groups and long bottom times deliver encounters with rays, reef sharks, and seasonal humpbacks—if you’re certified and current, this is a high‑value, high‑commitment day on Maui.

Kihei, Hawaii
4–5 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring proof of recent dives

Email or bring your dive log and certification—operators require proof of lifetime dives and date of last dive before boarding.

Hydrate and avoid alcohol

Long surface intervals and sun plus exertion at depth mean dehydration raises risk for decompression illness; drink water the day before and avoid alcohol.

Use reef‑safe sunscreen and cover up

Sunscreen must be coral‑safe; a long‑sleeve rashguard reduces UV exposure and protects fragile reef life during suiting up and surface intervals.

Pre‑treat for seasickness if needed

The early start and open ocean can be rough; take medication or use bands the night before if you have a history of motion sickness.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • The Wasteland pinnacles—excellent deep vertical relief with fewer divers than the wall
  • Occasional small wreck dives like the St. Anthony for macro and structure shots

Wildlife

  • Manta rays
  • Humpback whales

Conservation Note

This is a protected marine area—avoid touching reef, use mooring buoys when provided, and use reef‑safe sunscreen to reduce coral stress.

Molokini is a crescent‑shaped volcanic tuff cone whose steep walls create the vertical habitat prized by divers; the area is managed to protect reef communities.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Early morning departure for calm seas, Mid‑morning at the Back Wall for best light on the drop, During whale season for surface encounters
Key viewpoints:
  • Molokini Back Wall descent
  • Above the Wasteland pinnacles during safety stops
  • Boat deck for wide views of the crater and passing whales
Subjects to capture:Back wall and vertical reef, Pelagics and rays, Wreck structure and macro reef life

What to Bring

Certification card & dive logEssential

Operators will verify your certification level, number of lifetime dives, and date of last dive before boarding.

Dive computerEssential

Accurate bottom time and ascent tracking is essential for multiple deep dives in one day.

Full‑foot fins, mask and snorkelEssential

Your primary interface with the water—well‑fitting gear improves safety and comfort on drift entries and exits.

Reef‑safe sunscreen & rashguard

Protect skin from sun and reduce contact with coral while respecting local marine protections.

Common Questions

What certification and experience do I need?

This is an advanced three‑tank dive that requires an advanced certification or equivalent plus substantial logged dives; operators ask for 25–30+ lifetime dives and proof of a dive within the last six months.

Where and when does the trip meet?

Meet at Kihei Boat Ramp by 6:15 a.m. for check‑in; expect to return to port around 1:30 p.m. for the three‑tank itinerary.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Common encounters include eagle rays, manta and reef rays, white‑tip reef sharks, schooling jacks and occasionally migrating humpback whales in season.

Can I rent gear on board?

Yes—Pro‑Diver supplies rental gear but asks you to email your age, height, weight and shoe size ahead of time to size equipment properly.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; the operator may cancel for bad weather or insufficient divers.

Is this suitable if I’m prone to seasickness?

Open ocean crossings and surface intervals can be bumpy; bring medication or non‑pharmaceutical remedies and avoid heavy meals the morning of the trip.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4–5 hours

Location

Kihei, Hawaii

Difficulty

challenging

Fitness Level

Should have strong cardiovascular fitness, comfortable equalization at depth, and experience managing longer dives and surface intervals.

Free cancellation available

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