Papalua Beach

Hawaii, United States

Depth

14m

Visibility

7m - 21m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Beginner

Papalua Beach

Hawaii, United States

Depth

14m

Visibility

7m - 21m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Beginner

About Papalua Beach

Papalua beach is located between Ma'alaea Wharf and Olowalu, at the East end of Papalua beach (near the highway tunnel). Facilities include some restrooms (actually port-a-johns) and a phone. There are also a few picnic tables and some of the area is shaded by trees. The nearest food and drink is either Ma'alaea Harbor or Olowalu General Store. There are no life guards at this location. Entrance is on the beach right where the shoreline changes to rocks. Snorkelling is great; scuba diving is excellent. There is wonderful coral here, some of the best in the area. The calm water area on the east is called "Coral Gardens". The area on the west is called "Thousand Peaks", a good place for surfing. Thousand Peaks has hundreds of large coral heads ranging from 1.5 to 10 meter from the surface. Whale watching at this beach during the humpback whale season, December thru April is great. Directions: Papalua beach is located between Olowalu and the tunnel on the main highway. Travel from Lahaina along the Honoapiilani past Olowalu, mile marker 14, and right before the tunnel pull off the highway and park anywhere you can along here.

Papalua Beach Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Rock, Reef

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

14m

Visibility Range

7m – 21m

Experience Level

Beginner

Best Gas Mix

21%

O₂

CNS Load (45 min)

10% at 12m / 36%

O₂

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Marine Life

Turtle

Weather Conditions

Water temperature (℃)

Air temperature range (℃)

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

Bubble Trapping Under Overhangs — Rock overhangs can trap exhaled bubbles, reducing visibility and causing disorientation.
Reflected Surge Patterns — Surge reflecting off rock faces can create irregular and unpredictable water movement.
Current Funnel Effect — Narrow gaps between rocks can accelerate water flow unexpectedly.

Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

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