Dive-site story
Situated along the rocky shoreline of Namalu Bay in West Maui, Cliff House features submerged volcanic basalt ledges, undercut boulders, and patches of lobe and finger coral. The cove offers protection from trade winds during calmer seasons, making it a regular haunt for green sea turtles feeding along the algae-covered rock shelves. Divers navigate around rocky fingers and sand channels where macro life hides in basalt crevices.
Encounters with resting and grazing green sea turtles along the rocky shelf
Undercut volcanic formations and lava rock swim-throughs
Diverse Hawaiian reef fish congregating around protected coral outcroppings
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Summer brings flatter seas and minimal swell along this coastline, whereas winter brings heavy surf that makes entry and exit dangerous.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green sea turtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawaiian monk sealNeomonachus schauinslandi | Rare | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Day octopusOctopus cyanea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow tangZebrasoma flavescens | Common | ||||||||||||
| Milletseed butterflyfishChaetodon miliaris | Common |
Marine forecast
