Dive-site story
Located off South Maui's coastline near Makena, Whiterock South centers around submerged volcanic finger reefs and low-profile basalt ledges surrounded by expansive sand channels. Divers explore rocky ridges encrusted with lobe and finger coral formations where green sea turtles gather for regular cleaning sessions from surgeonfish and wrasses. The protected topography creates shelter for juvenile fish and resting bottom-dwellers, while outer reef edges drop away toward deeper channels where rays and pelagic species frequently cruise past.
Active turtle cleaning stations situated across the volcanic coral ridges
Narrow lava trenches and overhangs sheltering resting whitetip reef sharks
Encounters with camouflaged frogfish and varied nudibranch species on rock walls
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Calmer south swells and lighter winds typically provide optimal diving during late spring through early autumn.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowmargin MorayGymnothorax flavimarginatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Commerson's FrogfishAntennarius commerson | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Spotted Eagle RayAetobatus narinari | Rare |
Marine forecast
