WW2 Wreck Diving in Maui

WW2 Scuba Diving Services  

During WW2 the Navy, Marines and the Army all trained on Maui. Underwater demolition teams were trained off Kihei and amphibious maneuvers were practiced all the way from Maalaea to Makena. An airstrip on Maui’s isthmus was used to train carrier-based pilots. At least eight amphibious tractors (LVT’s) and several airplanes (an F4F Hellcat, an F4U Corsair, an SB2C Helldiver, a PB4Y-1 Liberator) have been recorded in the waters along Maui’s coastline. Due to their condition or their depth, only a few are still diveable. Some that were found were fully loaded with machine guns, ammunition (including shells, bullets, and hand grenades), tools, mess kits, helmets, etc. and it is believed that these at least were accidental losses and not intentional post-wartime ditchings. Of course, they’ve been submerged for 70 years and the saltwater and waves have “changed who they are,” but some are still recognizable. These vehicles and objects sit in areas of open sand and act as artificial reefs for many fish and invertebrates, occasionally even bringing in curious large animals such as rays.

Dive into History

WWII Wreck Diving in Maui is an opportunity to explore history outside of the pages of a novel or textbook, bringing you face to face with the remains of military equipment from over 70 years ago! Today, in waters surrounding Maui, the era of US Marines training for battle feels long ago – but physical history remains intact. WWII wreck diving in Maui allows you to discover several kinds of military artifacts including an amphibious tank, amphibious transport vehicles, aircraft and a fuel barge mooring site in the clear waters surrounding the islands. Scuba dive through history with Mike Severns Diving excursions.