Hello again all,
We will be in Maui in 2 weeks and my husband is a diver. He will only be doing a 1 or 2 tank dive while we are there during a morning.

So - what is the best dive spot? Who are the best operators? And are there any boats that take out snorkelers and divers so we can stay together (I will have my 2 kids with me - 6 and 9, they are great swimmers and have snorkeled in the Florida Keys before.)

Mahalo!!!

I should have made the post title Scuba Diving in Hawaii,oops.

People like going to Molokini crater. There's also other good sites. Cathedrals 1 & 2 are excellent choices too.

One place that'll take him out is Pacific Dive shop in Lahaina.

I'm in no way affiliated with them. Their website is www.pacificdive.com

There are plenty of other dive shops or dive operators. Just do a google search.

Snorkelers and divers can be taken out to Molokini and Turtle Town. Have been out with Maui Diving few times.

Visit the Hawaii forum at www.scubaboard.com for reviews and recommendations of dive operators.

There will also be lots of recommendations on dive sites.

Aloha - look at www.captainsteves.com - I use them all the time for whale watching & I really enjoy the adventure of the "raft" rather than the bigger boats. He does dives during non-whale season.
Dianne

We always dive with Maui Dreams in Kihei. If your husband likes shore diving, he can rent a tank and you and your kids can hang on the beach at one of the Wailea/ Makena area sites and snorkel while he dives (I am assuming he dives without a buddy?)

I would say Makena Landing is my favorite shore dive site. I always see lots of turtles, a few sharks, and there are some cool swim-thrus. I don't think I would ever recommend doing this site along, though. Navigation is tough here even with a compass. With a guide it is very cool, though! Lot's of snorkellers here and also guided kayak trips.

They also have a guided scooter diving package with two dives using personal watercraft. VERY cool experience.

Another option is a guided night dive. Terri at Maui Dreams is an excellent guide and great at finding cool things in the reef.

Sorry I can't recommend boat dives. I get seasick!

Where are you staying? Some of the dive boats launch from the Kihei boat ramp. Ed Robinsons is one. They come highly recommended, especially for photographers.
http://www.mauiscuba.com/erd1.htm

Based on my personal bad experience with them, I would avoid Scuba Shack (also wanted dive/snorkel combo and snorkeler (me) got dumped in water too deep to see anything. We stated our concerns back at the shop and their customer service, from the owner yet, left much to be desired.)