Scuba diving plane wrecks can be fun and feel a lot like traveling through time. Check out this recent article from the maui news.

WAILUKU - A World War II-era wreck off South Maui first documented in January has been identified as an SBC-2 Helldiver, ditched in Maalaea Bay on a training flight by a Navy pilot in 1944.

Maritime archaeologist Hans Van Tilburg of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration dived to the site Saturday and confirmed that it was the plane identified by two groups of private divers separately investigating the wreck. He said the U.S. Navy was in the process of making a plaque to mark the site, which is protected under state and federal law, and that officials may also consider installing a mooring nearby.

Van Tilburg said the aircraft was a rare find, not only because the wreck was almost completely preserved, but also because there are very few Helldivers left in existence.

“I’m definitely impressed,” he said. “It’s remarkably intact. I’ve seen a number of aircraft like this, and this one is very intact. That makes it very special.”

When the wreck was first documented in January, it was initially believed to be an SBD Dauntless dive bomber. But B&B Scuba Maui owner Brad Varney, who first reported the site to government authorities after learning about it from a local fisherman, said he realized after visiting the wreck a second time that it was actually a Helldiver.

Today the plane rests on the sandy bottom of Maalaea Bay in about 50 feet of water, encrusted with coral and surrounded by schools of fish.

read the full article here:

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/530164.html

Every year the Scuba Diving Magazine publishes the top ten dive destinations on the planet, it is something I look forward to reading, as there seems to be a new dive spot that I have yet to discover. SCUBA diving around the world, and planning scuba diving vacations is a fun way to see new places and discover the ocean and sea life. I think you really haven’t seen a place without seeing it from underwater.

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you are in for a fun and exciting trip. Maui has so much to offer and so many places to see, we invite you to discover Maui from the ocean and learn about this island from another angle.

Mahalo and aloha…

Where is the best scuba diving locations on the island of Maui? We would like to hear from you, if you have dived on Maui and would like to cast your vote for the #1 Maui Dive Spot.

Molokini comes to many peoples mind, however, you must factor in the costs associated with charter boats and tour boats, and the masses of snokelers that come by large tour boats. Sadly there has also been damage to the reef and the fish life there because of over use. However, it is a special place, and that back wall is a exciting place to dive.

Other great dive spots are the Five Caves in Makena, Black Rock in Kaanapali, Cathedrals in Lanai, Ulua Beach, Hanakao’o (Canoe Beach), and many more.

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Please comment here with your thoughts!

Black Rock is on the site of the Sheraton Hotel. This is a great diving location and easy to access. Also you can see cliff divers in diving off the rocks. This dive spot is located at the far end of Ka’anapali Beach. You’ll need to park in the public garage, and hike with equipment-on-back down to the beach area.

Directions: Travel North on Highway 31 until mile marker 24, then turn left onto Ka’anapali Parkway. Follow the road around to the right until you end up at the Sheraton Maui. There you will find a garage for public parking.

Mokule’ia is another great dive and snorkel site, but it’s a good hike down to the beach. A great place to spend the day with the kids, so bring a cooler with food and water.

Directions: Travel North on Highway 31 until about mile mark 32.6. You can’t miss the bay off to your left.

Honolua Bay offers a good experience for both snorkelers and divers. You may, however, be a little fatigued after the quarter mile hike down the private access road. But if you are up to it, you’ll find the dive rewarding.

Directions: Travel North on Highway 31 until about mile marker 33. You’ll notice a small access road dropping off to your left.