has anyone been to Ulua beach in Maui, Hawaii

[TNdiver]

I am going there this july and i would like to know as much as i can going into it. It will be my first time freediving. So far i know this much. There is a reef that starts nearly at the shore line and stays somewhat shallow for some distance. After the first reef ends there is about 40 feet of sand and then another reef that i heard is alittle better. I mainly would like to know how deep is the deepest point of the first reef and how deep is the shallowest part of the second reef. I would also like to know if there is any soft coral in the reef or if it is all stony coral. Based on what i read it may be legal to harvest soft coral, and if so i would like to bring some back for my aquarium. I contacted DLNR (hawaii game wardens so to speak) to see, because the regulations i read werent really clear about soft corals. Thanks for any input you can give about the area.

 

[Stodelle]

The terrain there varies but I have been in water up to 60' near the outer reefs. Ulua beach is an alright spot, but it is dove frequently and the signs of diving pressure are evident in the fish behavior. Not sure if you are merely looking to freedive, or spear, but it still a good spot.

As far as harvesting the coral. We really do not have alot of soft coral. Most of it is hard coral (finger, lobe, and cauliflower type).

 

[TNdiver]

well i cant seem to get a response from the hawaii game wardens, so it doesnt look like ill be able to anyway. Im just diving, not spearin. I kinda forgot about this thread, and i just now found it again. sorry being so long gettin back with ya. I may hit some other spots, but im the only one in the family that dives, or even snorkels really, so i probably will mainly be there since its the one right out from the motel. what exactly do you mean by the diving pressure is evident in fish behavior? more skitish, or more used to people and just unnatural?? Im just starting diving (actually havent even been in the water yet other than doing some wet statics in a two feet deep pool, so i have no idea what depth i can do. my pb dry static is about 3:27. thanks for the reply