Mala Pier: Above and Below

 

This behavior of opening its mouth underwater is a bit unusual. It gives a nice look at the tooth-like bony structures in the mouth that it uses to scrape algae off the rocks.

The old Mala Pier on Maui, situated in Lahaina, is a poignant relic of the island's maritime history. Constructed in the early 20th century, this wooden pier was once a bustling hub of activity, crucial for the shipping and transportation needs of the region. Its location at the edge of the serene Mala Wharf area made it an ideal spot for cargo operations and passenger disembarkation. Over the years, the pier witnessed the ebb and flow of Maui’s development, reflecting the changes in the island’s economy and infrastructure.

As time passed, the pier fell into disuse, overtaken by modern ports and updated transportation methods. Today, the Mala Pier stands as a picturesque, albeit weathered, remnant of a bygone era. The structure's aging pilings and rusted fixtures tell a story of resilience against the elements and the passage of time. For visitors, the pier offers a glimpse into Maui's past, inviting reflection on the island's transformation from a bustling trade center to a popular tourist destination.

However, its vulnerability to natural forces became evident over time. One of the most destructive events to befall Mala Pier was a massive hurricane in 1992, known as Hurricane Iniki. This Category 4 storm, the most powerful to hit Hawaii in recorded history, brought strong winds and storm surges that severely damaged the structure. The pier, already weathered by years of exposure to the elements, was left in ruins, and most of the remaining sections became unsafe for use.

The surrounding area, with its lush vegetation and tranquil waters, adds to the nostalgic charm of the old Mala Pier. It has become a favored spot for local fishermen, snorkelers, and photographers, drawn by the serene beauty and historical ambiance. The pier’s unique character, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a symbol of Maui’s enduring spirit and a reminder of the island’s rich maritime heritage.

There is easy parking right at the pier, and showers and bathroom facilities close by. Snorkelers and divers can access the site by walking right in off the beach, although I like to walk out on the rocky breakwall and slip in off the rocks. Once you are in, you might not want to get out! Check out these pictures and see for yourself.

If you zoom in on the background, you can still see the destruction and desolation left by the Lahaina fire, 1 year ago. There is still a lot of recovery that needs to happen. I am happy to say that underwater, at least here at Mala, looked amazing and healthy.

I love how the my drone is giving me the opportunity to capture a completely new perspective. I see a couple of turtles as well as the three snorkelers in this photo from above.

It was a beautiful day to be in the water on Maui.

The wreckage of the old Mala pier. It used to stretch all the way out to the concrete piling next to the boat, until Hurricane Iniki broke it apart in the early 90's.

There are all kinds of fish here at this snorkel spot, but sea turtles are definitely the stars of the show. I must have seen over 20 turtles here on this one snorkel.

Every so often the sea turtles need to come up and breath. If you stay very still and calm then they will come quite close. I like photographing them at, or near the surface to capture the reflections and the light rays.

One of the highlights of snorkeling here, the sea turtle cleaning station. You can see turtles hovering above the reef, getting cleaned by gold rim surgeonfish.

I had to hold my breath and dive down underwater for these shots. You can see a lone snorkeler checking out the sea turtles far away back at the surface.

Photographing the turtles deeper underwater is a little less dramatic, but with my underwater flash I can still get some good colors.

Its always nice when the turtle checks me out too!

More reflections at the surface.

This was one of my best encounters, but I just couldn't get the snorkelers out of the shot. This'll have to go in the outtakes pile.

This was one of the first shots of the snorkel. I thought it was pretty dramatic even though I wasn't as close to the turtle as I would like.

I couldn't get this turtle to look at me for a photo, but I really liked the sense of place that the upright pilings give. This was under the part of the pier that still remains standing.