Snorkeling at Molokini is one of the most popular things to do on Maui. The snorkeling conditions here are fantastic and this tiny crater is recognized as one of the best places to snorkel at in the Hawaiian Islands. In this Molokini travel guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about snorkeling at this beautiful crater.

About Molokini

Located about 3 miles off the coast of Turtle Town (south of Wailea), you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving conditions anywhere in Hawaii. You'll have to book a snorkeling tour or service to take you out to Molokini (conditions are too rough for you to kayak there by yourself); however, once you arrive, the waters are protected by a natural crescent formed by the crater.

About Molokini Island Preserve

Before Maui was Maui Island, it was actually Maui Nui - a much larger island that was connected to modern day Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai. Maui Nui was flooded with rising waters about 200,000 years ago and the Molokini Crater helped form this mega-island, which eventually split into what we now know as Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai due to distant glacial melting.

Today, Molokini is a half-mile long crescent-shaped islet off the coast of Maui which serves as both a bird sanctuary and marine life conservation district. There is a huge, vibrant reef inside the crescent which is protected from the areas rough waters. 

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Blake Bronstad

Snorkeling And Diving At Molokini

The huge reef inside the Molokini Crater offers some of the best snorkeling, scuba, and snuba conditions anywhere on the island. The reef is home to over 250 species of tropical fish, many of which are endemic to Hawaii, meaning they are native and found nowhere else on earth. Along the reef, you might find the yellow tang, Moorish idol, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and, of course, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, Hawaii’s state fish.

Aside from the abundance of fish, this is an amazing snorkeling spot for its crystal clear blue waters -- probably the clearest anywhere on Maui. Thanks to the protection from the crater, underwater visibility can often exceed a whopping 200 feet! These calm waters also make for excellent beginner conditions since swimming is easy and fish aren’t difficult to spot. 

It's important to note that the only sea creature you may not spot are sea turtles. They tend to hang around Turtle Town closer to Maui's shores as the lava rocks provide a safe place for them to rest and graze.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman

Molokini Snorkel, Dive, and Snuba Tours

There are many companies that offer tours of different styles to Molokini. Maui Magic Snorkel, Maui Boat Trips, Four Winds, and Maui Snorkel Tours all offer snorkel experiences in Molokini Crater. These generally cost between $80 and $200, depending on how long they last and what is included (lunch, equipment, cruise, etc.).

Lahaina Diving offers scuba charters to Molokini, which includes tanks, weights, a guided tour, breakfast, and deli lunch. You can also pay for extras and equipment like regulators and wetsuits if you don’t have your own. 

If you aren’t scuba certified but would like to go deeper than snorkeling allows for, Snuba Maui and Four Winds offer snuba tours. These tours allow you to get as deep as 35 feet. They provide the equipment including a raft that follows you around above water, so you don’t have to stay connected to the central boat. These tours cost between $100-150.

Photo by Yale Cohen on Unsplash

Molokini Weather and Conditions

In general, Hawaii has two seasons. There is a wet winter from November to March and a dry summer from April to October. On Molokini, summer highs range from 84 to 88 degrees. There are usually between one to three days of rain per month during the summer. Temperature ranges between 80 and 83 during the winter, and you can expect three or four days of rain each month. 

The waters outside crater are extremely rough, especially during the winter months from November to March. During the summer months, the waters sometimes become calm enough on morning tours to allow for snorkeling around the outside rim of Molokini. 

FAQs

Is Molokini Worth the Trip?

The boat ride to the crater only takes about 20 minutes. The waters can be rough, but that’s all part of the fun, as long as you aren’t prone to seasickness! It's a fun ride especially if you haven't had the chance to see Maui from a distance.

Is Molokini Worth the Price?

All things considered, Molokini isn’t that expensive of a snorkeling trip. Comparable boat tours will run about the same price no matter where they take you. So, you might as well head for some of the clearest waters in Hawaii!

Is Molokini a Tourist Trap?

Snorkeling here is certainly a popular spot among tourists. But, the adventure does offer things you can’t experience anywhere else on Maui, so we wouldn’t call it a trap! Snorkel tours to Molokini are certainly a valid experience.

When you're in Hawaii remember that the beaches and marine life are fragile. Please show your aloha by wearing reef-safe sunscreen so that our coral life can continue to sustain and grow. Respect the animals by keeping your distance and not touching them. Leave the beach and ocean better than you found it. For more on how to be a safe and responsible traveler when you visit Hawaii, click here.

Visiting Maui? Shaka Guide has 6 tours on the island. Check them out here!