Molokini Crater

The basics

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All Molokini Crater snorkeling tours include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Most Molokini Crater tours offer snorkeling, with a scuba diving option for certified divers.

Things to know before you go

• Beat the crowds with an early-morning Molokini tour.

• Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit. Most tour operators provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices.

• Snuba diving (a kind of snorkeling-scuba diving hybrid) is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.

• Private charters are available for personalized experiences.

How to get there

Set off Maui's southern coastline, and protected by the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and the boat ramp in Kihei. Tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.

When to get there

Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales. In winter, if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, you may hear the haunting song of humpback whales reverberating in the distance.

Why Molokini Crater is Hawaii's best snorkeling spot

As Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters such as parrotfish and octopus. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are a rare sight at Molokini Crater. As such, many tour boat trips include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.

Ways to explore

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet (3 to 18 meters). All Molokini Crater snorkeling tours include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, plus the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui’s best diving sites. Sailing and snorkeling adventures offer round-trip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Most Molokini Crater tours offer snorkeling, with a scuba diving option for certified divers.

Molokini Crater tours can last as little as two hours—including a quick stop to snorkel—or as long as five hours with lunch on board. Strong currents swirl around Molokini, so keep clear of the edges of the crater so you don’t get pushed against the sharp rocks and reef. Snorkel well inside the crater, where the water is calmer and it’s easier to spot marine life.

Accessibility

Molokini Crater boat tours are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

Large boats do not have age limits. Some boat tours on smaller boats don’t allow young children.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera or waterproof case for your smartphone, water, towel

What to wear

Rashguard, swimsuit

Not allowed

Touching the coral reef or fish, feeding the marine life

Amenities

Larger boats have restrooms, drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, and water toys. Small boats generally do not offer amenities beyond snorkeling gear on board.

Address

Set off Maui’s southern coastline—and protected by the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District—Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor for large tour boats and the boat ramp in Kihei for small rafts.

Driving

Maalaea Harbor is located along Highway 30, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Kahului and Maui’s airport; paid parking is available on-site (US$1 per hour). Kihei is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of the airport along Highway 31 and has free parking.

Public transportation

Molokini Crater isn’t reachable by public transportation. You must book a guided tour from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei to reach the island

Best times to visit

Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there, the better. Many boat tours set off just after dawn for optimal snorkeling.

Best days to visit

The crater is busiest during the weekends and holidays, when visitors flock to this snorkeling hot spot. Book a boat tour for a weekday morning to explore the crater in relative peace.

Best months to visit

Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales. In winter, if you dive a few feet below the water or go on a scuba or snuba dive, you may hear the haunting song of humpback whales reverberating in the distance.