ABOUT MOLOKINI
Molokini is one of only three volcanic calderas in the world.
It is located just a few miles off Maui’s shore and is Hawaii’s only island marine sanctuary. Scientists believe Molokini Crater formed about 150 thousand years ago.
Molokini rises from 300 feet below the ocean’s surface and is just under a half-mile wide and peaks at about 160 feet above sea level with half of it being hidden under the surface of the ocean. Divers and snorkelers flock from all around the world to experience the incredible underwater marine life.
SNORKELING EXPERIENCE
Island marine preserve
TWO BOATS, TWO ADVENTURES
Which one will you choose?
You can sail to Molokini Crater in two ways. On the smaller Leilani, with a capacity of up to 40 people, or a larger catamaran Pride of Maui for up to 149 people.
Important info to know
Molokini Crater history
During World War II, Molokini was used for target practice. Bombing and strafing left impact craters, shrapnel, and bullets along the slopes of Molokini, still visible today. It is believed that roosting and nesting birds avoided Molokini during the War, because of target practice and strafing maneuvers.
What awaits you
Snorkeling at Molokini is unlike any other Maui snorkeling experience because of its unique dynamics and underwater majesty. Molokini has beautiful coral reef and marine animals With over 200 species of fish, many endemic to Hawaii,
exploring the coral reef is the experience of a lifetime. A rare treat is the gentle plankton-feeding Whale Shark, known to visit Molokini. Whale sharks are very large plankton feeders (aka vegetarians) which are not a threat to humans.
Molokini Crater

TAKO FLATS
A shallow channel with coral heads, Tako Flats is an area of Molokini where you can find marine life including octopus, Manta ray, nudibranchs and barracudas. Good for beginner to intermediate divers.
MIDDLE REEF
A large mount that rises in the center of Molokini, the Middle reef is home to a variety of tropical fish, including trumpetfish, butterflyfish, whitetips, and Giant Trevally. Ideal for beginner and intermediate divers.
REEF’S END
Reef’s End is the western tip of the Molokini Crater. It’s a long healthy reef covered in Cauliflower coral and features a wealth of life, including reef sharks, morays, Squirrelfish, and Giant Trevally. Perfect for beginner divers and snorkelers.
SHARK CONDOS
Down around 130 feet, you’ll find harmless reef sharks and lobster hiding in the caves and underwater platforms.
ENENUE
This side of the Molokini starts around 30 feet and slopes down to about 60 feet. If you’re close to the crater wall, you’ll find an abundance of butterflyfish in the shallow areas. Suitable for divers at the beginner or intermediate level.
FLYING SEA CLIFFS
A favorite for scuba divers that love the many hanging shelves around 50 feet down. Beneath the main shelf is another 80 feet of water before reaching the bottom. Under the ledges, red sponges and tube coral can be seen only with powerful lights.
THE BACK SIDE
The world-renowned back side of Molokini Crater is rich with white, grey, and black reef sharks, tropical fish, Manta rays, and spinner dolphins. The wall dive is a vertical drop most often enjoyed around 80 feet down. It is ideal for experienced divers.
EDGE OF THE WORLD
Edge of the World is an incredible dive. It has the deepest spot along the backside of Molokini at around 250 feet. The area is constantly out of the sunlight, which allows a dwelling for exotic and unusual marine life.
Questions about the destination?
Can you walk to Molokini?
It’s kind of hard to believe we get this question. It’s an islet. Book a boat trip unless you can turn water into wine and have a cool beard.
Can you swim to Molokini?
No, you can’t swim to Molokini Crater. There are a few main areas on Maui from where boats depart. Maalaea Harbor is the most convenient and not far from Molokini.
Are there sharks at Molokini Crater?
The short answer is yes. They live in the ocean. One of the more common species of shark at Molokini Crater is the white-tipped reef shark. This shark gets its name from the white tip on its dorsal fin, and they average 4.5 ft in length. The white tip shark is docile during the day and can be found cruising along the bottom of the reef.
How deep is the water at Molokini Crater?
Depending on the specific snorkel spot, the depth is 20-50 feet when snorkeling at Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater houses a reef with up to 150 feet of visibility (on the backside and outside of the crescent). This makes Molokini a highly sought-after location for avid divers.
Can you anchor at Molokini?
Anchoring is forbidden. All boats are required to pick up one of the moorings provided by the state. The mooring floats are 3 meters beneath the surface, so someone must dive down to retrieve the pennant.
Can you climb Molokini Crater?
Like the breathtaking marine life, Molokini Crater is a fantastic experience. Trust us, you will want to climb on it, but don’t! Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater that forms a small, uninhabited islet and is protected from contact with the general public.
Is Molokini an active volcano?
Molokini islet is the southern rim of an extinct volcanic crater. The shallow inner cove is the crater’s submerged floor. It is the remains of one of the seven Pleistocene epoch volcanoes that formed the prehistoric Maui Nui island during the Quaternary Period of the Cenozoic Era.
Who owns Molokini?
Molokini Crater is home to two species of nesting birds: Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Bulwer’s Petrels. Shearwaters have a thin beak and feed on fish crustaceans. Molokini is owned by the federal government and is a protected Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary.
What does Molokini mean in Hawaiian?
Molokini, meaning “Many Ties” in Hawaiian, is an uninhabited islet between Maui and Kahoolawe.
How many species of fish are at Molokini Crater?
There are an estimated 250 species of fish at Molokini, many of them being native to the area. Molokini is also home to an estimated 100 species of algae and 38 hard coral species.
Where is the best snorkeling in Maui?
Snorkeling is possible on all corners of the Island of Maui. For visitors, the best snorkeling is found in the protected coves of South Maui and West Maui. For the ultimate Maui snorkeling experience, visitors can book a #1 Rated Maui Snorkel Tour with Pride of Maui. We have tours to in-the-know and top Maui snorkel spots like Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, Olowalu, and Coral Gardens.
Is Molokini Crater snorkeling worth it?
Molokini Crater is one of the most incredible places to snorkel in the world! Yes, it is worth it! The best way to snorkel at Molokini is on a guided tour with a Maui boat tour company outfitted with professional and experienced staff.
Is Lanai or Molokini better for snorkeling?
Both Lanai and Molokini offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. There isn’t a way to compare them because they are unique. Molokini is best reached by boat and easily traversed when staying on the Island of Maui. If you’re visiting Lanai, research the best local snorkel tour guides.
Is Molokini Crater good for snorkeling?
Yes, Molokini Crater is excellent for snorkeling! It’s one of the few volcano islets globally and is famously known for its diverse underwater ecosystem. Molokini is also a rare sea bird refuge. Take advantage of all opportunities to snorkel at Molokini when visiting Maui.
How do you snorkel in Molokini Crater?
The best and only way to snorkel at Molokini is on a Maui boat tour. (Unless you are a marine biologist or oceanographer!). On the Pride of Maui or Leilani, our guests explore snorkeling with experienced Maui snorkel guides on a professional and eco-conscious boat tour. Guests learn about this rare volcano islet and the marine species that dwell in its protected crescent.
How long does it take to snorkel at Molokini?
From our boat slip at Maalaea Harbor, it takes an average of one hour to reach Molokini Crater. Pending wind conditions, the journey can be quicker. Our #1 Rated Molokini Snorkel Tours are 5 hours in total. They allow guests time to experience Molokini best aboard a world-class catamaran.
Is Molokini Crater safe?
Yes, Molokini Crater is very safe when visiting with an experienced captain and crew. When choosing a Maui Snorkel Tour to Molokini Crater, choose a boat company that provides an expert crew, state-of-the-art snorkel, and safety gear. Aboard our world-class catamaran, our guests traverse to Molokini in style, and with stability and comfort always being a priority.
How deep is the water at Molokini Crater?
Molokini Crater houses a reef with up to 150 feet of visibility (on the backside and outside of the crescent). This makes Molokini a highly sought-after location for avid scuba divers. The depth is 20-50 feet when snorkeling at Molokini Crater, pending the specific snorkel spot.
Can kids snorkel at Molokini?
Yes, of course, kids can snorkel at Molokini Crater! Aboard Pride of Maui’s #1 Rated Molokini Snorkel Tour, guests are provided snorkel instruction with an expert-level crew. Our snorkel gear, safety vests, and flotation devices are state-of-the-art, sanitized, and maintained between every use.
Is Molokini Crater safe for kids?
Yes, Molokini is safe for kids. Safety protocols in and out of the water are our #1 priority. Our guests visit this rare volcano islet in comfort and amongst a professional staff. We have that rare insider’s perspective to make your Maui snorkel tour one of the most memorable moments of your life!
Are there sea turtles at Molokini Crater?
The waters surrounding the island of Maui are abundant with sea turtles, and Molokini Crater is no exception. It is possible to snorkel with turtles at Molokini on any morning or afternoon. For the best Molokini snorkeling experience, book a morning tour so you can snorkel when the ocean is at its calmest. Calm conditions allow for better visibility and more opportunities to see Maui’s sea turtles thriving in their natural environment.