Molokini Island is a crescent-shaped islet located off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. It is a U.S. National Natural Landmark and is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Most people visiting do not realize Molokini is actually a volcano crater vent from Haleakala. Inside the crescent, the water is crystal clear as there are no sand beaches to stir up and affect visibility.
The island is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water is so clear you can see down over 150 feet. It feels like you are floating in air. Moray eels come out of their coral caves for a quick snack, sleeping white tip sharks can be found in a cave 20ft deep on the east side. The back side of Molokini is very rough, diving is rarely allowed. It has a steep drop off going down hundreds of feet. Often you can hear the whale songs underwater from November until March as the humpback whale songs are amplified inside the crescent.
The first known settlers of Molokini Island were Polynesians. They used the island as a fishing and religious site.
In 1779, Captain James Cook visited the island and named it “Molokini” after one of the islands he encountered during his voyage.
During World War II, the US Navy used Molokini as a bombing target, leaving behind several craters. In 1977, Molokini was declared a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, meaning the area is protected for its marine life (thank goodness). Now the island is a popular tourist destination, with the surrounding waters being home to over 250 species of fish, green sea turtles, and several rare species of dolphins and sharks. Snorkel and diving tours can be booked at hotels or activity centers found around different Maui locations.
The island is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water is so clear you can see down over 150 feet. It feels like you are floating in air. Moray eels come out of their coral caves for a quick snack, sleeping white tip sharks can be found in a cave 20ft deep on the east side. The back side of Molokini is very rough, diving is rarely allowed. It has a steep drop off going down hundreds of feet. Often you can hear the whale songs underwater from November until March as the humpback whale songs are amplified inside the crescent.
The first known settlers of Molokini Island were Polynesians. They used the island as a fishing and religious site.
In 1779, Captain James Cook visited the island and named it “Molokini” after one of the islands he encountered during his voyage.
During World War II, the US Navy used Molokini as a bombing target, leaving behind several craters. In 1977, Molokini was declared a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, meaning the area is protected for its marine life (thank goodness). Now the island is a popular tourist destination, with the surrounding waters being home to over 250 species of fish, green sea turtles, and several rare species of dolphins and sharks. Snorkel and diving tours can be booked at hotels or activity centers found around different Maui locations.
Molokini IslandSnorkeling Diving Molokini
A sheltered cove, volcano vent, crystal clear water.
Snorkeling Diving Molokini
Often you will swim with giant Manta Rays, or have a humpback whale stop by for a swim.
Moray eels, barracuda, white tip reef sharks, octopus, starfish are common sights.
Kihei, Wailea, Makena and even Uluapalaku
Molokini can be viewed from shore near the southern beaches and upcountry.
Snorkel and diving cruises leave from Maalaea Harbor around 7am and return by noon.
Only a 45 minute boat ride from harbor to Molokini crater.
Normally there are only early morning departures, arriving back by lunchtime as the winds
pick up and blow strong everyday starting around 11am. So the ride back can get bumpy
and wet if you are not undercover. We advise that visitors prone to motion sickness take
a pill before heading out as many a tourist has been seen looking very green.
