Things to do nearMolokini
Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
Molokini Crater is the eroded rim of a volcanic cone that last erupted thousands of years ago, leaving behind a distinctive crescent shape that now shelters one of the most visited snorkel and dive sites in the Hawaiian Islands. The crater sits within a State Marine Life Conservation District, meaning fishing and the collection of any marine organisms are strictly prohibited, which has allowed its reef ecosystem to remain remarkably intact over decades of visitation.
The shallow inner basin, ranging from roughly 10 to 40 feet in depth, is ideal for snorkelers of most skill levels. Colorful parrotfish, Moorish idols, and dense schools of goatfish move freely through the coral gardens, largely unbothered by the steady stream of visitors. For certified divers, the outer back wall plunges dramatically to depths well beyond recreational limits, where hammerhead sharks and manta rays have been spotted on fortunate dives.
Most visitors reach Molokini by joining a morning snorkel cruise departing from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei Boat Ramp on Maui. Trips typically combine time at the crater with a second stop along the Maui coastline, often at Turtle Town near Makena, where Hawaiian green sea turtles rest on submerged lava formations. Onboard naturalists on many boats offer context about the crater's geology and the species you are likely to encounter.
Molokini rewards visitors with a concentrated, accessible encounter with Hawaii's marine environment that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in the islands, making it a centerpiece of any Maui itinerary focused on the ocean.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Molokini
Visit during the morning hours, ideally before 9 a.m., when winds are calm and visibility tends to be at its clearest.
Bring a wetsuit or rashguard even in summer, as the water inside the crater can feel cooler than expected once you are in the shade of the walls.
Try snorkeling along the back wall of Molokini on a guided dive trip, where deeper, more dramatic drop-offs attract larger pelagic species.
Pack seasickness remedies if you are prone to motion sickness, as the open-water crossing from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei can be choppy in the afternoon.
Look for humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii's state fish, darting among the coral heads in the shallower sections of the crater floor.
Top tours & experiences near Molokini
2-Tank Molokini Crater Scuba Dive & Snorkel From Kihei
Dive Molokini Crater with a small-group 2-tank boat trip
Sunrise Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour From Kihei
Spend more time snorkeling and less time getting there
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Raft Snorkel Tour
A smooth Super Raft ride for more time in Maui's waters
3-Hour Snorkel Cruise From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Maui’s coastal reefs with an onboard naturalist guide
Snorkel & Sail Molokini Crater From Maui
Sail to Molokini for a morning snorkel with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar
Molokini Crater Snorkel & Sail from Maalaea Harbor
Sail to Molokini for two snorkel stops, buffet dining, and an open bar
2 Hour Molokini Snorkel from Kihei
Beat the crowds and enjoy crystal-clear Molokini snorkeling on a quick two-hour outing
Molokini Crater 2-Tank Dive Charter
Explore Maui’s reefs with dives paced to your experience
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Turtle Arches From Maui
Snorkel Molokini Crater and a second site on a 34-guest catamaran
Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town with breakfast, BBQ lunch, gear, and an open bar
Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Cruise from Maalaea, Maui
Explore Maui's snorkeling waters aboard a quiet, jet-powered catamaran
Sunrise Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour
Early reef snorkeling with a shoreside comfort break
2-Hour Maui Sunset Sail
Sail into a Maui sunset with drinks and hors d'oeuvres included
Private Snorkeling Charter to Molokini
A private Maui snorkel outing with gear and drinks included
3-Hour Private Yacht Charter From Kihei
Create your own Maui cruise with snorkeling, fishing, and coastal stops
Explore Maui Wild Card 2-Tank Scuba Dive Charter
Dive Maui’s less-visited sites on a 2-tank Wild Card charter
Private Super Raft Snorkel Charter from Maalaea, Maui
Private snorkel charter on Reef Explorer with your choice of Molokini or coral reefs
5-Hour Yacht Charter in Kihei
Design a Private Maui Day of Snorkeling, Fishing and Sightseeing
Private Sport Fishing Charter From Maalaea Harbor
Book a private 6- or 8-hour sport fishing charter for up to 6 guests
Snorkel Cruise to Molokini & Turtle Arches
Snorkel two reefs with onboard breakfast and BBQ lunch
Maui Sunset Snorkel Cruise
Sail Maui’s coast, snorkel Turtle Reef, and enjoy a grilled lunch onboard
Molokini Crater Snorkeling Cruise From Maui
Snorkel Maui's offshore reefs from an air-conditioned yacht
Afternoon Molokini or Coral Gardens Snorkel from Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens on a 55-foot catamaran with lunch included
Turtle Snorkeling Cruise in Kihei
South Maui reef snorkeling with gear, breakfast, and complimentary photos