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 Hour Molokini Snorkel from Kihei
Beat the crowds and enjoy crystal-clear Molokini snorkeling on a quick two-hour outing
Molokini & Turtle Town 5-Hour Snorkel Tour From Maui
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town with breakfast, BBQ lunch, and an open bar
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour in Maui
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town by Super Raft
Dive Molokini Crater on a 2-Tank Maui Charter
Do a 2-tank dive at Molokini with a flexible second site
Molokini Snorkel & Whale Watch Cruise in Maui
Snorkel Molokini and watch for humpback whales on a 2.5-hour rafting tour
Dive Molokini Backwall & Carthaginian Wreck From Lahaina
Two-tank advanced dive to Molokini Backwall and the Carthaginian wreck
2-Tank Molokini Crater Guided Dive Tour From Maui
Dive Molokini Crater with a small-group 2-tank boat trip
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Maui
2-hour Maui sunset sail with live music, menu, and open bar
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini or Coral Gardens on a 55-foot catamaran with lunch included
Explore Maui Wild Card 2-Tank Scuba Dive Charter
Dive Maui’s less-visited sites on a 2-tank Wild Card charter
Helldiver and Triple Anchors Certified Diver Trip
Dive two historic sites with macro life, ideal for certified divers seeking something different
Self-Guided Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour From Paia
Ride Haleakala Ranch switchbacks on a self-guided downhill adventure
Maui Whale Watch Adventure on Reef Explorer
Experience up-close whale behavior on a small-group, ultra-stable 60 ft Super Raft in Maui’s humpback sanctuary
Take a Private 4-Hour Snorkel Charter in Maui
Private snorkel charter with gear and reef-safe sunscreen included
Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Arches with onboard breakfast and BBQ lunch
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Turtle Town From Maui
Cruise to Molokini and Turtle Town on an air-conditioned luxury yacht
Snorkel & Sail Molokini Crater From Maui
Sail to Molokini for a morning snorkel with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar
Snorkel & Sightsee on a Private Maui Charter
Private Maui yacht charter for up to 6 with breakfast, lunch, and snorkel time
Dive Molokini Backwall Drift Dive From Kihei
Take on Molokini’s Backwall with 2 advanced drift dives
3-Hour Private Snorkel Charter in Maui
Private snorkel charter on Reef Explorer with your choice of Molokini or coral reefs
Private Sport Fishing Charter From Maalaea Harbor
Book a private 6- or 8-hour sport fishing charter for up to 6 guests
Morning Molokini Snorkel Cruise From Maui
Small-group morning cruise to Molokini with guided snorkel tour
2-Hour Maui Sunset Sail
Sail into a Maui sunset with drinks and hors d'oeuvres included