Things to do nearMolokini Crater
Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic caldera off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, celebrated for its crystal-clear visibility, thriving coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
Molokini Crater is the eroded rim of a volcanic crater formed thousands of years ago along the southwest rift zone of Haleakala, Maui's dominant shield volcano. Today only about a third of the original crater rim remains above water, creating the distinctive crescent shape that has made Molokini Crater one of the most recognizable dive and snorkel destinations in the Hawaiian Islands. The site was designated a Marine Life Conservation District by the State of Hawaii, a protection that has allowed its coral ecosystem to recover and thrive in ways rarely seen at more heavily trafficked reef systems.
Inside the sheltered basin, more than 250 species of reef fish have been recorded, including parrotfish, triggerfish, moorish idols, and the endemic Hawaiian cleaner wrasse. The back wall, accessible primarily to scuba divers, plunges several hundred feet and draws white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and occasional manta rays drifting up from deeper water. Visibility inside the crater routinely exceeds 100 feet, a product of the site's offshore position and the absence of runoff or sediment disturbance.
Most visitors reach Molokini aboard guided snorkel or dive boats departing from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei, with trips typically running a few hours and including equipment, instruction, and light refreshments. The surrounding open water also makes for excellent whale watching between December and April, when humpback whales migrate through the Auau Channel directly adjacent to the crater. Whether approached as a leisurely snorkel or a serious dive, Molokini Crater offers an encounter with Hawaiian marine life that is genuinely difficult to replicate anywhere else in the Pacific.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Molokini Crater
Visit during the early morning hours, typically before 9 a.m., when water clarity is at its best and crowds have yet to arrive.
Bring a wetsuit or rash guard even in summer, as the water temperature inside the crater can feel cooler than expected during extended snorkeling sessions.
Try scuba diving the back wall of Molokini Crater for a dramatically different experience, where the reef drops sharply into deep open water frequented by larger pelagic species.
Pack motion sickness medication or wear acupressure wristbands if you are prone to seasickness, as the channel crossing from Maalaea Harbor can be choppy in afternoon winds.
Pair your Molokini excursion with a stop at Turtle Town, a nearby snorkeling site along the Maui coastline where Hawaiian green sea turtles are commonly encountered.
Top tours & experiences near Molokini Crater
Whale Watching Cruise in Maui with Lunch
Experience an unforgettable whale watching journey aboard the Ocean Spirit, Maui’s premier eco-friendly sailing catamaran.
2 Hour Molokini Snorkel from Kihei
Beat the crowds and enjoy crystal-clear Molokini snorkeling on a quick two-hour outing
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Kanaio Sea Caves From Maui
Snorkel Molokini and cruise Kanaio sea caves on a 5.5-hour raft tour
Molokini Crater & Turtle Town 3-Hour Snorkel Tour
Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town on a 3-hour guided rafting trip
Kanaio Coast Sea Caves & La Perouse Snorkel
Snorkel remote sea caves and reefs with chances to see dolphins and turtles on a 4-hour adventure.
Maui Sunset Cruise with Open Bar & Hula Dance
Savor a fresh island feast, open bar, and live Polynesian dance while gliding past Maui’s sunset scenery
Snorkel Molokini Crater & Turtle Town From Kihei
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on a 3-hour morning raft trip from Kihei
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
2-Tank Molokini Crater Guided Dive Tour From Maui
Dive Molokini Crater with a small-group 2-tank boat trip
Molokini Crater 2-Site Scuba & Snorkel Cruise
Dive Molokini with small groups and concierge-style service
Charter a 6-Hour Maui Snorkel & Dive Trip
Book your own 6-hour Maui private charter with two dive or snorkel stops
Deluxe Molokini & Makena Coast Snorkel Cruise
Snorkel Molokini Crater and the Makena Coast on a 65-foot luxury catamaran
Sunrise Snorkel Cruise to Molokini Crater in Maui
Snorkel Molokini early, then cruise the Makena Coast with breakfast and drinks
Molokini Crater 2-Hour Snorkeling Tour From Kihei
Snorkel Molokini Crater with a late-morning 10:30am departure
Dive Molokini Backwall 2-Site Charter From Kihei
Tackle Molokini’s Backwall with a second dive site for advanced, recent divers
Snorkel Molokini Crater & South Maui Turtle Tour
Snorkel Molokini on a 20-guest boat with gear, photos, and banana bread
Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel Cruise From Ma'alaea
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Arches with onboard breakfast and BBQ lunch
Molokini 2-Tank Dive & Snorkel Cruise
Dive and snorkel two South Maui sites, including Molokini (weather permitting)
5-Hour Private South Maui Snorkel Charter
Customize a 5-hour private raft charter to Molokini Crater or South Maui spots
2-Hour Molokini Crater Snorkel Tour From Kihei
Snorkel Molokini and South Maui with a 20-guest cap
Dive Molokini Backwall Drift Dive From Kihei
Take on Molokini’s Backwall with 2 advanced drift dives
Private Molokini Crater Snorkeling Charter
Snorkel Molokini Crater by private speed raft with gear and refreshments included
Molokini Crater 3-Hour Private Charter
Private snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town
Private South Maui Ocean Charter
Tailor a private cruise to Maui reefs, caves, wrecks, and Molokini Crater
Kaanapali Reef Dive Refresher Course
Refresh your scuba skills before exploring a coral reef