Molokini Crater

The basics

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All Molokini Crater snorkeling tours include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Most Molokini Crater tours offer snorkeling, with a scuba diving option for certified divers.

Things to know before you go

• Beat the crowds with an early-morning Molokini tour.

• Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit. Most tour operators provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices.

• Snuba diving (a kind of snorkeling-scuba diving hybrid) is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.

• Private charters are available for personalized experiences.

How to get there

Set off Maui's southern coastline, and protected by the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and the boat ramp in Kihei. Tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.

When to get there

Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales. In winter, if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, you may hear the haunting song of humpback whales reverberating in the distance.

Why Molokini Crater is Hawaii's best snorkeling spot

As Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters such as parrotfish and octopus. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are a rare sight at Molokini Crater. As such, many tour boat trips include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.

Are there sharks in Molokini Crater?

Yes, simply because Molokini Crater is in the ocean and sharks are present in the ocean. However, you are very unlikely to see one. That’s because the most common species at Molokini Crater is the white tip reef shark which hunts at night and spends most of its day in caves.

Can you climb Molokini Crater?

No, you cannot climb Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater is a protected marine sanctuary. Therefore visitors may not set foot on it without express permission from both the United States Coast Guard and the state of Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Expect to receive a very hefty fine if you do.

Is it safe to snorkel at Molokini Crater?

Yes, it is safe to snorkel at Molokini Crater. If you want to snorkel in Molokini Crater, you must visit with a licensed tour company. These companies have permits to provide snorkeling tours have a lifeguard in the water. Besides, the high crater protects snorkelers from swells in most directions.

How do you get to Molokini Crater?

As it is a protected marine sanctuary, you can only visit Molokini Crater as part of a tour. Snorkeling and diving tours depart from nearby Maalaea Harbor, Kihei Boat ramp, Maluaka Beach, and Lahaina Harbor on Maui. Don't even think about trying to swim or kayak: the currents will likely take you far away.

How long is the boat ride to Molokini Crater?

How long it takes to get to Molokini Crater depends on which Maui harbor you depart from. From Maalaea Harbor, it’ll take around an hour. From Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach, it’ll take less than 30 minutes. From Lahaina, it’s a journey of more than an hour, so it’s a good idea to drive to a closer harbor.

How far is Molokini Crater from Maui?

Molokini Crater is three miles off Maui’s southwestern coast, from where most boat tours depart. From Lahaina, it’s around nine miles away. While that may sound like an easy distance to cover, dangerously strong currents mean that you should not attempt to swim or paddle there.

Is it worth going to Molokini Crater?

Yes, it is worth going to Molokini Crater. The partially submerged crater is a spectacular sight and offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. It's possible to see more than 250 species of fish, including manta rays, plus birds, mammals, and dozens of coral types.

What is the best time of year to snorkel Molokini Crater?

You can snorkel in Molokini Crater year-round, but it is best during the drier months from May through September when the water is typically clearer. Whenever you visit, it is best to get there early in the morning when the water is at its calmest and clearest.

What do you wear to snorkel Molokini Crater?

Wear your typical swimsuit to snorkel in Molokini Crater: There is no need for a wetsuit or any special attire. You should also bring a towel, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a change of clothes if you want to change after you snorkel.

Do I need reservations for Molokini Crater?

Yes, you must make a reservation because you will need to book a tour of Molokini Crater. The crater is accessible only by water, so unless you have your own boat, you'll need to go on a tour. Attempting to swim or paddle there is extremely dangerous.

How deep is Molokini when snorkeling?

Depending on your location, the crater ranges from 10–200 feet (3–61 meters). Most snorkeling at Molokini Crater is done within the protected crescent, which starts from the apex at around 10 feet (3 meters) deep and slopes down to approximately 25 feet (8 meters).

How long is the boat ride to Molokini Crater?

The length of the boat ride depends on where you depart from. It'll take around one hour from Maalaea Harbor to reach Molokini Crater. Departing from Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach will take less than 30 minutes.

Ways to explore

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet (3 to 18 meters). All Molokini Crater snorkeling tours include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, plus the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui’s best diving sites. Sailing and snorkeling adventures offer round-trip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Most Molokini Crater tours offer snorkeling, with a scuba diving option for certified divers.

Molokini Crater tours can last as little as two hours—including a quick stop to snorkel—or as long as five hours with lunch on board. Strong currents swirl around Molokini, so keep clear of the edges of the crater so you don’t get pushed against the sharp rocks and reef. Snorkel well inside the crater, where the water is calmer and it’s easier to spot marine life.

Accessibility

Molokini Crater boat tours are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

Large boats do not have age limits. Some boat tours on smaller boats don’t allow young children.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera or waterproof case for your smartphone, water, towel

What to wear

Rashguard, swimsuit

Not allowed

Touching the coral reef or fish, feeding the marine life

Amenities

Larger boats have restrooms, drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, and water toys. Small boats generally do not offer amenities beyond snorkeling gear on board.

Address

Set off Maui’s southern coastline—and protected by the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District—Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor for large tour boats and the boat ramp in Kihei for small rafts.

Driving

Maalaea Harbor is located along Highway 30, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Kahului and Maui’s airport; paid parking is available on-site (US$1 per hour). Kihei is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of the airport along Highway 31 and has free parking.

Public transportation

Molokini Crater isn’t reachable by public transportation. You must book a guided tour from Maalaea Harbor or Kihei to reach the island

Best times to visit

Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there, the better. Many boat tours set off just after dawn for optimal snorkeling.

Best days to visit

The crater is busiest during the weekends and holidays, when visitors flock to this snorkeling hot spot. Book a boat tour for a weekday morning to explore the crater in relative peace.

Best months to visit

Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales. In winter, if you dive a few feet below the water or go on a scuba or snuba dive, you may hear the haunting song of humpback whales reverberating in the distance.