If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ll want to take advantage of exploring as much of the island as possible — including the area beneath the ocean’s surface. “Maui snorkeling Molokini” is commonly searched by excited Maui visitors who want to see all that the island has to offer. Here, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about the Molokini Crater, including how it was created, what you’ll be able to see while snorkeling, how you can get to the crater, and more.
Get to know the Molokini Crater
The Molokini Crater is a volcanic crater that’s partially submerged in the ocean, creating an uninhabited islet in the Pacific. The uninhabited, rocky space is located about 2.5 miles west of Makena State Park.
It’s estimated that Molokini erupted 230,000 years ago, forming the partially exposed crater. Prior to the eruption, the Pacific tectonic plate moved over a hot spot, creating the southwest rift zone of Haleakala. As the lava from the hot spot erupted under the water, steam explosions broke the lava apart, making room for more lava to flow into the ocean.
Early Hawaiians visited the crater to fish, hunt seabirds, and gather eggs and feathers. While researchers aren’t sure exactly how long Polynesians have been fishing at Molokini, it’s estimated that they began visiting the area around 500 A.D.
According to Polynesian legend, Molokini was a woman revered for her beauty. Caught in a love triangle, her rival — fire goddess Pele — cut her in half, leaving her body in the space now occupied by the crater. (Her head is said to be a cinder cone found at Makena Beach.)
Animal life at the Molokini Crater
There are many reasons why scuba divers and snorkelers alike love coming to Molokini — 260 of them, to be exact. In addition to 260 different species of marine life, the area also contains 38 different species of coral.
Often-spotted marine life at Molokini include:
- Raccoon butterflyfish
- Yellow tang
- Black triggerfish
- Red pencil urchins
- Bluefin trevally
- Moorish idol
- Parrotfish
Seabirds are also abundant at the surface of the crater. Molokini is a protected state seabird sanctuary and is home to the wedge-tailed shearwater, the Bulwer’s petrel, the great frigatebird, and the brown booby. You may also spot a yellow-billed tropicbird. The birds of Molokini tend to be active all day, and it’s likely that you’ll see them soaring above you while you’re snorkeling. An important note: You’ll need to admire the seabirds from afar, as you’re not permitted to climb atop the area of the crater that protrudes from the ocean.
Sharks at Molokini Crater
Whitetip reef sharks and whale sharks can both be seen occasionally at Molokini, but sightings are rare. Whitetip reef sharks are not aggressive toward humans and are typically nocturnal. Whale sharks have only been spotted at the crater occasionally, and they are not threatening to humans — they’re actually known to be one of the most gentle saltwater fish.
In the event that you see a shark, remain calm, maintain a respectful distance, and avoid sudden movements, just to be on the safe side. Sharks may look at you out of curiosity, but it’s unlikely that they’ll come too close. Don’t attempt to touch the shark, and alert others nearby to the shark’s presence if possible.
Snorkeling visibility at the Molokini Crater
Visibility can vary depending on water conditions but typically ranges from 100 to 150 feet. Since the crater is rock, there is no loose soil to lower visibility, making the crater a hot spot for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.
How long does it take to arrive from the beach to Molokini Crater with Kai Kanani?
Most cruises heading to the Molokini Crater come from an islet about 14 miles away. With Kai Kanani, you’ll have less than three miles to get to the crater, allowing you to spend just 10 to 15 minutes traveling each way while still enjoying the same amount of snorkeling time as visitors traveling with other boats.
Why is it better to snorkel with a smaller group?
We love giving our guests one-on-one attention to help them have the best snorkeling experience possible. Because we keep our tours small, you’ll get the help that you need, allowing you to feel comfortable and confident while you’re exploring the crater.
With fewer people in the water, you’ll also get to enjoy a more tranquil experience, allowing you to focus on the wildlife and scenery instead of worrying about bumping into other snorkelers. Small groups are less likely to disturb marine life, making it more likely that you’ll get to see fish and other sea creatures in their natural habitat.
When you’re with a smaller group, you’ll likely also find that it’s easier to communicate with others in your group, allowing you to share experiences and alert each other to fun underwater finds.
Why choose Molokini Crater for snorkeling?
There are many reasons why Molokini is such a great fit for snorkelers, including:
- Clear water: With visibility typically over 100 feet, the Molokini Crater offers a unique opportunity to see marine creatures in their natural environment.
- Convenient access plus privacy: Kai Kanani provides simple, convenient access to get from the beach to the crater. Since Molokini is a bit off of the beaten path, it’s often less crowded than other snorkeling hot spots.
- Wide variety of marine life: The rich ecosystem of Molokini’s coral reefs is home to a wide variety of tropical fish.
- Protected environment: The shape of the crater protects the area’s wildlife from strong currents and wind that may disturb other areas of the ocean. The protected environment creates a calm, relaxed area for snorkeling.
- Unique geological features: Once you’re underwater, you’ll notice the unique features of the crater’s seascape, including drop-offs, ledges, and coral gardens, adding an unusual variety of views to your snorkeling experience.
Call Kai Kanani today
Reach out to our team today to learn more and schedule your snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater.
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