Molokini Crater from above on Maui, Hawaii
Molokini Crater from above on Maui, Hawaii

Molokini Crater

Maui, Hawaii, 96708

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.

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Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure - Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim
Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure - Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim
$179.00 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Memorable Family Adventure
Brad, Esteban and Tor made the experience memorable! All three of them were beyond kind, accommodating, and so knowledgeable. Beyond seeing the turtles, Brad had no issue with slowing or even stopping the boat to see the whales. Being able to snorkel on the front AND backside of Molokini Crater was EPIC! Our family had an amazing and absolutely memorable adventure and are so grateful to the three guys who made that happen.
Ericka_C, Mar 2024

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.

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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.

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Trip ideas


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.

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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.

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Molokini Crater from above on Maui, Hawaii
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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Molokini Crater?
A:
Attractions near Molokini Crater:
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Maui?
A:
As well as visiting the Molokini Crater, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: