Molokini Crater: Discover A Vibrant Undersea World Hidden In A Sunken Volcano
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 31, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Hawaii is the ultimate bucket list destination; though the Aloha State is the fourth smallest in the U.S., its 6,423 square miles are packed with some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. Molokini Crater is one such wonder. A superlatives superstar, Molokini Crater is the state’s only island marine sanctuary; one of just three volcanic calderas in the world; and the very best place to go snorkeling in Hawaii. The experience of exploring Hawaii from the pristine waters of Molokini Crater is truly something you will remember for the rest of your life.
From afar, Molokini Crater looks like just another one of Hawaii's 137 islands and archipelagos.
A crescent-shaped crag of land rising 160 feet off the west coast of Maui, Molokini Crater is brown and barren from above -- but an entire prismatic planet awaits beneath its rocky shores.
You'll be charmed and transfixed by this hidden realm, which feels a bit like stepping into Oz from Kansas. Life that you never knew existed, in every color of the rainbow, is right there, just beneath the surface. All you have to do is jump in.
The only way to access Molokini Crater is by boat. All boats depart early in the morning, due to heavy trade winds in the afternoon. Be ready to get up early to experience the crater.
Today, Molokini is a marine preserve protected by the State of Hawaii; it is one of its most prized treasures and a place of great significance.
The crater itself is far from Maui’s busy beaches, and its sunken bowl protects wildlife from the open ocean, nestling over 250 varieties of fish, birds, and mammals, plus 38 varieties of coral.
But Molokini Crater is more than just a beautiful nature preserve in Hawaii; it's a place of great cultural and spiritual significance, figuring heavily into island legends and spiritual beliefs. As such, it's important to treat the area with respect.
Wearing reef-friendly sunscreen, making an effort to avoid any possible contact with marine animals, and choosing an eco-friendly tour operator are all ways to show respect for this sacred space and its people.
Hawaii is the ultimate nirvana for snorkeling enthusiasts, and there's no better spot to snorkel than Molokini Crater. Pristine water clarity, clean coastlines, and an incredibly diverse abundance of marine life make Molokini a standout spot.
There are myriad options for snorkeling in Molokini Crater, and the adventures aren't just for experienced divers, either. In fact, many attractions offer accessible options perfect for families and beginners.
Calypso Molokini Snorkeling Adventure's window boards allow young explorers the opportunity to see the reef and wildlife below the water, in a safe and enjoyable way above water.
Adventures of all ages will delight as pods of spinner dolphins dance below the waters.
And older kids can try "snuba," a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving that allows beginners to stay underwater longer and not miss any of the action.
Tours generally about 45 minutes of snorkeling at Molokini Crater, and another 30-45 minutes of snorkeling at a spot known for sea turtles.
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Seeing Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles ("honu") is a staple of any Hawaii-based bucket list -- and you're bound to see some while exploring the crystal-clear waters of Maui.
The 59-passenger catamaran features an expansive and shaded cabin, epic water slide, spa-like showers, and bathrooms, and feels like a vacation by itself.
If you're lucky, you may get to see one of the most spectacular sights of all: a North Pacific Humpback Whale.
During the winter months (December-April), the shores of Maui house the world's densest humpback whale population. Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks migrate to the warm waters of Maui, to dazzle and delight visitors with their aerial acrobatics.
While Molokini Crater is most known for snorkeling, we'd be remiss not to mention other notable attractions in the area, like Iao Valley State Park.
One of the most incredible places in the world, this West Maui Mountains park is a real-life Garden of Eden. Its dense rainforest canopy and gorgeous geographical features make this park an absolute must. The park's most notable landmark is the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot, vegetation-covered lava remnant that soars from the valley floor to a higher height than the Eiffel Tower.
Those with an insatiable appetite for adventure will enjoy taking in Maui's scenic views from a zipline.
Maui Zipline Company has five zipline courses ranging from 300-900 feet in length, where guests as young as five can experience the thrill of flying above Hawaii's lush canopies.
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Of course, if you're searching for a way to truly take in everything -- the crater, the beaches, the waters, the wildlife -- your best bet is to head to the skies.
Choose from a variety of airplane and helicopter tours available on the island, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's truly priceless.
Molokini Crater in Hawaii is a portal into a place that’s absolutely awe-inspiring; a realm of immeasurable splendor and beauty. This natural wonder in Hawaii is a place that will satisfy and fuel your wanderlust for our wide and wonderful world.
Accessibility: There are a variety of ways to experience Molokini Crater, and while snorkeling is the top attraction, boat tours and air tours are available that offer greater accessibility. To learn more, visit each attraction’s website or Facebook page.
Pet-Friendly: Generally, pets are not permitted aboard the tourist boats, but be sure to check individual businesses for their pet policy. Certain privately chartered excursions may allow for pets.
Parking: Since access to Molokini Crater is only available by boat, you’ll depart from varying locations in Maui. Most Molokini Crater snorkeling outfitters depart from Maalaea, and Makena is also a popular departure spot. Makena is the closest community to the Molokini Crater, so you’ll have the shortest boat ride, and be one of the first to arrive, which is a plus if you experience motion sickness. Check individual departure points before you go, however, as some lots have an attached parking fee.
Seasonal Access: You can enjoy snorkeling and other recreation at Molokini Crater all year round. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may also see whales while exploring!
Cost: Cost varies by activity, but there are definitely excursions at Molokini Crater to fit each budget. Group discounts and other promotions are often available at these attractions, so be sure to ask about those when reviewing your options.
