Molokini Information
The largely submerged volcanic crater of Molokini lies midway between Maui and Kahoolawe. Half of the crater rim has eroded away, leaving a crescent moon shape that rises 160ft (49m) above the ocean surface. Its land area is about 18 acres (7ha). The islet draws scores of snorkelers and divers, who come for the clear waters filled with white-tipped reef sharks, manta rays, turtles and a wide variety of other marine life. The underwater experience is good, but don't expect pristine conditions - dozens of tour boats crowd the area every day, and all of the activity has taken a toll on the reef. Some sections have been permanently damaged, largely from anchors that have carved swaths in the coral.

Molokini is a marine life park, and one of Hawaii's top dives. It is crescent moon shaped island formed by a volcanic cinder cone, located between western Maui and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe. The northern rim of the of the crater lies below sea level, causing the interior crater to be flooded.

Molokini is divided into three separate areas that appeal to the beginner, intermediate, and expert divers and snorkelers. Molokini's crater basin affords protected waters and an abundance of sea life, is only 35 feet deep,and is ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers. An underwater wall on the inner area goes to depths of 70 feet for intermediates, and the back side of the crater whose depths of 350 feet call to the intrepid expert divers.

Molokini's back wall sharply drops off to depths of 300 feet. In the center is a lush reef area with excellent viewing up to 150 feet. The pristine waters are home to about 250 species of fish - some of which are found nowhere else on earth. The best conditions for visiting the Islet are early in the morning.

Molokini Crater is located off the southwest shore of Maui - about twelve miles from Lahaina. Just breaking the surface of the ocean, the Molokini Crater is a dormant volcano which extends from the bottom of the sea floor. Since the volcano has not been active for thousands of years the ocean has gradually eroded at the walls of the one side of the crater, causing the floor of the volcano to fill with water resulting in the crescent shape we know today. The dimensions of this offshore wonder are quite impressive - up to 80 feet deep within the walls of the crater and the outer walls extend to a height of 350 feet, providing a natural shelter from strong sea currents.

So how do you get there you may ask? For most people, getting to Molokini requires organizing a boat from Maalaea which is roughly ten miles away, or alternatively you can leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp which is only six miles from the crater. But the best, fastest and most convenient way to get to Molokini from South Maui is by taking the Kai Kanani which launches from the beach in front of the Maui Prince Hotel. Many visitors perceive from looking at a map that the crater is not that far off and that kayaking is a viable means of getting there - NOT SO, as the winds and ocean currents are forceful and should only be attempted by VERY EXPERIENCED kayakers under the supervision of an experienced guide and on nearly windless days, which are RARE!

As said previously, that walls of the crater provide a natural break making it the perfect place for a marine and bird sanctuary to be established! - This was done in 1977. Since this came in to effect, visitors are now prohibited from setting foot on the land.

The floor of the Molokini Crater is layered with magnificent coral formations and marine life that have become quite accustomed to sharing their home with the many people that come to visit the crescent island. As a result this has become one of Maui's popular Snorkeling and Snuba Diving sites! Divers and people who are looking to snorkel should be wary of the area where the crater wall is underwater as this is where currents can be quite vicious.

The most popular Snorkeling in Hawaii is the tiny curved collapsed crater of Molokini off the south west coast of Maui with its colourful and rich endemic marine life and fantastic visibility. Small boat charters shuttle tourists here throughout the day departing from several harbours along the west coast, including Lahaina and Kihei, as well as from several resorts.