Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours
Kai Kanani offers two Molokini Crater Snorkel Tours to choose from daily:
Molokini Express Snorkeling Tour
Be the first to arrive and snorkel at Molokini! This 2-hour “Early Bird” Tour includes two snorkeling locations, snorkeling equipment and continental breakfast and beverages.
Daily: 6:30am – 8:30am
Special Internet Price – Save 10%
Deluxe Molokini Snorkeling Tour
Our most popular four hour Maui snorkeling tour includes continental breakfast, deli-style lunch, refreshing beverages and cocktails, two snorkeling locations, snorkeling equipment and whale watching (in season).
Daily: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Special Internet Price – Save 10%
The History of Molokini Crater
A natural shelter, teeming with life, Molokini Crater is a largely submerged volcanic cinder cone that lies three miles off of the South shore of Maui and rises about 160 feet above sea level. This volcanic cone was active about 230,000 years ago (give or take 90,000 years) according to measurements from lava fragments within the cone. Half of the Molokini Crater rim has eroded away, causing the floor of the crater to fill with water, leaving a crescent moon islet and a sheltered coral reef. The walls of the crater provide a natural nesting place for sea birds, and was declared a marine preserve by the State Marine Life Conservations District in 1977.
Snorkel Molokini Crater, Maui
Rated one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations in the world, Maui’s Molokini Crater is the best place to explore Hawaii’s underwater wonderland. Famous for its amazingly clear waters, excellent visibility and designated a protected marine sanctuary, this offshore wonder is home to over 250 species of colorful reef fish, some of which are endemic to Hawaii.
Noah’s Molokini Snorkeling Experience on Kai Kanani Sailing Charters
Check out Noah’s Molokini Snorkeling adventure with his family on Kai Kanani.
Hawaiian Legend Has It…
…that Molokini Crater was created as a result of a jealous rage. Pele, the volcano goddess, had a dream lover, a chief named, Lohiau. Lohiau married a beautiful mo’o (lizard) and so in a fit of jealous rage, Pele cut the lizard in two and turned her into stone. The head of the mo’o became the 360-foot tall cinder cone called Puu Olai (Red Hill), which is located near Makena Beach (where Kai Kanani launches daily). The tail of Pele’s rival became Molokini Crater.
How Do You Get to Molokini Crater?
What You Are Likely To See…
Check out the Molokini Fish Guide to see a sampling of Hawaiian reef fish that you will most likely encounter on Kai Kanani’s Maui Snorkeling Tours. In addition to Hawaii’s reef fish, we also often encounter dolphins, manta rays, turtles and more. Visit Kai Kanani on Facebook to see what our guests have been seeing lately.
More Popular Maui Sailing Tours…
Maui Whale Watching Tours – Fun & Educational 2-Hour Maui Whale Watching Tour
Maui Sunset Cruise – Romantic 2-Hour Maui Sunset Cocktail Tour including Champagne & Pupus