Molokini Crater – Maui’s Volcanic Marine Sanctuary & Snorkel Guide

Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic caldera off Maui’s south coast, known for crystal-clear visibility up to 150 feet, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Accessible only by boat, Molokini is one of Hawaii’s top snorkeling and diving destinations and a federally protected Marine Life Conservation District.

Discover Molokini Crater

Just three miles off Maui’s southern shoreline sits one of the world’s most unique natural sanctuaries. Formed over 230 thousand years ago, Molokini Crater rises dramatically from the ocean floor—half-submerged, half-exposed—creating a natural amphitheater of coral gardens teeming with reef fish and sea turtles.

From calm mornings with mirror-clear water to midday trade-winds sweeping the reef’s edge, every visit feels like a private encounter with Maui’s underwater world.

What Is Molokini Crater?

Molokini is the exposed rim of an ancient volcano whose eruption partially collapsed beneath the sea. Today, the 23-acre crescent is designated as both a State Seabird Sanctuary and a Marine Life Conservation District, ensuring the reef and wildlife remain pristine for future generations.

Where Is Molokini Crater Located?

Molokini lies roughly 3 miles off Makena Beach in South Maui and 8 miles from Maʻalaea Harbor, where most tour boats depart. Trips typically take 15–30 minutes to reach the crater depending on conditions.

  • Coordinates: 20.630 °N, 156.495 °W

  • Depth: up to 300 ft at the outer wall, 20–50 ft inside the basin

Why Molokini Is So Special

Visibility: Often 100–150 ft — among the clearest in Hawaii

  1. Marine Life: Over 250 species of fish, including endemic Hawaiian butterflyfish and moorish idols

  2. Coral Reefs: Dense patches of finger and lobe coral create a living mosaic

  3. Conservation: No fishing or touching of reef structures permitted

Best Time to Visit Molokini

Morning hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) offer the calmest waters and highest visibility before the trade winds pick up.
Peak season: April–October for dry weather and warm seas.
Whale season (January–March) adds bonus sightings en route to the crater.

How to Experience Molokini

Snorkeling Tours

Book a licensed charter from Maʻalaea or Makena. Each boat offers different comfort levels, amenities, and passenger capacity:

four winds maui

FOUR WINDS MONRNING MOLOKINI SNORKEL TOUR

MALOLO MOLOKINI & TUTLE TOWN SNORKELING

CALYPSO MOLOKINI CRATER SNORKELING TOUR

AQUA ADVENTURES SNORKEL AND SNUBA

Scuba Diving and Private Charters

Experienced divers can book charters that visit Molokini’s outer walls for deeper dives where sharks and pelagics may appear. Private charters offer flexible departure times and customized snorkel routes.

Responsible Tourism Tips

  • Use reef-safe sunscreen only.

  • Do not stand on or touch coral.

  • Maintain 6 ft distance from turtles and marine life.

  • Listen to your crew’s briefing to preserve the crater for future visitors.

FAQs about Molokini Crater

  • Can you swim inside Molokini Crater? Yes, all snorkel and dive tours anchor inside the protected crescent where waters are calm.

  • Is Molokini Crater a volcano? Yes — it’s the rim of an extinct volcano partly submerged by the sea.

  • Can I visit Molokini without a tour? No. It’s accessible only by boat with a licensed operator.

  • How deep is Molokini? The inner reef averages 30 ft deep; outer walls drop to 300 ft.

  • What wildlife will I see? Parrotfish, surgeonfish, moray eels, octopus, and in winter — humpback whales.

Plan Your Molokini Adventure