Snorkling Molokini, Hawaii
Located about three miles off the southern coast of Maui, Molokini is an extinct volcano that erupted, then sank back into the ocean. The part that stands above the water is just the top edge of the crater.
Currently, Molokini is designated by the state of Hawaii as a Marine Life and Bird Conservation district. Upon arrival in the crater, you CANNOT climb the rock onto the crater, nor can you use the rock to dock your boat.
The crater provides protection in its crecent shape for the fish, sharks, eels, coral, and other marine life that inhabit this area. The slight curve of the crater top keeps out harsh waves and strong currents, and therefore makes Molokini one of the world’s top dive spots.
If you are an avid diver, Molokini offers fantastic diving on the rear side of the crater. The current is strong there, and dive boats drop you at one side of the crater, and pick you up at the other end. Once you drop down to your desired depth, the current sweeps you along, and all you have to do is float and you can easily view the corals and marine life living along the crater. Divers who have gone down the backside of Molokini say it’s an unbelievable experience—in three directions around you is nothing but deep blue, and one side is the crater wall, filled with coral, eels, fish, and the occasional reef shark.
However, for first time snorklers, I highly recommend Molokini. There’s very little wave action and current in the confines of the crater, making it an easy place to stay still and have a crystal clear view to depths of 150+ feet.
There are over 200 species of fish that can be viewed at this location, many of which are only found near the volcano’s ruins in Hawaii.
Those interested in snorkling at Molokini can find many boat cruises leaving from different ports on the south shore of Maui. I reccommend the National Whale Conservation Group tour that leaves from their store near the Maui Aquarium. The funds go to the conservation group, and the tour is led by naturalists who know a lot about the animals you’ll see on your voyage. Most of the half-day trips leave early in the morning—the best time to get out there, see fish, and get back before getting very sunburned. On the Conservation Group’s tour, we took two snorkel stops–one at turtle town, just off the Wailea beaches, and the second at Molokini. While I didn’t see any turtles in turtle town, there were a bunch of lava outcroppings you could see underwater, and do free dives to go down and explore them. The boat tours cost close to $100 per person, but they are definately worth it. Most tours also serve breakfast and a barbecue lunch on board, as well as teaching you about the animals you’ll see on your trip, and providing you with snorkel gear.
Overall, Molokini is an islet just off the coast of Maui, and while it’s not much to look at from the surface, it’s a whole other beautiful world just under the water.
