posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jun 26
Molokini “crater” is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic cone peeking out from the Alalakeiki Channel about 3 miles west of South Maui’s Makena State Park. For any tourist keen on Maui’s magnificent marine world, it’s a must to do a Molokini crater snorkel, just ask anyone who’s ever done it.
Molokini is 1 of the top 10 dive and snorkel sites in the world because of its incredibly clean water, with visibility exceeding 100 feet. Reachable only by sea, Molokini is also a Marine Life Conservation District and Seabird Sanctuary.
It is no wonder that Molokini is such a well-liked location for scuba diving—its back side drops off to depths of 300 feet, stretching close to ½ mile across its diameter. Its semi-circular shape acts as a wall, offering a guard from wind, waves and the currents of the channel. In the crater’s 30-foot-deep basin is a lush reef whose vibrant abundance and variety of marine life always surprises snorkelers on Molokini snorkel tours.
Several of the more than 250 species prevalent to Hawaii can be observed here and nowhere else on the planet! These unique creatures include parrot, butterfly, damsel, surgeon, and trigger fish, Moorish idol, snowflake eels, reef sharks and—the Hawaiian State Fish—Humuhumunukunukuapuaa.
Other sea creatures that have been reported in Molokini crater are whale-sharks, humpback whales, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, and Hawaiian rays. In the morning, before Molokini winds and waves pick up, is usually the most excellent time for snorkeling.
There are a few excellent outings from Maalaea Harbor that provide delicious snacks and lunches, as well as naturalist guides who will make your experience educational and fun. These boats fill up rapidly, so schedule yours well ahead. One such popular tour is the Allii Nui Molokini snorkel sail tour. All the snorkeling equipment you need is included in the tour.
