Molokini

May 21st, 2004

Molokini is a partially sunken volcanic crater located about 3 miles off Maui's Wailea Coast. Molokini is a marine sanctuary and is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the islands. The crater rim protects the area from winds and the calm, clear water allows visibility to 300 feet down. The marine preserve status means no fishing allowed, which means more fish life to see.

The most popular ways to get to Molokini are a charter boat from Kihei, about a 15 minute trip, or from Ma'alaea Harbor, about a 30 minute trip. The water there is so clear and deep that you can see an amazing array of fish and other ocean life while snorkeling or scuba diving. You could see dolphins, turtles, whales, whale sharks, monk seals, manta rays, eels, or an octopus!

Molokini tours are usually offered in the morning and the afternoons. As with almost all snorkel trips, the morning trips are longer with calmer waters, but the afternoon trips are sometimes cheaper because they are shorter and don't offer a meal. Morning trips will leave early - maybe as early as 6:30 a.m., this is when the waters are the calmest.

I recommend the Trilogy Molokini Tour .