The sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Maui are home to a large variety of aquatic life. One of the best places to witness the vibrantly colored coral and fish that reside here is actually located offshore at the Molokini Crater, located about three miles off the coast of Wailea. This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater is home to some of the most exciting marine life in all of Hawaii, making it perfect for a snorkeling expedition.
Is snorkeling at Molokini Crater worth adding to your Maui itinerary? The team at Parrish Maui is here to help you answer that question. Here is a look at what you can expect when visiting Molokini Crater.
What is the Molokini Crater?
The Molokini Crater is the remains of an extinct volcano that collapsed into the ocean thousands of years ago. The crater walls reach up to 300 feet high on the ocean side, creating a protected, shallow lagoon that serves as a haven for a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. The waters inside the crater are renowned for their exceptional visibility, often reaching 100-150 feet on a good day. The crystal clear waters allow snorkelers to get an up-close look at the incredibly diverse and colorful marine life.
Molokini is part of the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, which means the area is protected and fishing is prohibited. This helps preserve the incredible health and biodiversity of the ecosystem. In fact, over 250 species of fish have been identified within the crater, making it one of the top snorkeling destinations not just in Hawaii but in the entire world.
Marine Life at Molokini Crater
The waters surrounding Molokini Crater are teeming with exciting fish and exotic-looking coral. On your snorkeling adventure, you will undoubtedly spot schools of bright yellow tangs, curious parrotfish, and elegant eagle rays. If you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to visit some of the larger creatures that visit the area, like the Hawaiian monk seal or green sea turtle.
Equally impressive as the critters that call Molokini Crater home is the coral. The coral gardens inside the crater are simply breathtaking, with vibrant pink, orange, and purple polyps swaying gently in the current. Mushroom Coral, Spreading Coral, Black Coral, Rice Coral, Orange Cup Coral, and Cauliflower Coral are just a few of the coral species that make this reef so attractive to all sorts of marine life.
Getting to Molokini Crater: Tours
To get to Molokini, you will need to book a snorkeling tour departing from one of the harbors on Maui’s south shore, such as Maalaea or Kihei. Most tours include snorkeling equipment rental and a tour guide who will inform you on the history of the crater as well as the life that thrives there. Some of the top rated tour companies for Molokini snorkeling include Malolo, Trilogy, and Pride of Maui.
Luxury Villa Rentals on Maui
Snorkeling Molokini Crater is sure to be a highlight of your next vacation to Maui. You can elevate your stay on the island by booking your accommodations with Parrish Maui. When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing that we have offered our unparalleled service to both travelers and owners alike with our commitment to personalized service, fine attention to detail and a true sense of Aloha since 1984. Our vacation rentals at the beautiful Kapalua Resort in West Maui offer everything the discerning traveler needs, including fully equipped kitchens. Come indulge in luxury at our rentals. To stay at one of our vacation rentals in Maui, please check availability online or call us at 877-854-9070.