Molokini Crater

Q: What are the nearest attractions to Molokini Crater?

Attractions near Molokini Crater: Makena Wailea Wailea Beach

Molokini Island Preserve, Makena Bay, 96753

The Basics

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All trips include snorkel gear as well as a scenic boat ride, and the chance to splash in the clear blue water at one of Maui's best snorkel sites. Sail and snorkel adventures generally last about five hours and offer roundtrip transportation from hotels in Lahaina and Makena. Some Molokini snorkeling tours also offer scuba diving for certified divers.

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Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei

1,266 Reviews

HK$1,671.51 per adult

Traveler Favorite

Fun trip!

The turtles were awesome! Best part of the trip! The driver played some great music on the ride as well.

Roberta_B, May 2023

Why you are seeing this

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Recent reviews from experiences in Maui

Highly Recommend

PaigeGankema, May 2023

4-Hour Molokini Crater plus Turtle Town Snorkeling Experience

Our two guys Matt and Bryan were super stars. So kind, funny, and informative. Safety is definitely first! The crater reef and fish were beautiful with warm waters. The Turtle Town spot had soooo many turtles! Would recommend highly!

Best Snorkeling from Kihei.

JudithD_A, May 2023

Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei

Best Captain and crew, concerned about our safety and very informative about islands etc!! Food and overall all service was excellent, will book again.

A rewarding experience altogether, mahalo!

DIMITRIOS_K, May 2023

Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim

Both sites were full of reef fish, that would poss for photos or video! Surgeon, butterfly, parrot, trumpet fish, of different colors and variety! Turtle cove was teaming with green sea turtles. Kind of a pit stop for them, where they had their shells picked clean by fish. No turtles at Molokini, but visibility was immaculate with hundreds of reef fish swimming around. The zodiak crew were great, very explanatory, accommodating and polite! Mahalo guys and aloooooooha!

Best time ever!

Larry_F, Apr 2023

Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei

The operators were safety conscious on every portion of the experience. They made sure everyone was comfortable both in and out of the water

Worth every penny!

Susan_J, Apr 2023

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town aboard Pride of Maui

The boat was clean, staff was professional and timing was very prompt! Snorkeling gear was high end. We saw whales, very late season.

Amazing

Kayla_T, Apr 2023

4-Hour Molokini Crater plus Turtle Town Snorkeling Experience

Our crew was amazing. They kept us comfortable, went over all safety, and kept everyone laughing. Our snorkel expert, Jessi, was exceptional at helping anyone identify fish and keeping them comfortable on the water. She would even offer to dive deeper for pictures of any fish.

Loved it

Savannah_W, May 2023

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town aboard Pride of Maui

Was awesome! Molokini Crater was amazing. So many fish on the reef! Water is chilly even in warmer months so would recommend either a wetsuit top or bring $10 to rent one. Also, be sure to bring non-spray mineral sunscreen. Cant use spray in the boat to avoid slipping and mineral is for the reefs!

Book it!

Brielle_R, Apr 2023

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town aboard Pride of Maui

Great experience! We had a great day, saw whales, sea turtles, and cute fish! They are not in control of weather or the animals that come out, so we feel so lucky! Food was easy and fun, only downside is alcohol didn’t open up until after all the snorkeling, so about an hour before the end of the experience, but that’s probably for safety!

Amazing snorkeling experience!

Courtney_C, Apr 2023

4-Hour Molokini Crater plus Turtle Town Snorkeling Experience

A great tour! It was awesome that we got to snorkel both Molokini crater AND Turtle Town! Very convenient meeting location as we were staying in Kihei, and the boat ramp was walking distance from our condo. The guides were great as well!

Amazing time!!!

Amber_C, May 2023

Molokini Crater Zodiak Adventure Snorkel and Turtle Cove Swim

My husband and I had an amazing time !!! The crew was fantastic, they were very kind and knowledgeable and even played great music! We saw so many turtles in the crater was just beautiful. I really enjoyed the small size of the boat in the small group of people. Would definitely recommend this company to anyone.

Great time

Ileanet_V, May 2023

Maui Snorkeling Molokini Crater and Turtle Town aboard Pride of Maui

We had a great time snorkeling in Molokini crater aboard Pride of Maui. The crew was so friendly and helpful. All food and drinks provided were great. All equipment was also provided. We felt safe and comfortable. I really enjoyed this. Bring cash for tips/extra purchases like snorkeling top for warmth. They accept Venmo too.

Best snorkeling ever!!

Jon_R, Apr 2023

2-Hour Molokini Crater Snorkeling Experience

Such a wonderful experience! The crew were all very kind and competent. The snorkeling was beyond words!!! Such clear blue water and the fish were amazingly beautiful! This excursion was definitely worth every penny!!

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Things to Know Before You Go

Beat the crowds with an early Molokini tour.
Be sure to bring sunscreen and a swimsuit.
Snuba diving (a kind of snorkeling-scuba diving hybrid) is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.
Private charters are available for personalized experiences.

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How To Get There

Set off Maui's southern coastline, Molokini Crater is only accessible by boat, powerboat, or raft. Popular departure points include Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. The Molokini snorkel tours that leave from Maalaea Harbor are on large, stable boats, whereas tours that leave from Kihei Boat Ramp are on small rafts that are faster and bumpier, shortening the overall travel distance.

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When To Get There

Mornings offer the calmest conditions at this tropical caldera, and the earlier you get there the better. Tradewinds can be strong in summer, making for a thrilling ride back. Winter tends to have lighter winds, plus the added bonus of potentially spotting humpback whales.

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Why Molokini Crater is Hawaii's Best Snorkeling Spot

Because Molokini is three miles offshore of Maui, you never know what you're going to find. Eagle rays, dolphins, and harmless reef sharks will frequently mingle with resident critters like parrotfish and octopus. In winter if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, the haunting song of humpback whales reverberates in the distance. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are rarely spotted at Molokini Crater, which is why many boats include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the nearest attractions to Molokini Crater?

Attractions near Molokini Crater:

What else should I know about attractions in Maui?

As well as visiting the Molokini Crater, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit:

Molokini Crater

The Basics

Recent reviews from experiences in Maui

Things to Know Before You Go

How To Get There

Trip ideas

Top 4 Beaches on Maui

How to Get Off the Beaten Path on Maui

Best Places to Snorkel Around the World

Top 4 Spots for Culture Lovers on Maui

Visiting Maui for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

How to Spend Spring Break on Maui

Things to Do in Maui This Spring

5 Must-See Museums in Maui and How to Visit

Where to Find the Best Views on Maui

Know Before You Go: Visiting Haleakala at Sunrise

Things to Do in Maui This Fall

Top Nightlife Experiences on Maui

Sightseeing on a Budget on Maui

How to Spend 3 Days in Maui

Things to Do on Maui This Winter

When To Get There

Why Molokini Crater is Hawaii's Best Snorkeling Spot

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