Molokini Crater

Travelers can spend time swimming, snorkeling, and diving at the crescent-shaped caldera, where ocean depths range from 10 to 60 feet. All Molokini Crater snorkeling tours 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. Most Molokini Crater tours offer snorkeling, with a scuba diving option for certified divers.

• Beat the crowds with an early-morning Molokini tour.

• Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit. Most tour operators provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices.

• 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.

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

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. In winter, if you dive a few feet below water, or go on a scuba or snuba dive, you may hear the haunting song of humpback whales reverberating in the distance.

As 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 such as parrotfish and octopus. Note that Hawaiian green sea turtles are a rare sight at Molokini Crater. As such, many tour boat trips include a second snorkeling trip at "Turtle Town" off of Maui's southern coast.

Yes, simply because Molokini Crater is in the ocean and sharks are present in the ocean. However, you are very unlikely to see one. That’s because the most common species at Molokini Crater is the white tip reef shark which hunts at night and spends most of its day in caves.

No, you cannot climb Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater is a protected marine sanctuary. Therefore visitors may not set foot on it without express permission from both the United States Coast Guard and the state of Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Expect to receive a very hefty fine if you do.

Yes, it is safe to snorkel at Molokini Crater. If you want to snorkel in Molokini Crater, you must visit with a licensed tour company. These companies have permits to provide snorkeling tours have a lifeguard in the water. Besides, the high crater protects snorkelers from swells in most directions.

As it is a protected marine sanctuary, you can only visit Molokini Crater as part of a tour. Snorkeling and diving tours depart from nearby Maalaea Harbor, Kihei Boat ramp, Maluaka Beach, and Lahaina Harbor on Maui. Don't even think about trying to swim or kayak: the currents will likely take you far away.

How long it takes to get to Molokini Crater depends on which Maui harbor you depart from. From Maalaea Harbor, it’ll take around an hour. From Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach, it’ll take less than 30 minutes. From Lahaina, it’s a journey of more than an hour, so it’s a good idea to drive to a closer harbor.

Molokini Crater is three miles off Maui’s southwestern coast, from where most boat tours depart. From Lahaina, it’s around nine miles away. While that may sound like an easy distance to cover, dangerously strong currents mean that you should not attempt to swim or paddle there.

Yes, it is worth going to Molokini Crater. The partially submerged crater is a spectacular sight and offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. It's possible to see more than 250 species of fish, including manta rays, plus birds, mammals, and dozens of coral types.

You can snorkel in Molokini Crater year-round, but it is best during the drier months from May through September when the water is typically clearer. Whenever you visit, it is best to get there early in the morning when the water is at its calmest and clearest.

Wear your typical swimsuit to snorkel in Molokini Crater: There is no need for a wetsuit or any special attire. You should also bring a towel, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a change of clothes if you want to change after you snorkel.

Yes, you must make a reservation because you will need to book a tour of Molokini Crater. The crater is accessible only by water, so unless you have your own boat, you'll need to go on a tour. Attempting to swim or paddle there is extremely dangerous.

Depending on your location, the crater ranges from 10–200 feet (3–61 meters). Most snorkeling at Molokini Crater is done within the protected crescent, which starts from the apex at around 10 feet (3 meters) deep and slopes down to approximately 25 feet (8 meters).

The length of the boat ride depends on where you depart from. It'll take around one hour from Maalaea Harbor to reach Molokini Crater. Departing from Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach will take less than 30 minutes.