Molokini Island, An Ancient Volcanic Eruption
Molokini's crescent shape protects divers and snorkelers from waves and the
channel's powerful currents. However, experienced scuba divers will also
drift dive off the 300 feet (91 m) sheer outer wall, using the channel
currents to carry them along.
The crater houses a lush reef with excellent visibility as deep as
150 feet (46 m). Molokini is home to about 250 species of fish, many endemic. The best conditions occur in early morning.
Molokini Crater was formed from an ancient volcanic eruption.The Crater
is an extinct partial cinder cone that has formed into an atoll.
Molokini lies between the islands of Kaho'olawe and Maui and it rises
160 feet out of the water at its peak.
It is now a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District.This makes
Molokini a prime snorkeling spot with over 250 fish species.Many of
these species can only be seen in Molokini. The inner waters of
Molokini's crescent shape offers semi shallow water which is perfect for
any level of snorkeler.
You can only get to Molokini by boat as it's about 3 miles off the south
coast of Maui. There are scuba boats leaving daily from the Kihei Boat
Ramp and a few snorkeling rafts. Maalaea Harbor has the bulk of the
boats which head out to Molokini by 7:30am and arriving in Molokini
about 55 mins later.Molokini is at its best in the morning due to trade
winds which come up about 11am.Since the Crater lacks a northern wall
the crescent-shaped southern side blocks the majority of the wave
action,but the trade winds blow in from the Northern direction by 11am.
You will likely see white tipped shark,hundreds of fish species and
during whale season maybe some humpbacks.
The backside of Molokini is famous with experienced scuba divers. It's
been rated one of the best wall dives in the world.Clear blue water with
depths of over 350 feet and strong currents require an experince guide.
