Get close to the wildest sea life while snorkeling in Molokini
If you love outdoor adventures and wildlife and are thinking about taking a trip to Hawaii, you should make sure you visit Molokini Crater. You’ll see a wide variety of both plant and animal life, and get to explore one of the coolest land formations on our little planet.
So, go ahead and plan your trip, and here are some things you might want to know before you go:
What is Molokini Crater?
Molokini is an island off of the southwest coast of Maui. It is known for being one of the best places to dive around the area. This little islet is a volcano. But don’t worry, the last time it erupted was around 700,000 years ago. The fact that it’s crescent-shaped means that the waters inside are protected from strong currents, so that plant and animal life have thrived there for thousands of years.
During World War II, the crater was used by the military for bombing practice, and in 1975 and 1984, the US navy killed large areas of the coral reef when they detonated unexploded ordinance.
The good news is that in 1977, the United States government finally got around to making the islet a Marine Life Conservation District and Bird Sanctuary. Since such time, the reef has grown back, and the wildlife has replenished their population.
Molokini Crater Hawaii
How do I see the wildlife in Molokini?
The best way to see the diverse underwater wildlife that Molokini and Maui have to offer is to snorkel Maui and Molokini. Thankfully there are a plethora of snorkeling opportunities, tours, and packages that you can take advantage of, whether you go as an individual or as a family unit. Have a look at the following tours to see if one of them is right for you:
Makena Turtle Town Eco Kayak Adventure
This is a great tour that combines kayaking and snorkeling. It’s ideal for those who love outdoor water sports. The tour includes two different snorkeling sites and provides you with all of the gear that you will need, including life jackets, snacks, and drinking water.
If you go on this tour, the main focus is the green sea turtle. Green sea turtles are an endangered species, so look all you want, but don’t touch! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to snorkel next to a green sea turtle.
You’ll also get to see tons of colorful coral and tropical fish!
Molokini Wild Side Snorkel Eco-Adventure
This snorkeling tour begins with a ride on a catamaran. There will be no more than 38 people on your ship, so you’ll have plenty of space and attention from the instructors. The instructors aboard are Certified Marine Naturalists who will be able to tell you all about the wildlife that you will see and experience.
Molokini Snorkeling Tours
This is definitely one of the most popular tours offered on Molokini. You’ll get to spend five hours snorkeling around the area. During this time you’ll see a rainbow prism of coral reef, tropical fish you’ve only ever imagined. You may even get to snorkel alongside spinner dolphins and in extremely rare cases, see a green sea turtle!
Only a few people at a time are allowed on this tour, so you’ll feel like you’re in a more intimate environment.
Keep in mind
During your trip to Molokini, make sure to make the most out of seeing all of the different wildlife, but also keep the following things in mind:
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It is prohibited to remove any marine life, including sand and coral.
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Don’t swim too far away from your boat, and make sure everyone is always accounted for
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Make sure to stay warm by renting a wetsuit
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Book your snorkeling trip for a morning when the weather is fair
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Don’t flail around in the water—you’ll scare away the fish!
Hawaii is one of the best places you can go if you love wildlife and outdoor adventures. A trip to Molokini crater is especially cool because you’ll get to see creatures that can only exist between the protected walls of the crescent-shaped crater. Just make sure to keep some simple tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to have a great time! When you’re done visiting Molokini, you can hop over to Oahu for a relaxing time at the beach.
