Know Before You Go: Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

Early morning is without a doubt the best time to snorkel at Molokini Crater. That’s when the water is usually at its calmest and the marine animals are most active. As for the best time of year, it depends on what type of Hawaii snorkeling excursion you’d prefer.

In the summer, the ocean will likely be as smooth as can be—ideal for swimmers who aren’t that comfortable with taking a dip in the open ocean yet. On the other hand, winter snorkeling comes with its perks too. That’s when the whales have migrated down to the islands, so your boat ride out to the crater can double as a whale-watching excursion.

Of all of the places to snorkel around Maui, Molokini Crater is arguably the most well-known—and its fame is well earned. Inside this distinct crescent, you’ll be able to spot all sorts of sealife, including tropical fish, coral, eels, sharks, and rays. While your viewing experience does heavily depend on the visibility on any given day, this crater is definitely a favorite for Maui’s marine animals. If the water is extra clear, you might be able to see as far as 100 feet (30 meters)—or more—away!

Don’t forget to pop your head out of the water, either—Molokini is an official bird conservation district, so you’ll likely see loads of seabirds perched on the island, including Bulwer’s petrels, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and great frigatebirds.

Molokini Crater is situated 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) off the coast of Maui. On top of that, the vessels that moor there must have special permits to do so. That said, the only real way to get to the islet is on one of the many Molokini boat tours.

That said, there are loads of tour options. Families will likely want to opt for the largest catamarans, as they often have fun added features such as a glass-bottom viewing area or even waterslides. For eco-friendly snorkeling on Maui, go for tours by the Pacific Whale Foundation, as many of their vessels use 100 percent biodiesel fuel. You can even dive down deeper than your average snorkeling tour on a scuba or SNUBA tour instead.

You will be snorkeling—and swimming—in relatively open ocean. This means that you must know how to swim in order to snorkel at Molokini Crater. That said, most Hawaii marine life tours welcome beginner-level swimmers. They may provide "floaty" aids such as noodles, life vests, and buoyancy belts as support. But even with these aids, you will need to know how to swim. The most important Molokini Crater safety tip: Do not overestimate your swimming capabilities.

However, there are many other ways to enjoy Maui’s best sights if swimming is not in your wheelhouse, from braving the famous Road to Hana to watching the sun rise over Haleakala Crater or chilling out on the Pipiwai Trail.

You’ll need fewer supplies than you think for a Molokini Crater snorkeling trip. Naturally, you will need the beach basics, such as swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, and sun protection. (An important Molokini reef tip: Opt for reef-safe sunscreen instead of chemical sunscreen in order to protect the reef for years to come.)

As for the snorkel gear, your tour will likely provide some for you—but be sure to check each tour’s information ahead of time. If you’d prefer, you can bring your own as well. Finally, a waterproof bag can be helpful for holding onto your valuables while you’re in the water, though most boats have a dry bin where you can leave your belongings if you feel comfortable doing so.

Since you have to take a boat to get to Molokini Crater, that in and of itself comes with some challenges. Many vessels have narrow aisles and stairs, which don’t make for accessible maneuverability. If you’d like to join in on the snorkeling part, most tours use ladders to get into the water. Even then, the ocean itself comes with currents and waves that can be tricky to navigate.

The good news is that it’s not impossible. A few Maui tour operators have boats that are accessible for most wheelchairs, including Calypso Maui. Check for wheelchair accessible snorkel tours on each tour description, and for the most accurate information, call the Molokini Crater snorkeling tour companies of your choice with any specific questions ahead of time.

• Will I get seasick on the boat ride to Molokini Crater? It’s very possible—the boat ride out to the crater can be quite rough. Bring along some anti-nausea medication if you’re worried.
• How cold is the water near Molokini Crater? The water typically stays around a comfortable 75°F (24°C) year-round.
• Is Molokini an island? Sort of. It’s technically a partially submerged volcanic crater.
• Can I step foot on Molokini Crater? No, it’s a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Birds including the wedge-tailed shearwater set up their nests on the crater, so humans are not allowed on land as to not disturb them.