Molokini Island Information, Video & More

Molokini Crater

If you’re looking for some of the best Maui snorkeling and the perfect place to spot marine life as well as other wildlife- look no further than the world-famous island of Molokini.

Molokini Crater — Quick Facts

Access: Boat-only — no public shore access. Snorkel tours depart from Maalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. Trips typically run 7 a.m.–noon.
Cost: Tours run $80–$160+/person depending on the boat and inclusions (gear, food, captain’s narration). Book early — popular tours sell out.
Best for: Snorkeling and scuba diving. The crater’s 300-foot walls create gin-clear water with visibility up to 150 feet on good days.
Marine life: 250+ species of tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and frequent manta ray sightings
Go early: Morning tours have calmer water and better visibility before afternoon wind picks up and tour boats crowd the crater
Location: About 2.5 miles off the southern coast of Maui, between Makena and Kahoolawe

Molokini is a small crescent-shaped island located just a few miles off the southern coast of Maui. It is one of only three volcanic calderas (depressions left in the ground after an eruption) on earth and was formed about 150,000 years ago. Not only is it a geologic marvel, but an ecologic one, as well.

As a Hawaii State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, Molokini is home to an astounding array of life. In addition to seabirds, you’ll find over 200 species of colorful tropical fish- some of which can only be found here- as well as the famous Hawaiian green sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a plankton-eating whale shark! And the coral reef here thrives thanks to abundant sunlight and optimal ocean currents.

Naturally, one of the world’s best snorkel spots necessitates an excellent snorkeling tour, and Redline Rafting is exactly that.

Redline's boats, the Redline I and Redline II have the ability to reach destinations others only wish. Snorkel the 200ft deep back wall of Molokini and spend your time looking at marine life instead of searching for it. Attach that with their 5-star customer service, and you have a recipe for an amazing day on the water.

Redline Rafting sets the standard for Molokini snorkeling and is our pick for the best Molokini Boat Tour.

Kayak Molokini

Are you up for a hardcore challenge? Looking for the most eco-friendly Molokini Snorkeling Tour out there? Then we suggest grabbing a paddle and your sense of adventure and hitting the water with two of our favorite Maui water adventure companies: Hawaiian Paddle Sports and Maui Kayak Adventures.

And while the majority of people who visit Molokini do so via boat, a small number of them are strong enough and adventurous enough to do so via ‘paddle power’ rather than horsepower. We caution you that this is only for experienced paddlers in excellent condition, and advise you that it’ll also be the adventure of a lifetime!

Both companies offer a superior Molokini Kayak Adventure and visitors consistently give them high marks for their extensive knowledge of Maui and its marine environment, and their commitment to the safety of their guests as well as the marine life that so graciously shares their home with us.

While the focus of this adventure is the paddle itself, you will be able to snorkel and explore before heading back- a long way back!