Molokini Crater snorkeling: 8 tours compared

Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater about three miles off South Maui. Half of its rim is above water; the other half has sunk, leaving a sheltered bowl with some of the clearest water in Hawaii. It is a Marine Life Conservation District and a seabird sanctuary, so you cannot land on it, and the only way to snorkel it is by boat.

There are more than thirty Molokini tours. They mostly differ in where they leave from, how big the boat is, how long you spend in the water, and whether they visit the Back Wall.

The tours compared

Prices are the lowest listed price when we last checked, per adult. Check the operator page for current times and inclusions.

Kihei vs Maalaea: why the harbor matters

Kihei is closer to Molokini, so you are in the water quickly and back by lunch. Boats are smaller, which means less shade and fewer facilities but also smaller groups.

Maalaea is the home of the large catamarans: shaded decks, restrooms, breakfast and lunch, slides and bars. The trade-off is roughly an hour of cruising each way, which is time on the boat rather than in the water.

Inside the crater

Boats moor on fixed buoys inside the crescent to protect the reef. Expect 45 to 60 minutes in the water. Depth inside ranges from shallow ledges near the rim to sand at 80 feet or more, but with visibility often over 100 feet, even the deep parts look close.

The Back Wall is the outside of the rim, where the reef drops into very deep water. A few small boats drift along it on calm mornings. It is spectacular but exposed to current, so it is only for confident swimmers.

The second stop: Turtle Town

Almost every Molokini tour adds a second stop along the Makena coast, where green sea turtles rest on lava ledges. Remember to stay at least 10 feet away from turtles and never touch them.

When to go

• Morning tours leave between 6 and 8 am and have the calmest water. If the crater is too rough, captains switch to a backup site.
• Afternoon tours are cheaper but often skip Molokini when the trade winds pick up.
• Whale season runs roughly December to April. You will often see humpbacks on the way out.

To check conditions before booking, see how to read the Maui snorkel report.

What to bring

• Reef-safe, mineral sunscreen only. Maui County restricts non-mineral sunscreens. See best reef-safe sunscreen.
• Your own mask if you have one that fits. Operators provide gear, but fit is everything.
• A rash guard or thin wetsuit top for longer trips.
• Seasickness tablets for Maalaea departures if you are prone to it.

Full face masks: many Molokini operators do not allow them on board. If you own one, read are full face snorkel masks safe and check your operator's rules.

For shore spots to fill the rest of your week, see best snorkeling in Maui.