No matter what you’ve heard about Molokini, the actual snorkeling experience tops it all. We book all of the best snorkeling in Maui and none surpasses Molokini. The reasons start with the fact that Molokini is owned by the federal government and is a protected Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary. Within the shelter and protection of Molokini’s unique shape, you’ll see species of fish that you normally would not see by just snorkeling Maui’s coastline. The only way to access the crater is by boat. Home to approximately 250 species of fish and a variety of marine life, on most days in the crystal clear water, with more than 150 feet visibility, while snorkeling or snuba diving among unique lava formations you’ll encounter a large array of tropical fish including the Hawaii state fish humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (humu for short), trigger fish, tangs, parrotfish, butterfly fish, trumpet fish, needle fish, wrasse, Puffer fish, angel fish, clown fish, Moorish idols and also eels, octopus, and manta rays and sometimes even whale sharks.
Formed by a volcanic eruption that occurred almost 250,000 years ago, Molokini is one of the world’s three remaining volcanic calderas partially filled with water.. Molokini has steep cliff lines on the back-side or “back-wall” as it is called which is considered one of the 10 best dive spots in the world.