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Molokini Crater

Last updated 03. Jul, 2009 by Mark in Adventures & Sights | South, Most Popular, Snorkeling, South Maui Sites

Molokini during rush hour
(Photo: Ron Garnett/HTA)

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In a nutshell: Molokini is a world-class snorkel and SCUBA destination with exceptional water clarity and marine diversity.
Minuses: It is usually very crowded.
Sound-bite: “Hey, I wonder what is on the other side?”

DETAILS:
Molokini Crater is a highly popular snorkel and SCUBA destination. Home to hundreds of species of fish and coral (some found nowhere else but Hawai’i), and near perfect visibility, Molokini deserves the attention it attracts.

Now all that said, like any hyped place where multiple businesses are vying for your tourism dollars, exaggerated marketing materials abound. Also, this is a natural wild habitat, with the same kinds of variations in conditions as any natural habitat – some visitors may come away disapointed that “it did not live up to the hype”, while others won’t be able to stop raving about it.

The Molokini Islet lies in the Alalakeiki Channel between South Maui & Kaho’olawe. Formed by a volcanic activity about 200,000 years ago, Molokini formed in a lop-sided manner. Since this crater lacks a northern wall, the crescent-shaped southern side conveniently blocks the majority of the wave action, while the crater basin opens to the ocean. A large, protected reef with calm water is the perfect shelter for abundant marine life – and also for world-renowned snorkeling and diving.

Note: Alalakeiki Channel has strong currents. So even though it may look close, don’t try and kayak here without appropriate knowledge and skill.

One time when I took a boat out here, and against repeated warnings of the crew, one of the passengers decided to go for a long swim around the points of the crater. Well, that wasn’t smart. The boat wound up having to go pick him up, because he couldn’t escape the current. He’s lucky all that happened to him was a bunch of stink-eye from the crew. The currents are notoriously strong in this part of the channel, and outside the protective shield of Molokini, an inexperienced swimmer has little chance of going anywhere the current doesn’t want him to go.

The waters around Molokini are designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, protecting 260 fish species and 38 coral species. The land itself is also a State bird sanctuary – and due to the sensitive (and small) habitat, visitors are not permitted on land. (Nevermind the potential of crossing paths with some unexploded ordinance…oh, did the glossy snorkel-boat brochure forget to mention that?)

Starting in WWII, and continuing for a time after, not unlike Kaho’olawe, her closest neighbor to the West, the military used Molokini as a bombing target. Impact craters, shell fragments, and spent casings have been found on the island and in the surrounding waters. While floating on top of the water is not much of a risk, hundreds (or thousands) stomping around on a few acres of land every day would definitely prove detrimental to the habitat, (although it would definitely clear any remaining ordinance!)

A rare view: photo of botanist Kim Starr on Molokini. Kim and her husband Forest are well-known among Hawaii naturalists, botanists and geologists for their work photographing, cataloging & identifying threatened and invasive species. (Photo: Forest and Kim Starr)

Hawaiian Lore & Traditional Usage
Early Hawaiians visited Molokini to fish, hunt birds & eggs, and collect feathers. Divers still find stone sinkers and lures which were used in traditional Hawaiian fishing techniques. Hawaiian mythology holds that Molokini was formed when both the Goddess Pele and her rival, a mo’o (gecko) fell in love with the same prince. Pele cut her rival in two, turned her to stone, and threw her into the ocean. Molokini is said to be the lizard’s tail, and Pu’u Ola’i, her head.

One of the many reasons that makes Molokini so stupendously popular with so many different people is the wide range of snorkeling and diving abilities it can satisfy. From first-time snorkelers, to highly experienced divers – Molokini truly does have places for all of them. Intermediate and beginner divers can dive in many locations within the crater basin – all with varying levels of skill required. The back side of the crater is left to more advanced divers, and consists of ledges and walls descending over 200′. [Some good local info for Molokini divers]

Boats typically leave from Ma’alaia Harbor, or Kihei boat ramp. Rough seas and wind (more likely later in the day) cancel trips somewhat often. The fish are also more active earlier in the day. Most will find the boat ride enjoyable, and if you pay attention to the water, you have a good chance to see larger marine life on the way. During the height of whale season (December-April) you’re also practically guaranteed to spot whales if you’re looking (and maybe even if you’re not!) Boats from Lahaina are long rides, and can be rough on the return.

Once you arrive, the boat will need to anchor. Years ago, boats used to just drop an anchor here, but over time the heavy anchors began demolishing coral. As a sustainable alternative, mooring pins were installed in the crater basin so boats could anchor without destroying coral. If you pay attention when your boat arrives here, you will see one of the crew dive off with a rope. The crew member is diving to the pin.

Key Info:
Location: Alalakeiki Channel between South Maui & Kaho’olawe – you must take a boat to get here.
GPS Coordinates: 20.63182,-156.496639
Facilities: None