Tours and Tickets to Experience Molokini Crater
39 results
What are people saying about Molokini Crater
Sylvia_C, Oct 2025
WOW! This was so great!...
WOW! This was so great! Molokini crater was amazing! The crew were super helpful. Highlight of our trip!
Steven_R, Oct 2025
Unforgettable snorkeling
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Equipment was new and clean. Took us to some unbelievable and unforgettable snorkeling with eels, sharks, turtles and amazing fish and coral
Chaerim_L, Oct 2025
Super friendly! My bf is...
Super friendly! My bf is non swimmer and they were so kind on telling us the sequence of getting used to the water. Although there was no turtles in turtle town (2nd spot) unfortunately due to mother nature, but the crater(1st spot) was super clean water and able to see all kinds of fish. Def worth it!
Marcail_W, Oct 2025
Super fun + superb service
We had a blast on this snorkel excursion. The crew was incredibly attentive, kind, and organized. The boat was clean and the snorkel equipment was well maintained. We also enjoyed the delicious breakfast plates and lunch options (burger, cheese burger, hot dog, chicken or veggie burger). We’ll for sure book again the next time we come back to Maui.
Claudia_C, Sep 2025
McKenna Coast charters...
McKenna Coast charters was fantastic. Captain Matt and Alex were great. They went over safety in each of the two spots Molakini and turtle Cove. Would highly recommend them all.
Jessica_H, Nov 2025
Book Now!
From start to finish, this was a great experience! The scones and lunch were delicious! The snorkel gear fit great and the boat was comfortable, spacious and fast! The crew, Captain Brad and Esteban, were friendly, fun, upbeat and super knowledgeable! Couldn’t recommend this more!
Jorge_A, Oct 2025
Loved going out with Ryan...
Loved going out with Ryan and Esteban! Super chill guys. Had chips, turkey sandwiches, soft drinks. Had a small group and got to snorkel the BACKSIDE of the crater which was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Never experienced anything like it. Saw lots of fish and even green sea turtles! Would go out with them again for sure.
Mark_V, Oct 2025
Best snorkel experience
The only snorkel boat to book. Went on the 5 hour tour and couldn’t be happier. The stops were amazing with the tropical fish and turtles. The crew were informative and funny.
Christina_M, Oct 2025
Book it for the crew and locations!
Chase and his crew were amazing. Made sure we knew the history of the places we visited, the ride along the way was fun, and all our equipment was operational. The music was great along the way as well. Lunch was good, sandwiches, homemade cookies, hawaiian chips, and sodas. Overall because of the places we visited, I would recommend this tour. We went to places you cant get to by just walking along the beach, a reef in the middle of the ocean was pretty amazing. We will be booking again!
Maria_Z, Sep 2025
Best snorkeling ever
It was excellent. It Was easy to get on and off the boat, and the staff was there to us us for everything that we need it. The equipment was top of the line. Clean bathrooms, AC , excellent food.
Blaine_M, Aug 2025
Must do tour!!!
Tour is ran by professionals. They do a great job educating everyone on safety and respect for the wildlife before we hit the water. Everyone on the tour had a smile from ear to ear after each stop. We saw plenty of beautiful reefs, fish and turtles. It’s a must do tour in Hawaii for sure!
Molly_R, Nov 2025
You don't want to miss this!
This was such an amazing experience! Snorkeling at the crater was great. We saw so many types of fish we've never seen anywhere else. Snorkeling at Turtle Town was also incredible. There are so many turtles, you're guaranteed to see several, and they swim so close! Our guide Lucia and the captain were so knowledgeable and attentive! And the a sandwich lunch was remarkably tasty. Highly recommend!
Molokini Crater
5.0
(15,191)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

Beat the crowds with an early-morning Molokini tour.
Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit. Most tour operators provide snorkeling gear and flotation devices.
Snuba diving (a kind of snorkeling-scuba diving hybrid) is available as an upgrade on many Molokini snorkeling tours.
Private charters are available for personalized experiences.
People Also Ask
Are there sharks in Molokini Crater?
Yes, simply because Molokini Crater is in the ocean and sharks are present in the ocean. However, you are very unlikely to see one. That’s because the most common species at Molokini Crater is the white tip reef shark which hunts at night and spends most of its day in caves.
Can you climb Molokini Crater?
No, you cannot climb Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater is a protected marine sanctuary. Therefore visitors may not set foot on it without express permission from both the United States Coast Guard and the state of Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Expect to receive a very hefty fine if you do.
Is it safe to snorkel at Molokini Crater?
Yes, it is safe to snorkel at Molokini Crater. If you want to snorkel in Molokini Crater, you must visit with a licensed tour company. These companies have permits to provide snorkeling tours have a lifeguard in the water. Besides, the high crater protects snorkelers from swells in most directions.
How do you get to Molokini Crater?
As it is a protected marine sanctuary, you can only visit Molokini Crater as part of a tour. Snorkeling and diving tours depart from nearby Maalaea Harbor, Kihei Boat ramp, Maluaka Beach, and Lahaina Harbor on Maui. Don't even think about trying to swim or kayak: the currents will likely take you far away.
How long is the boat ride to Molokini Crater?
How long it takes to get to Molokini Crater depends on which Maui harbor you depart from. From Maalaea Harbor, it’ll take around an hour. From Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach, it’ll take less than 30 minutes. From Lahaina, it’s a journey of more than an hour, so it’s a good idea to drive to a closer harbor.
How far is Molokini Crater from Maui?
Molokini Crater is three miles off Maui’s southwestern coast, from where most boat tours depart. From Lahaina, it’s around nine miles away. While that may sound like an easy distance to cover, dangerously strong currents mean that you should not attempt to swim or paddle there.
Is it worth going to Molokini Crater?
Yes, it is worth going to Molokini Crater. The partially submerged crater is a spectacular sight and offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. It's possible to see more than 250 species of fish, including manta rays, plus birds, mammals, and dozens of coral types.
What is the best time of year to snorkel Molokini Crater?
You can snorkel in Molokini Crater year-round, but it is best during the drier months from May through September when the water is typically clearer. Whenever you visit, it is best to get there early in the morning when the water is at its calmest and clearest.
What do you wear to snorkel Molokini Crater?
Wear your typical swimsuit to snorkel in Molokini Crater: There is no need for a wetsuit or any special attire. You should also bring a towel, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a change of clothes if you want to change after you snorkel.
Do I need reservations for Molokini Crater?
Yes, you must make a reservation because you will need to book a tour of Molokini Crater. The crater is accessible only by water, so unless you have your own boat, you'll need to go on a tour. Attempting to swim or paddle there is extremely dangerous.
How deep is Molokini when snorkeling?
Depending on your location, the crater ranges from 10–200 feet (3–61 meters). Most snorkeling at Molokini Crater is done within the protected crescent, which starts from the apex at around 10 feet (3 meters) deep and slopes down to approximately 25 feet (8 meters).
How long is the boat ride to Molokini Crater?
The length of the boat ride depends on where you depart from. It'll take around one hour from Maalaea Harbor to reach Molokini Crater. Departing from Kihei Boat ramp or Maluaka Beach will take less than 30 minutes.
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