Molokini Crater Tours and Tickets

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.

No, you cannot climb Molokini Crater. Molokini Crater is a protected marine sanctuary, and therefore visitors are not permitted to 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.

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. Companies that have received permits to provide snorkeling tours are trusted to watch over their guests and have a lifeguard in the water. Besides, the high crater protects snorkelers from swells in most directions.

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 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.

Molokini Crater is located just 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.