Molokini is a fantastic tourist destination for sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Molokini sail and snorkel adventure is a fun tour which provides you with a great opportunity to discover underwater marine life in crystal clear water with astonishing visibility. It is a unique adventure for the whole family with a chance to discover the beautiful species that live underwater. 300 feet of Molokini is submerged under water and 160 feet is above sea level. Tourists come from all over the world to see and experience the underwater species and crystal clear visibility of these waters.
Overview of The Trip
Seeing 250 fish species in Molokini reef and swimming with schools of different fish is just the beginning of the snorkeling adventure. The clear water allows you to experience a whole new world in the water. Enjoy breathtaking views of Haleakala as you tan on the deck and explore nature on a whole new level. Sail along the Maui coastline as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy breakfast and lunch on the deck.
If you are an experienced diver you can decide to take a dive off the sheer wall which is 300-foot drop. It has a crescent shape which protects you from powerful waves and currents. The crate has a lush reef and visibility is clear up to 150 feet deep and the glass bottom viewing room allows you to see marine life beneath your feet.
You will also get a chance to see seabirds on Molokini slopes. These include the Bulwer’s Petrels, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Brown Boobies and Frigatebirds. The frigate bird is very large and has a wingspan that reaches approximately 7 feet across.
The whale shark is a rare but exceedingly sight to see on Molokini. But do not be alarmed. It is vegetarian and feeds on plankton.
About Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater is a volcanic crater which is partly under water and forms a small islet between Kaho’olawe and Maui islands in Hawaii. The islet is not inhabited by humans and is a Hawaii state seabird sanctuary.
It is one among seven volcanoes which led to the formation of Maui Nui Island. It is federally owned by the federal government and all landings must e permitted by the Hawaii division of forestry and wildlife and the U.S. Coast Guard. Activities not allowed on the crater include fishing, fish feeding and the removal or collection of specimens.
What to Expect
Departure
The boat departs from Maalaea Harbor at 7.30 a.m.
Check-in time for departure is at 7.00 a.m.
The boat returns to the original departure point after the tour ends. Maalaea Harbor is easy to access as it is located between Lahaina/Ka’anapali resort area and Kahuku airport.
Onboard The Catamaran
Once on board the 55-foot glass bottom catamaran, you will be served breakfast with fruit, juice and Kona coffee. You will then get to enjoy beautiful sights along the cruise such as the Haleakala volcano. Bring a map with you and try to identify the other four islands on the horizon as you sail to the Molokini Crater. A naturalist onboard will deliver a commentary and be your guide on the tour.
Getting There
On arrival at the crater, put on your snorkeling or scuba diving gear and truly begin your adventure. The waters are clear and you get to see hundreds and hundreds of fish and other marine life. It is no wonder that it is known as one of Hawaii’s healthiest coral reefs. It is a fascinating experience for both beginners and experts. If you don’t want to get into the water, you can view the marine life through the glass-bottomed boat.
After The Snorkeling Tour
Enjoy freshly prepared lunch on the boat after snorkeling. The smell of hot dogs, pulled pork and barbecued chicken will be welcome after your adventure. A garden burger is available for vegetarians. Accompaniments include chips and dessert. Wine
and beer is served on an open bar as you cruise back home.
What Is The Duration Of The Tour?
The snorkeling tour lasts for approximately 5 hours
from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30. p.m. The cruise to Molokini crater takes about an
hour.
When Is The Best Time To Do The Tour?
The best times for going on the tour are early in the
morning because the weather is more pleasant and the sea is calmer.
What Facilities Are There On Board?
- Bathroom facilities
- Open Bar
- Wet Suits
- Snorkeling gear
- Video cameras
What’s Included In?
- The tour includes two meals. Breakfast is served after departure from Maalaea harbor and hot lunch is served after snorkeling.
- There is an open bar with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
- The tour also includes snorkeling equipment to be retained by the owner.
What’s Excluded?
- You will have to provide for your own transport to and from Maalaea harbor.
- You can purchase additional items onboard such as, wetsuit rentals, SNUBA guided experience and video from an underwater camera which is downloaded onto a CD.
Are There Extra Costs?
Yes, there are and it is important that you know about them so you are not surprised when you get on the tour!
- Snuba experience with guided that you can buy on board ($59)
- To rent a wetsuit ($5)
- To make a film underwater that will be download onto a CD ($40)
- To get a video ( 30$)
What to Bring
Remember to carry:
- your hat
- sunscreen
- sandals
- change of clothes.
- Towel
Who Is The Tour For?
The tour is open for everyone including kids. You can
book a solo tour, a group tour or a family tour. Non-swimmer can slip on a floating jacket to enjoy their snorkeling adventure. If you are not interested in snorkeling, you can enjoy the beautiful underwater word either from the deck or from the glass bottom viewing room!
Why Should You Go On This Tour?
The tour is an excellent way to experience marine life.
Where else do you get a chance to see so many species of fish, reefs, and
whales? It is also ideal for the whole family and groups so you don’t have to
feel like you are leaving anyone out.
Pros
- A tour guide provides a commentary on sightings of different species.
- Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour
- A 7-day cancellation policy allows you to get a refund if you change your mind
- Reliable and experienced operators to ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.
Cons
- The weather might change unpredictably and rob you of the chance to go snorkeling.
In Conclusion
See marine life underwater and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise to Molokini. Your adventure at Molokini will leave you wanting to come back over and over. The beauty of the scenery, both above and underwater surpasses all. Don’t waste any time and book a tour today so you can experience this ultimate adventure!
What about you? Have you been on the Molokini sail and snorkel tour? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
This tour sounds fantastic and the location looks stunning. It must be so amazing to dive down the 300 ft submerged part of Molokini. What an adventure and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry! We have whale sharks in the Andaman Sea near Koh Lanta. They are truly beautiful animals and everyone gets so excited when they spot one, especially as it’s not an every-day occurrence. Maui looks like a really stunning part of the world, a true paradise 🙂
Hi there,
Yeh, Molokini is beautiful, and the tour is indeed an experience not to miss!
300ft is very deep. You can barely see anything down there.It’s completely dark! On this trip, you will be able to snorkel on the surface, explore marine life from the glass bottom viewing room or do snuba, which is limited to about 20ft of depth. OH, Koh Lanta is a real paradise, I can imagine how people get excited when they see these beautiful creatures:) Maui is has a different type of beauty but is as fantastic as Koh Lanta!Â
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
Hi Daniella,
Sounds like a great trip! I will put this tour on my bucket list for the next year:) What do you usually see on a typical trip, and what is the best time to go? I’ve never snorkeled before, would I be able to do it or do you need experience? Also is there a minimum amount of people needed for the trip or can you do it by yourself?
Thank you!
Hi there,
Yes, Molokini is a beautiful place, and the marine life is spectacular!
If you want to see big whales, then the winter will be an ideal time to do the tour, otherwise, you can enjoy the trip throughout the year. You don’t need any experience in snorkeling, If you don’t feel comfortable, a life jacket will help you float on the water so you can enjoy snorkeling. You can do the tour on your own. Be aware that there will be other passengers on the boat.
I hope it helped. Let me know if you need to know more info:) I am always happy to help!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a fantastic day!
Looks so beautiful and fun! I love that it is 5 hours long, giving plenty of time to soak up the sun, snorkel and enjoy the open bar 😀 The only thing I don’t like is huge crowds on the boat and then especially in the water. Do you know how many typically board the boat for the snorkeling tour? I had a bad experience once with having so many in the water at the same time, but it was on a cruise ship tour. I loved the video 🙂
Hi Matt,
Yes, Molokini is indeed gorgeous! Cruises are usually packed with people, and it can become annoying to snorkel among so many people. This boat welcome 15 to 20 people and it takes place on a 55-foot catamaran, which is extremely large, thus offering plenty of space. You surely don’t have to worry about this:)
Yeh, I like the video, too!
Let me know if you need to know more info. I’ll be more than happy to help!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!